Converting .zoom files may present some challenges, however, with the correct tools and guidance, it can be accomplished effortlessly. This article will outline the step-by-step procedure for converting a .zoom file into a more commonly used format.
What is a .zoom file?
Before we dive into the conversion process, let’s understand what exactly a .zoom file is. A .zoom file is a proprietary file format used by Zoom, a popular video conferencing software. It contains recordings of Zoom meetings, webinars, or presentations that you have saved locally on your computer.
While the .zoom file format is convenient for playback within the Zoom application, it may not be compatible with other video players or platforms. That’s why it’s important to know how to convert it to a more widely supported format.
Step 1: Locate the .zoom file
The first step is to locate the .zoom file on your computer. Usually, Zoom saves the recorded files in a folder named “Zoom” within your user directory. Navigate to this folder and find the .zoom file that you want to convert.
Step 2: Choose a conversion tool
There are several tools available online that can help you convert .zoom files to different formats. One popular tool is HandBrake, a free and open-source video transcoder. You can download it from the official HandBrake website.
Once you have installed HandBrake, open the application and proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Configure conversion settings
Now that you have HandBrake open, you need to configure the conversion settings to ensure the desired output format and quality. Here are a few settings you should pay attention to:
- Select the .zoom file as the source by clicking on the “Source” button.
- Choose the output destination where you want the converted file to be saved.
- Select the output format. HandBrake supports various formats such as MP4, MKV, and AVI.
- Adjust any other settings such as video quality, resolution, or audio settings according to your preferences.
Once you have configured the settings to your satisfaction, you are ready to proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Start the conversion
Click on the “Start” button in HandBrake to initiate the conversion process. Depending on the size of the .zoom file and the settings you have chosen, the conversion may take some time. Be patient and let the process complete.
Step 5: Verify the converted file
Once the conversion is finished, navigate to the output destination you selected in Step 3. You should find a new file with the desired format (e.g., .mp4, .mkv, etc.). Play the file using your preferred media player to verify that the conversion was successful.
Conclusion
Converting .zoom files to a more widely supported format can be a useful skill to have, especially if you want to share or play the recordings outside of the Zoom application. With the help of tools like HandBrake, the conversion process becomes relatively straightforward. Remember to always locate the .zoom file, choose a suitable conversion tool, configure the settings, start the conversion, and verify the converted file before using it.