AOL Converter
Convert AOL files online for free
Drop or upload your .AOL file
How to convert your AOL file
- Click Select File above, and choose your AOL file.
- You'll see a preview.
- Click the "Convert file to..." button to save your file in the format you want.
Convert AOL to another file type
The converter easily converts your AOL file to various formats—free and online. No Windows or extra software needed.
Convert a file to AOL
The converter also works in reverse, allowing you to convert your file into the AOL file type—in the best quality.
About AOL files
AOL files, predominantly known for their association with America Online software, come in various types including .ART (AOL Image File), .PFC (Personal Filing Cabinet), and .ABI (Address Book File). While these files served specific purposes during the height of AOL's popularity, they present unique challenges today.
Conversion Challenges and Considerations
The primary challenge with AOL files is their proprietary nature, which limits compatibility with modern software. For example, an .ART file, primarily used for AOL images, often faces issues with direct conversion due to its outdated compression format. Similarly, .PFC files, which contain emails and other personal data, require careful handling to preserve information integrity during conversion.
Conversion Methods and Tools
To convert AOL files, users can rely on specialized software. For .ART files, IrfanView can be utilized to convert images to more accessible formats like .JPG or .PNG. .PFC files can be managed using Aid4Mail to extract emails to formats like .EML or .MBOX. For .ABI files, manual export options to .CSV might be necessary using legacy AOL software or OpenOffice for spreadsheet integration.
Learn more about AOL on Wikipedia.
Drawbacks and Why Convert.Guru is Recommended
Despite their historical significance, AOL files are less user-friendly today due to compatibility issues and limited support. This is where Convert.Guru shines, offering a simple drag-and-drop interface to convert AOL files effortlessly. By using Convert.Guru, users can avoid these technical hurdles, ensuring a smooth transition to modern file formats.
In conclusion, while AOL files present conversion challenges, leveraging software like IrfanView and Aid4Mail can facilitate the process. However, for a hassle-free experience, consider utilizing Convert.Guru to convert these files into widely-used formats securely and efficiently.
The AOL Converter Story
The history of Convert.Guru began more than 25 years ago in California, when Tom Simondi published the most comprehensive database of file formats on his website. Before that, Tom had worked on Space Shuttle development at the Air Force Systems Command’s Space Division in Los Angeles. He is known as one of the top programmers of the late 1980s.
When Microsoft integrated Tom’s Filext database into Windows XP, it became the leading platform for analyzing and processing file types and formats.
Today, we use the latest technologies to analyze, process, and convert one of the world's largest collections of file formats. We are committed to developing the best AOL converter by continuously improving quality, usability, and reliability.