1. Hallam digital skills /
  2. Creative and design /
  3. Converting media file types

Learn About Media File Types, Codecs & Conversion

Media File Types 

Media files come in many different formats, each designed for specific uses such as photos, audio tracks, videos, or animations. For example, JPEG is common for photos, MP3 for audio, and MP4 for video. Each format has strengths, including smaller file sizes, higher quality, or better compatibility with devices and software. 

Converting between file types can be useful if you need your media in a different format. For example, you might reduce file size to share online, prepare a video for editing in specific software, or choose a format that works best on a certain device. 

Video Codecs 

Inside every video file there is a codec, which is short for coder decoder. Codecs make large video files easier to manage by compressing them. This keeps video quality high while making file sizes smaller and easier to share, stream, or store. Codecs can also convert raw footage from a camera into a format that is easier to edit or ready to publish.  

Copyright considerations

So changing the format of a media file so that you can use it in a different context is both useful and quite straightforward to do. But if the file that you are encoding is not one that you yourself have created, you must also consider whether there are any copyright implications in your re-use of that content.

This Hallam library guide gives some more detailed information about the copyright of images and video in a UK context, gives guidance about some potential sources and provides links to sources of further information.

Free Tools

Handbrake

HandBrake is a free, open-source app you can download to your computer or use on apps anywhere. It lets you convert and compress video files into different formats for easier editing, sharing, or playback. 
 
Adobe Media Encoder 

Adobe Media Encoder is a professional video encoding app that lets you convert and export media files in different formats, but you need your own Adobe licence or be enrolled on a specific course at Hallam to have access.