XnConvert – batch conversion and image processing

XnConvert is a powerful free program for converting, compressing and editing images in batch mode on platforms of various operating systems. The program is designed for batch processing of a large number of photos or other images according to the specified parameters.

When working with photos, users often face the need to change some image parameters. If there are few photos, it is quite possible to get by with simple Windows tools.

But, with a large number of images on the computer, it becomes more difficult to cope with the task. In this case, to process photos, pictures, drawings, you will need to use a specialized application – an image converter that can work in batch mode.

Many Windows users are familiar with XnView , a popular bitmap viewer. The developer of this program has created another graphical application – the XnConvert converter, designed for converting and processing images.

Key Features of XnConvert

The XnConvert program, judging by the name, is designed to convert images, but this is not quite the right opinion. The application has a wide range of options for working with graphic files, and converting is just one of the many functions of the program.

Features of the XnConvert program:

• Support for over 500 formats, including: JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, WEBP, PSD, JPEG2000, camera RAW, HEIC, OpenEXR, PDF, DNG, CR2, etc.
• Converting source files to 70 formats.
• Perform over 80 image operations.
• Batch image processing.
• Resizing photos.
• Performing image adjustments: changing depth, adjusting levels, adjusting brightness and contrast, etc.
• Overlay text and watermarks.
• Using filters and effects: blur, stylize, oil painting, noise control, lens, etc.
• Ability to edit image metadata.

Users can download XnConvert for free from the official website, the program works in Russian. XnConvert is free for non-commercial use. XnConvert runs on Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. There is an Android app called XnConvert that can be installed on your phone from the Google Play Store.

To download the installation file to a computer with a Windows operating system, click on the button corresponding to the bitness of your PC OS. There are two options for downloading the application: an executable file for normal installation of the program on a computer or a Zip archive.

After the normal installation of XnConvert, the shortcut to launch the program will be in the Start menu. The ZIP archive contains a portable version of the program – XnConvert Portable, which does not need to be installed on a computer. The portable application is launched from the program folder.

How to use XnConvert

Immediately after running XnConvert on your computer, you need to add files to the program window to perform the necessary actions. The application works with single images or with many photos at once. In the second case, the selected options are applied to all added photos in batch mode.

In the “Inputs” tab, click on one of the “Add files …” or “Add folder …” buttons to select a photo for processing. Images can be dragged into the program window using the mouse.

The added image previews can be sorted by various parameters: name, size, modified date, etc.

In the “Actions” tab, you need to click on the “Add action” button to select the possible options grouped in the context menu items:

• Image – work with various file properties.
• Correction – change the image parameters.
• Filter – Apply effects to an image.
• Miscellaneous – various effects.

Each group includes a large number of options for processing files. In turn, almost every option has its own additional parameters.

The “Output” tab sets the general parameters for converting files. Processed files can be saved in a ZIP archive, sent via FTP or email, to Flickr or Picasa.

For output data options of the same type, you can save a script (template) that can be used to process photos. It is possible to export the script to NConvert for use on the command line. The script is saved as a batch file with a “.bat” extension.

From the “Settings” tab, you can add the “Convert to XnConvert” item to the Explorer context menu.

Batch convert JPG to PNG with XnConvert

Consider the case when the user needs to batch convert files from one graphic format to another format, without changing or correcting the image properties.

In the XnConvert program, you will need to perform several actions:

1. In the “Inputs” tab, add “JPG” (JPEG) files to the XnConvert program.
2. Open the “Output” tab.
3. Specify a folder to save processed images.
4. Choose an output format from the many options available, in our case, “PNG”.
5. Click on the “Convert” button.
6. The “Status” tab will display the dynamics of the process of processing photos in batch mode.

Files saved in the new format are available for further use on a computer.

Photo processing in XnConvert

Now let’s look at an example of image processing using the XnConvert program. I will add retro effects to the original image.

Go through the following steps:

1. In the “Input data” tab, add an image from the computer to the program.
2. Enter the “Action” tab.
3. Click on the “Add Action” button.
4. In the context menu, first select “Miscellaneous”, and then “Retro”.
5. Examples of retro effects will be displayed in the XnConvert program window. On the right, the Preview area displays the original image in the Before tab.
6. After selecting the appropriate effect, the program will start processing the photo.
7. In the preview window, in the “After” tab, you will see the result of image processing with the appropriate effect applied.
8. Click the “Convert” button to save the processed image to your PC.

Before performing the conversion, pay attention to choosing the correct output photo format in the “Output” tab so that the program saves the file in the format you need.

Article Conclusions

The free XnConvert program is designed to convert and process images in batch mode on computers running Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. Before the conversion process, you can apply effects and filters to images, perform cropping, or other necessary actions.