I came across this nifty utility for converting conventional image files to the OTA format to be sent as picture messages using your mobile phone. The source code and the binary for the same can be found at The Code Project. Since zipped files are only available for download to registered users(free) of the Code Project, I am uploading it to my own server for your convenience, Instructions to use follow below.

The source code and binary available here were developed by Alireza Naghizadeh and are available for free download here. All copyrights for the below two files rest with Alireza Naghizadeh.

  1. OTA Converter Source 5.79 KB
  2. OTA Converter Binary 4.58 KB
    (Ready to Use, Requires .NET framework, WinXP ready)

The interface is very minimalist with only one option as shown below,

All you have to do is, drag your black and white image of dimensions 72 pixels Width X 28 pixels Height (The standard size of SMS Picture messages) into this tiny window, Here you can see that I have dragged a small logo into the utility.

Works best when the image is 72px by 28px and in the .bmp format and has only black or white pixels. You can draw using MSPaint too.

When you click on Convert, it’ll prompt you with a dialog box to store the resulting file as an OTA picture file with the .ota extension occupying 256 bytes. You can transfer these .ota files to your mobile and then sms your friends with your custom picture messages messages!!

This application is not good at converting grayscale images, but you can create bitmap images having only black and white and use this to convert to the .ota format.

You can also get hundreds of preview images of picture messages online which you can convert to the .ota format without paying a penny! ;-) ;-)

Some cool free preview images can be found at the Moby Project. Just save all the pictures that you like from the site, download the OTA Converter Binary, Drag your selected pics into the application, convert it to the .ota format, transfer to your mobile and message your friends! Save money by not paying premium rates for direct mobile downloads! Enjoy!