File Conversion
FreeEasily convert files between 999 formats.
Free · Opens the source repo
What File Conversion does
File Conversion is a practical tool designed for users who need to convert files across various formats without the hassle of account creation or API keys. Leveraging the ChangeThisFile service, this skill supports an extensive range of conversions, including PDF to Word, HEIC to JPG, MP4 to MP3, and many more. With a total of 999 conversion routes available, it caters to a wide array of file types, including images, videos, audio, documents, data, fonts, ebooks, and archives.
The skill operates seamlessly by utilizing server-side tools such as FFmpeg, LibreOffice, Calibre, 7-Zip, sharp, and Ghostscript. Users can initiate conversions either through the provided MCP tools or by using the bundled Bash script. The script allows for local file conversion or remote file handling via a simple cURL command. This flexibility makes it suitable for both developers and designers who often deal with multiple file formats in their workflows.
One of the key advantages of File Conversion is its straightforward approach to file handling. Users can simply specify their input file and desired output format, and the skill takes care of the rest. The converted files are hosted temporarily, ensuring that user data is not retained longer than necessary, as files are deleted within 24 hours. This makes it a secure option for those concerned about privacy.
File Conversion is particularly beneficial for professionals who frequently work with diverse file types and need quick, reliable conversions without the overhead of managing accounts or subscriptions. Whether you are a developer needing to convert data files or a designer working with various image formats, this skill provides a no-frills solution to file conversion needs.
When to use it
Use this skill when you need to convert files quickly and easily across numerous formats, especially when working with large files or multiple file types.
When not to use it
This skill may not be suitable for extremely large files over 25 MB or for users who require frequent conversions beyond the rate limit of 5 conversions per minute.
What you can build with it
Quick Document Conversion
Convert a report from DOCX to PDF in seconds using the bundled script.
Image Format Change
Easily change HEIC images to JPG format for compatibility with various applications.
Audio File Transformation
Convert MP4 video files to MP3 audio files for easier sharing and playback.
How to install File Conversion
View source1. Install with the skills CLI
npx skills add wshobson/agents/file-conversion --agent claude-code2. Or install it manually
Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.
Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs
Inside SKILL.md
Written by wshobsonFile Conversion (ChangeThisFile)
Convert files between 999 conversion routes using the free ChangeThisFile service. No account or API key required. Conversions run server-side (FFmpeg, LibreOffice, Calibre, 7-Zip, sharp, Ghostscript); files are deleted within 24 hours.
Decision order
- If ChangeThisFile MCP tools are available (
changethisfile:convert_file,changethisfile:list_conversions) — use them directly.convert_filetakessource_urlORbase64_content+source_format, plustarget_format, and returns a temporary download URL. - Otherwise, use the bundled script (requires network access to changethisfile.com):
scripts/convert.sh <input-file> <target-format> [output-file]
# e.g. scripts/convert.sh report.docx pdf
# prints the output file path on success
The script path is relative to this skill's directory. It base64-encodes the file, calls the hosted MCP endpoint over plain HTTPS, downloads the result, and writes it next to the input (or to [output-file]).
- Remote file (you have a URL, not a local file) — skip the download/re-upload; one curl does it:
curl -sS -X POST https://changethisfile.com/mcp \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"tools/call","params":{"name":"convert_file","arguments":{"source_url":"<FILE_URL>","target_format":"pdf"}}}'
The response text contains a download URL — fetch it with curl -o <output>.
Discovering supported routes
Ask before guessing if a conversion is exotic:
curl -sS -X POST https://changethisfile.com/mcp \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"tools/call","params":{"name":"list_conversions","arguments":{"source_format":"docx"}}}'
Omit source_format for a grouped summary of all 999 routes.
Limits and errors
- Max input: 25 MB (free path). Larger files: get a free API key (1,000 conversions/month) at https://changethisfile.com/docs/authentication and use
POST /v1/convert. - Rate limit: 5 conversions/minute per IP. On "Rate limit exceeded", wait 60 seconds and retry once.
- "Unsupported conversion: X→Y" errors list the valid targets for that source format.
- Download URLs expire after 1 hour — download immediately, then work with the local file.
Environment notes
- Needs outbound HTTPS to
changethisfile.com. On claude.ai, the code-execution sandbox restricts egress by default — prefer the MCP connector there, or the user can allow the domain under Settings → Capabilities. - Full docs: https://changethisfile.com/docs/mcp
Frequently asked questions about File Conversion
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