Format Factory is a software that can convert most media file types into other file types. It supports converting between various image, audio and video formats as well as converting to mobile formats and DVD / CD conversions. This broad functionality might make it interesting to some users, especially since you only need one software program to do most media conversions.
The application was designed with ease of use in mind, especially the conversions can be handled without knowing anything about bitrates, formats and frames. If a user wants to convert videos into mp4 format for instance it involves selecting a desired quality and size, or if that is supported, one of the supported device types such as PSP or iPod to let the program set suggested conversion parameters automatically.
Attention: Format Factory’s installer ships with third-party offers. Some antivirus solutions and other security software may refuse to download the file, or quarantine it automatically after the download.
Format Factory
Experienced users can switch to custom settings which give them access to all conversion parameters such as bitrate, resolution and others.
Format Factory supports batch conversions and multiple files and even folders can be picked at once to be added to the processing queue. It is even possible to mix file formats in the queue, everything is handled quite well by the software.
The most recent version of the program displays conversion options right on start. It supports more than media as well including documents.
Basically, what you do, is select either a device you want to convert the file or files for, or a format. Format Factory divides conversions into types like audio or video.
Once you have made a selection you may add one or multiple files that you want converted in a new window that pops up. If you want, you may configure output settings with a click on the button as well. While not required, it may be useful to make sure all output parameters are set to your satisfaction.
Other options that you have there are to select a different output folder for the converted files, or to append the setting name to the file name.
If you play around with Format Factory for a while you notice several “nice to have” features like watermarks, AV Mux or tag lines that it makes available. Tag lines can be added to images that are converted for instance and it’s up to the user to pick a font, size, color and text of the tag line.
I downloaded some hiqh quality flash video files of Gametrailers.com and converted them in the application. I was surprised at the speed of the conversion. It’s fast and efficient, and can also be used to repair damaged video files or backup DVDs.
Closing Words
Format Factory is an all-in-one conversion program for Windows that supports a wide range of media and document file types. The inclusion of third-party offers in the installer is a bit of a problem though, as it will keep some users from giving the program a try.
It is easy enough to block the installation of these third-party offers though, and the program itself is worth that hassle if you ask me.