Also known as file formats or file extensions, file types are a standard way of encoding information. A file type specifies how the information is stored in a digital medium and certain file types require corresponding programs to open them. That's why you need to change file type sometimes. So how do I change file type? This article will teach you how to change file type on Windows, iPhone, Android, Chromebook, and File Explorer. Don't miss out.

Part 1: How to Change File Type in Windows 10?

A file extension is the way Windows processes the file. For instance, DOCX files should be opened by Microsoft World and Windows Media Player can open MP3 or MP4. If the file has the wrong file extension, Windows won't be able to open it correctly. For each file type, there is a specific program designed to open and manage it.

So can you change file type on Windows? The answer is positive. But it also depends on the file itself. Changing the file extension is one of the useful methods. For instance, you can change the JPG extension to PNG because they are similar. But you can never change the extension of MP3 to make it WMA or Word. Because it simply won't work.

So how to change file type on Windows for media file types, for instance, from WMA to MP3? Here Leawo Video Converter is your go-to choice. Supporting 180+ video and audio formats, including MP4, MP3, AVI, MOV, MKV, MTS, FLV, etc., Leawo Video Converter is the best video converter for Windows and Mac, which can help you convert media files without quality loss.

  • Leawo Video Converter
  • Leawo Video Converter

    1. Convert video and audio files between 180+ formats without quality loss
    2. Support 720P, 1080P and even real 4K video output
    3. Create photo slideshows from photos stored on camera, computer, camcorder, etc
    4. Built-in video editor to trim, crop, add watermark, apply special effect, etc
    5. 2D to 3D converter with 6 different 3D movie effects available

With Leawo Video Converter, you can change file type of multiple files, saving you time and effort. The converter can change file type with 6X faster speed than average converters. Equipped with a full-featured video editor, Leawo Video Converter allows you to lower/increase video resolution, trim video length, crop video size, apply special effects, add watermarks to videos, add 3D effects, and more.

Now let's see how to convert WMA files to MP3 format with Leawo Video Converter.

Step 1. Locate Leawo Video Converter

Leawo Video Converter is a module of Leawo Prof. Media. Click on the "Video Converter" on the main screen, or open the "Convert" module to enter the video converter module.

Step 2. Add WMA Files

You can click "Add Video" to add your WMA files. Or you can simply just drag and drop the video to the panel directly.

Step 3. Set Output Parameters

Click the "Output profile: WMA Audio" to reveal the drop-down box. Click "Edit" to enter the editing panel.

Here you can adjust parameters for audio and video, such as video bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, and more.

Step 4. Change File Type

Click on the "Change" tab in the drop-down box menu on the main interface. Select the "Format" tab to set the output format.

Step 5. Set Output Directory

Click on the Green "Convert" button and a sidebar will appear. You should save the output directory here. Click on the "Convert" button to change file type.

That's it. With Leawo Video Converter, you can change file type for media easily. So what if you don't have the proper software? Can you change file type straightway? Yes, you may change file type with online services on Windows. Simply search for "WORD to PDF" or "MP4 to GIF" and you can find specialized online converters to change file type.

But please mind that the method applies to some file types only. And the output quality of online conversions for media files can not be guaranteed, which might lower the overall quality. Another important notice is that you might avoid converting private files online because there could be privacy leaks lying ahead. Lastly, most online conversions don't support batch processing, which means you have to change file types one by one.

Part 2: How to Change File Type on iPhone?

So is it possible to change file type on iPhone? The answer is positive. Traditionally, iOS devices have no native option to change the file extension and the workaround is usually transferring the file to desktop computers. But if you have the latest iOS 16 updates, things will be much easier because you can change file type with the Files app itself. Here's how.

Step 1: Open the Files app and locate the file you want to change file type.

Step 2: Long press the file and you will see a drop-down menu. Tap on Rename to proceed.

Step 3: Replace the current file extension with a new one. Tap on the "Done" button and confirm the change later.

It's just as simple as that, all it takes is just a few clicks. So what if you can't see the file extension as iOS does not display the most common file types such as PEG, PNG, AVI, MP4, and DOC? No problem. Just follow the steps below to change file type easily.

Step 1: On the Files app, select the file you want to change file type. Tap on the three-dot icon in the top right.

Step 2: Tap on View Options in the drop-down menu. Select Show All Extensions to see all file extensions.

Step 3: Long press the file and tap on Rename. Now you will be able to edit the file extension.

However, please note that the steps are workarounds for common file types only. If you want to change file type on iPhone without limit, a third-party app is the best choice, which can be found on the App Store.

Part 3: How to Change File Type on Android?

So what about Android? Similarly, you can change file type on Android by renaming file extensions directly. No app is needed and the process is very straightforward. Here's how.

Step 1: Go to File Manager or locate the file you want to change file type.

Step 2: Select the file and tap on the 3 dots icon. Select Rename or Show details, depending on the device type.

Step 3: Now you can just change the file extension to your preferred one directly.

Part 4: How to Change File Type on Chromebook?

Just switched to Chromebook for a better experience? No worries, you can also change file type on Chromebook easily by renaming extensions. If you've learned how to change file type on Windows, then renaming the files on Chromebook will be super easy. Here's how to change file type on Chromebook.

Step 1: One the file you want to change file type on Chromebook.

Step 2: Right-click on the file and select Rename from the options.

Step 3: Type in the new file name with a new file extension, for instance, from. JPG to. PNG.

Alternatively, you can click on a file and press Ctrl + Enter to change file type. However, the method applies to some file formats only, sometimes you might break the file by altering file extensions. But you can always use a third-party program to change file type on Chromebook perfectly.

Part 5: How to Change File Type in File Explorer?

The first part has introduced how to change file type for media on Windows. So what about other file formats like documents? Apart from online conversions, there are workarounds natively. You can change file type and rename file extensions in File Explorer. Before everything else, you need to turn on the settings to see file extensions. Here's how.

Step 1: Open Windows File Explorer. Select View > Options > Change folder and search options from the ribbon menu.

Step 2: A window will open. Under the View tab, disable the "Hide extensions for known file types checkbox" option.

Step 3: Click OK to save the settings.

Now you should see all file extensions. And here's how to change file type in File Explorer easily.

Step 1: Locate the file you want to change file type.

Step 2: Right-click on it and select the Rename option. Replace the old file extension with the new one.

Step 3: A message box will pop up. Click OK to confirm.

However, please mind that File Explorer does not change the file's data, which means sometimes this workaround doesn't work. If you want to change file type properly, then the "Save As" feature on Windows programs like WORD, EXCEL, and PowerPoint is a handy one. For instance, you can save DOCX to a PDF in WORD or change PDF to Image format and such. Simply head to File > Save or Save As and that's it.

The Bottom Line

How to change file type? This blog has introduced the most specific guide to help you change file type on Windows, iPhone, Android, Chromebook, and File Explorer. However, if you hope to change file type for media professionally, Leawo Video Converter remains the best choice because it never goes wrong and you can have the best output quality possible!