How to convert JPG to PCX
- Add your .JPG file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
- Convert it to .PCX in a few seconds.
- Download your new .PCX file.
What to expect
- PCX encoding is lossless, but any JPEG artifacts already in the source are preserved, not cleaned up.
- Run-length encoding compresses photos poorly, so the PCX file is frequently larger than the original JPG.
- PCX is a legacy format; PNG or JPG is a better target for everyday, modern use.
Frequently asked questions
Why convert a JPG to PCX?
PCX is a very old ZSoft PC Paintbrush bitmap format. Conversion is mainly for compatibility with legacy software or older systems that expect PCX rather than modern formats.
Does PCX's compression lose quality?
PCX uses lossless run-length encoding, so it does not add new compression loss. However, the JPG's existing lossy artifacts are already in the pixels and are carried straight into the PCX.
What opens a PCX file today?
Most image programs still read it: IrfanView or XnView on Windows, GIMP on any platform, and Preview on macOS. For general modern use, PNG or JPG is more convenient.
Will the PCX be larger or smaller than the JPG?
Often larger. PCX's run-length encoding compresses far less efficiently than JPEG, especially for photographic content with lots of color variation.
Programs that convert JPG: Adobe Photoshop · Corel Presentations · Ability Photopaint · Diagram Designer · PhotoFiltre Studio · PolyTrans|CAD+DCC · Xara Page & Layout Designer · Artweaver
