Format Factory is a versatile media converter. Have you ever needed to convert one or more videos to compatible formats so that you can watch them on your phone? This is what Format Factory does. Extra features are available, but its main mission is to provide you with a range of tools to convert media files.

It used to be a popular freeware, until it becomes one that many should stay away from. Its partnership with Bright Data is one of the obvious signs that it is no longer a recommended software, but each to their own.

Features and Highlights

As soon as the installation was started, Format Factory made an attempt to connect to the internet, a behavior many wouldn’t like. Many users wouldn’t realize this until it is too late, unless the firewall is set up to notify users when a new program makes such an attempt and block the connection automatically until a permission is given.

In the middle of the installation, another attempt was made. When the converter software was launched, there was yet another attempt. At this point we thought that it was better to ditch it right away and looked for an alternative.

In the license agreement that showed up in the installation wizard indicated that Format Factory does collect personal information which they claim cannot be traced back to the individuals. A statement like this should always be taken with a grain of salt since users do not have any means to prove the validity of the claim.

Format Factory has a fairly nice interface. Everything is white and bright, though, until you change its skin. There are six skins overall which include dark, white, green, pink, purple, blue, and yellow.

To convert a file, pick a format at the left side of the interface. For example, if you want to convert a video to MP4, click the MP4 button. Another window will appear where you can click the output setting button to make some necessary adjustments to the conversion parameters.

You can, for example, limit the output size; select the encoder, bitrate, resolution, frame per second (FPS), and aspect ratio; apply fade in and fade out; deinterlace and rotate video.

Those who don’t know which parameters that need to be adjusted can simply use one of the presets such as 4K 2160, Copy Stream, and High Quality and Size. Those who are willing to spend time configuring the settings can save the custom configuration as a separate preset.

Format Factory Free Download for Windows

You don’t need to spend money on Format Factory but it needs to collect your data in exchange. It’s free, but at the same time it’s not. You can opt-out from the Bright Data and not use the premium features, but that doesn’t mean that the program stops trying to connect to the internet.

There are better alternatives out there than Format Factory. If none of the alternatives interests you, make sure to block this software from accessing the internet. You can click the link below to download Format Factory for Windows: