Screenshots are a handy tool for capturing what’s on your screen, whether it’s an image, conversation, or important piece of information. On Samsung Android devices, screenshots are typically saved in PNG format by default. However, you may want to change the format to JPG for reasons like reduced file size or compatibility with certain platforms.
This guide will walk you through the steps to change the screenshot format on your Samsung phone and explain the benefits of each format.
Why Change the Screenshot Format?
Before diving into how to change the format, it’s essential to understand the differences between PNG and JPG formats and why you might want to switch.
PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
– Higher quality: PNG files are lossless, which means they maintain high image quality even after multiple edits.
– Transparency support: PNG files support transparent backgrounds, which can be useful for editing.
– Larger file size: Because of the lossless nature of PNGs, they tend to have larger file sizes, which can take up more storage space.
JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
– Smaller file size: JPG files use lossy compression, which results in smaller file sizes. This can be helpful for conserving storage space and quicker sharing.
– Slight loss of quality: Due to compression, JPG images may lose some quality, but this is often not noticeable for regular screenshots.
– Widely used for photos: JPG is ideal for images that don’t require transparency, such as photographs or screenshots of apps.
Steps to Change Screenshot Format on Samsung (Android)
Unfortunately, Samsung’s One UI (the interface for Samsung phones) does not have a built-in option to change the screenshot format directly through the settings menu. However, there are workarounds to achieve this goal, including using third-party apps or manually converting images after they’ve been taken.
Method 1: Use a File Converter App
If you want to change the format of your screenshots after taking them, you can use an image converter app available on the Google Play Store. Here’s how:
1. Download an image converter app: Some popular options include JPEG / PNG Image File Converter, Image Converter, and File Converter. These apps are easy to use and allow you to convert between PNG and JPG formats.
2. Take your screenshot: As usual, take your screenshot by pressing the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously.
3. Open the converter app: Once the screenshot is saved in PNG format, open the converter app of your choice.
4. Select the screenshot: Browse your device to find the screenshot in the Gallery or Screenshots folder.
5. Convert the image: Choose the conversion option in the app, typically from PNG to JPG. Some apps allow you to adjust the quality of the conversion to suit your needs (higher quality will result in larger file sizes).
6. Save the converted image: Once the conversion is complete, save the JPG file to your preferred location on your phone.
Method 2: Using Google Photos for Automatic Conversion
Another simple method to change the screenshot format is using Google Photos, which can export images in different formats.
1. Open Google Photos: If you use Google Photos to back up your images, open the app on your phone.
2. Locate the screenshot: Find the PNG screenshot in your photos library.
3. Export the screenshot: Open the screenshot, tap the three-dot menu, and choose the Export option. You can select Export as JPG from the options, which will automatically convert the screenshot.
Method 3: Using a Screenshot App
If you frequently need to change your screenshot format, you can use a screenshot app that allows you to choose the file format before saving the image.
1. Download a third-party screenshot app: Apps like Screenshot Easy or Super Screenshot offer advanced options like format selection (JPG or PNG), annotations, and resizing.
2. Set the file format: Open the app and look for settings that allow you to change the screenshot format from PNG to JPG.
3. Take screenshots through the app: Moving forward, use this app to capture screenshots in your desired format.
Method 4: Manual Conversion on PC
If you need to convert multiple screenshots, transferring them to a computer and converting them all at once might be more convenient.
1. Transfer screenshots to your PC: Connect your Samsung phone to your computer using a USB cable, and transfer the PNG files to a folder on your computer.
2. Use an image editing software: Programs like Photoshop, GIMP, or even Microsoft Paint allow you to open a PNG file and export it as a JPG.
3. Batch conversion: Some software, like XnConvert or IrfanView, allows you to batch-convert multiple files at once, which is useful if you have a lot of screenshots to convert.
While Samsung phones don’t have a direct option to change the screenshot format from PNG to JPG, the methods outlined above provide easy solutions. Whether you prefer using an app for instant conversion or performing manual conversions after taking the screenshot, you can control your image format with minimal effort.
Choosing between PNG and JPG depends on your specific needs—whether you value image quality or file size more. With these tools at your disposal, you can ensure that your screenshots are saved in the format that works best for you
