Batch Processing and Image Conversion Software

PC Support Guide Tim Fisher shares his favorite free image converters.

I am often asked how to to convert some very obscure or proprietary graphics files into more widely used formats like JPEG, TIFF, or BMP. Here are my best suggestions for this situation as well as a reminder to future-proof your files so this doesn't happen to you.

Featured Download - Perform many image functions in batch mode such as resize, convert, watermark, drop shadow, and much more. Several individual functions can be combined for complex effects. Shareware: $24.95 US.

Packed with features to locate, view, edit, print, and organize all your digital media. Supports a huge list of file formats and offers a wealth of batch processing features. $74.95 US.

"Able Graphic Manager is a program that enables you to easily view, acquire, image process, print and convert graphic files in normal (file by file), batch (many files at a time) and command line modes." Shareware - US$30 (personal), $50 (business).

"Image processing software used for image processing, viewing and converting."

An "interface-driven" batch image processing and conversion tool. Supports over 70 image formats, and offers over 130 configurable command-line choices.

Offers several Windows batch processing tools developed for Webmasters and digital photographers.

"Batch resize, rename, compressing images and wrap multiple processed images into a self-extracted file."

"BatchPhoto is a powerful photo manipulation program that makes it easy to touch-up, annotate, transform, apply effects, and rename hundreds of photos in a single operation. Instead of enhancing and adjusting pictures individually, BatchPhoto lets you select a group of pictures, define a series of edits, and apply them in a single operation."

"A fully customizable image batch processor. It can automatically execute user-defined set of operations for many images at once. Using this tool you can resample, rotate and flip your images, change their brightness and contrast, apply convolution filters (blur, sharpen), trim edges, place your logotype on every image, etc." US$20

"Batch-convert images and make digital photo albums... use slider controls to rotate images and adjust their contrast, brightness, color, sharpness and quality, and check out results with a convenient built-in viewer."

EasyBatchPhoto can convert images from one format to another, compress images, and resize images. $9 US for non-commercial home use.

"The auction photo editor for eBay sellers... Fast Photos is the only photo editor specifically designed to speed you through auction photo editing quickly and easily." It has features to help you enhance, optimize and upload auction photos.

"FastStone Photo Resizer is a FREE image converter/resizer intended to enable users to convert, rename, resize, crop, rotate, change color depth, add text and watermarks to images in a quick and easy batch mode."

Searches and finds similar images and duplicates in large collections. The comparison is based on the contents of images, not depending on their sizes, formats, resolutions, etc.

"iMagine is a unique 2D graphics engine implemented as an application and functioning as a graphics server and image processor for AppleScript. It is a powerful tool for processing images and can be used to automate the mundane management and sorting of image files." $50 US.

Universal utility for multi-page graphics conversions. Process entire directories or individual files. Can be used from a command line or graphical interface. Functions include reformatting, change compression, resolution, shift, crop, transformation, pixel reduction, text annotation, watermarks, combine or split multi-page, rotate, mirroring, invert, and more.

PhotoCleaner is a one-click tool for automatic digital photo enhancement with batch processing. It fixes contrast, color shift, unwanted softness. It can resize images using high-quality algorithms, rotate photos, and add a nice-looking framing and title/copyright text. Shareware - $12.95 US.

"View, organize, enhance and publish your digital photographs and images."

Quick ePics is a "What You See Is What You Get" batch image editor and JPEG optimizer. Shareware - US$19.95.

Simple batch processing for digital photos. Allows you to rotate, crop, date stamp, comment, rename, remove red-eye, adjust color and brightness, sharpen and more.

Batch convert, resize, and apply over 20 special effects such as sharpening, blurring, color-balancing, embossing and others. Profiles allow you to save and quickly reuse your most commonly performed actions.