Using IrfanView to Batch Convert (RESIZE) Images

If you do not have a copy of IrfanView, it can be downloaded from www.IrfanView.com and then installed on your computer.

NOTE: For a SIZE Comparison example page, Click HERE

1. OPEN [run] IrfanView

2. Navigate to Batch Conversion:
   Click File -> Batch Conversion/Rename - This brings up the Batch Conversion window in IrfanView

3. Set up the INPUT and OUTPUT folder locations
1. On the Look In file box – navigate to the file folder where t e pictures to be converted are located

1. Click select the ones you want to convert
2. Either click individual pictures
3. Or click ADD ALL –  or other …

2. On the Output Directory file box – BROWSE to the directory where you want to put the converted pictures -
   NOTE:  if you are changing the extension – such as JPEG to GIF or something – they can go in the same directory – if you are converting JPEG to JPEG, for example, you will have to create/select another directory [or do a concurrent batch rename].  I like to click the ‘use this directory as output’ button to get me into the right ‘area’ of the files – then select the actual folder.
3. You CAN use a RENAME option (either ‘Batch Rename’ or ‘Batch Conversion – Rename Result files’) – which is powerful and requires more options for the RENAME function – this can be very handy – and will allow you to use the same directory.  I don’t use the RENAME function for a number of reasons – but it can work fine.  I just don’t want to deal with it.  IrfanView will NOT allow you to over-write your original images UNLESS you have the “Overwrite existing files” option checked in the ‘MISCELLANEOUS’ section of the ‘Set for all images’ (Advanced Options) window.  [talked about below]  I would be VERY CAREFUL of this option – and suggest you NOT have it checked.  Its default setting is not checked.  This is good.
4. So – in other words - for most purposes – without rename – CHECK the ‘Batch Conversion’ radio under the ‘Work as’ pane.

4. Set Output Format
1. Use the ‘Output Format‘ drop-menu selection combo to select the output format you want to use
2. I suggest JPEG – but there are a LOT of selections available – including BMP, GIF and many more.
3. Click the Options button next to the Output Format drop-menu
4. This brings up the JPEG/GIF Save Options window –
5. Set the ‘Save Quality’ - I suggest setting the bar to about 90% -  more of less is ok –  
6. You don’t need to check any of the check-boxes – unless you see one that applies or you want
7. Click OK – this will close the JPEG/GIF Save Options window and you’re back in the Batch Conversion window.

5. Set the Advanced Options
1. Click the Advanced Options button
2. This brings up the Set for all Images window
3. Starting from the TOP LEFT:
4. Do NOT check CROP (unless you want to crop)
5. DO check ‘RESIZE’ box
6. Check EITHER the ‘Set new size’ OR the ‘Set new size as percentage of original’ radio button
   

1. If you select ‘Set new size’ radio: (pick a size ) [CLICK HERE to See size comparisons]
1. 1000 pixels is very large
2.  800 pixels is fairly large – I use that size often – the gallery enlargements on www.WhitesboroHomes.com are 800 pixel.
3. 200 to 250 pixels is a small picture or a large thumbnail
4. 50 to 100 pixels is about a thumbnail size.

NOTE: you can go to the web and right-click on any JPG IMAGE – then click ‘Properties’ and it will tell you the dimensions of the picture – this is handy for helping you determine the size (in pixels) of the picture to which you want to convert.


2. If you select ‘Set new size as percentage of original’ radio:
1. select a ‘width’ (no need to select height if you use ‘preserve aspect ratio’ option
   

7. Select ‘preserve aspect ratio’ option – otherwise, the picture will appear distorted – either squashed or stretched
8. Select ‘Use resample function (better quality) option – this can be very important – but is best just to check it.
9. NO OTHER OPTIONS need to be checked – unless you see something you know you want to do.
   




10. Click OK button – this returns you to the Batch Conversion window.

 

6. Convert the Files - Click the START button on the Batch Conversion window – all selected files will be processed and resized and put into the folder you selected.

That’s it – it seems complicated, but is not really once you get into it.