How SendTo-Convert Streamlines Your File Workflow

SendTo-Convert Guide: Install, Use, and Customize

What is SendTo-Convert

SendTo-Convert is a lightweight Windows utility that adds file-conversion options to the File Explorer “Send to” menu, letting you convert files quickly without opening full applications. Typical uses: convert images (PNG ↔ JPG), documents (DOCX → PDF), audio files (WAV → MP3), and perform simple batch conversions.

System requirements

• Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit recommended)
• 100 MB free disk space
• .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0+ (if required by the build)
• Optional: codec packs or converters (e.g., FFmpeg) for advanced formats

Installation (step-by-step)

1. Download the latest SendTo-Convert installer from the official source.
2. Run the installer as Administrator: right-click → Run as administrator.
3. Choose components: default installs core app and basic converters; optionally select FFmpeg integration for wider format support.
4. Install prerequisites: if prompted, allow the installer to add .NET runtime or helper tools.
5. Complete setup: finish and reboot if requested. After install, SendTo-Convert adds entries to your user SendTo folder and places a tray icon for settings.

First-time setup

1. Open Settings from the tray icon or Start menu.
2. Verify converter paths: if using external tools (FFmpeg, LibreOffice), confirm their executable locations.
3. Select default output folders: choose where converted files will be saved (same folder as source or a central output folder).
4. Set naming convention: choose whether to append suffixes (e.g., _converted) or replace file extensions.
5. Enable file type associations: toggle which formats appear in the Send to menu.

How to Use — single file

1. In File Explorer, right-click the file you want to convert.
2. Choose Send to → SendTo-Convert → select the desired conversion preset (e.g., PNG → JPG, DOCX → PDF).
3. Wait for the notification; converted file appears in the chosen output location.
4. Click the notification to open the output folder.

How to Use — batch conversion

1. Select multiple files of the same type in File Explorer.
2. Right-click → Send to → SendTo-Convert → pick a batch preset or a folder-watch rule.
3. Monitor progress via the tray icon progress bar; errors show in a log window with actionable messages.

Presets and profiles

• Built-in presets: common conversions (image, document, audio, video).
• Custom presets: create a preset by specifying input filters, output format, encoder settings, and output naming rules.
• Profile sharing: export/import presets as .stc-profile files to share with teammates.

Advanced options

• FFmpeg integration: enable high-quality video/audio conversions and advanced codec options (bitrates, codecs, container formats).
• LibreOffice headless: convert office documents (ODT, DOCX, XLSX) to PDF or other formats without opening the GUI.
• OCR: if OCR engine installed, extract searchable text from images or scanned PDFs during conversion.
• Scripting hooks: run pre- or post-conversion scripts for automated processing (e.g., move to cloud storage).

Customizing the SendTo menu

1. Open the SendTo folder: press Win+R, enter shell:sendto, and press Enter.
2. Add or remove shortcuts for SendTo-Convert presets to control which options appear in the context menu.
3. Rename shortcuts to provide user-friendly labels (e.g., “Convert to PDF (A4)”).

Troubleshooting

• Conversions fail: check that external tools (FFmpeg, LibreOffice) paths are correct and that required codecs are installed.
• No Send to entry: ensure the installer added shortcuts to shell:sendto; reinstall or manually add shortcuts.
• Permission issues: run File Explorer as Administrator or adjust output folder permissions.
• File association conflicts: disable other context-menu converters or adjust priorities in SendTo-Convert settings.

Tips & best practices

• Use a central output folder for batch jobs to simplify post-processing.
• Create separate presets per quality level (e.g., High/Medium/Low) to switch quickly.
• Export profiles for repeatable workflows or team distribution.
• Keep FFmpeg and LibreOffice updated for best format support.

Uninstall

• Uninstall from Settings → Apps → SendTo-Convert or run the uninstaller from the installation folder.
• Optionally remove leftover shortcuts from shell:sendto and delete profile files from %AppData%\SendTo-Convert.

Quick reference (common tasks)

• Convert single DOCX → PDF: Right-click file → Send to → SendTo-Convert → “DOCX → PDF”.
• Batch convert images to JPG: Select images → Right-click → Send to → SendTo-Convert → “Images → JPG (High)”.
• Add preset to SendTo menu: Win+R → shell:sendto → paste preset shortcut.

If you want, I can produce ready-to-import presets for common conversions (PDF, JPG, MP3) or a compact printable cheat sheet.