- Rebecca Tomasis
- May 7
- 4 min read
Learning how to convert an image might seem like a small step, but it’s an essential graphic design skill. Image conversion can optimize your digital designs, enhance website performance, and even save much-needed storage space. Whether you’re resizing for a website header, tweaking formats for social media, or learning how to edit photos, understanding image conversion will make your work more efficient and visually impactful.
This article will walk you through the process of image conversion, from understanding common image formats to using tools like Wixel and implementing advanced techniques. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to create images that work perfectly for your design projects.
What is image conversion and why does it matter?
Image conversion is the process of changing an image from one format to another. This might mean converting a JPEG into a PNG or even resizing an image to improve its load time. Beyond just changing formats, it’s about ensuring your visuals work seamlessly wherever they appear, whether on websites, marketing strategy assets, or print design.
Converting images has several critical benefits:
Improving web performance: Small file sizes mean faster website loading times, which can improve SEO and user experience.
Ensuring compatibility: Different platforms and devices often favor specific formats.
Saving storage: Compressed image formats can reduce file sizes, freeing up space without sacrificing quality.
Ready to elevate your editing expertise? Explore our guides:
Understanding common image formats
Converting images effectively starts with understanding various file formats. Each format has unique strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. Knowing when to use the right format is key to optimizing the conversion process. For instance, if you're making a website banner with transparency, PNG will work best, while compressed photographs for blog headers might be better suited to JPEG or WebP.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
Strengths: Small file sizes and widely supported across virtually all devices and platforms. Ideal for photographs and realistic imagery with many colors.
Weaknesses: Compression reduces quality, and it doesn’t support transparency.
Use case: Use JPEG for website images, blog visuals, and email graphics where speed and small file size matter more than perfect quality.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
Strengths: Supports transparency and retains excellent quality even with intricate details.
Weaknesses: Larger file sizes compared to JPEG, making it less suitable for web optimization.
Use case: Ideal for logos, illustrations, and graphics where transparency is needed.
WebP
Strengths: Offers both high-quality compression and supports transparency. Designed for the web.
Weaknesses: Not compatible with some older browsers.
Use case: Perfect for modern websites where performance and quality are priorities.
How to convert an image
The Wixel image converter tool makes converting images quick and simple, even if you’re new to image editing. Here’s an overview for how convert an image with Wixel:
Step 1: Upload your image
Head over to the Wixel online photo editor and upload an image. Choose the image you want to convert from your device.
Switch between formats without skipping a beat. Upload your image, select the file type you need and share your new format across your favorite platforms.
Step 2: Access the conversion tool
After uploading your image, click on the download button. This will open the download menu, where you can select the format you want to convert your image to.
Step 3: Select your desired format
Choose from a variety of formats, such as JPEG, PNG, or WebP. If you’re unsure which format to pick, see our guide on image file types for pros and cons of each file.
Step 4: Adjust settings (optional)
Customize your converted image by adjusting settings like image size and image quality. These options let you optimize the image for specific uses, such as web uploads or printing.
Step 5: Save your converted image
Once you’re happy with your selection, download the converted image to your device. Wixel ensures your image is ready to use, hassle-free.
Looking to customize further? Check out these conversion tools from Wixel:
How to convert an image FAQ
What’s the best format for printing images?
For high-quality printing, formats like PNG or TIFF are preferred. These formats retain maximum image details and avoid the compression artifacts you might see with JPEG.