convert ai to psd

Be the Adobe Master: How to Convert AI to PSD

If you’re on the track to becoming an Adobe Master, you need to know one thing: their systems work really well together.

That doesn’t mean everything is intuitive, though. Adobe started as a company with a few major pieces of software (such as Flash and Photoshop) but has fully evolved into a conglomerate of different tech with varying applications.

When it comes to these apps, they each have proprietary file types made to work for their system. Fortunately, these apps work well with each other. Here’s how to convert AI to PSD without breaking a sweat.

AI to PSD File Conversion

For reasons explained below, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop each have certain roles in image creation and editing. However, it’s not a big deal if you started off working in the wrong system.

Because Adobe is aware these things happen, there are some pretty easy ways you can convert AI to PSD and vice versa so that you can work in the application best for your projects.

Convert AI to PSD In-App

To break it down as concisely as possible, if you have your Illustrator file opened, all you need to do is click on:

  1. “File”
  2. “Export”
  3. Click on the “Format” Menu
  4. Choose “Photoshop” or “PSD”
  5. Then confirm, by hitting enter or “Export”

Bam. File converted.

If you haven’t done much with your project, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, issues arise if there are several graphics in your image.

Illustrator projects are broken up into paths and groups, while Photoshop projects are usually broken up into layers. If you convert as-is, you likely will compress your different paths and groups unintentionally.

Therefore, to convert AI to PSD with layers, you need to ensure your individual paths are grouped properly into layers.

To do so, enable layers by clicking “Window” > “Layers” > “New Layer”. Drag your grouped pathways to this layer (or separate them into distinct layers if you so choose).

Finally, perform the steps above. In advanced settings, select “Write Layers” and “Maximum Editability” to ensure these layers transfer properly. Tweak any resolution or image data as you see fit, then click OK to convert to a PSD file.

Online Applications to Convert AI to PSD

There are options to do this outside of the Adobe apps and can be useful if you don’t have access to the other app while using its file type. It is recommended to use Adobe’s software, however.

And as with all online converters, make sure the site has a good reputation and won’t include any viruses or malware when you go to download your converted file.

Convert PSD to AI

Unlike the complexities of converting AI to PSD, Adobe has made it a tad simpler to do the opposite. Similar to AI files, in Photoshop go to:

  1. “File”
  2. “Export”
  3. Click on the “Format” Menu
  4. Choose “Illustrator” or “AI”
  5. Then confirm, by hitting enter or “Export”

When you open your newly converted file in Illustrator, there should be a prompt asking if you want to convert layers to objects. Ensure it is selected.

If you open the file and that’s not the case, you should be able to find the option in the settings. Enable it, and the image will appear correctly in Illustrator.

Adobe Mastery: Differences Between AI and PSD

Adobe’s suite of tools has a lot of overlap. Knowing the differences between Illustrator and Photoshop can save you a lot of headaches once you get going.

Their respective file types reflect these changes and are different in how image data is saved.

The AI File Format

AI stands for Adobe Illustrator (and not artificial intelligence, as might be expected). AIs and PSDs are similar in that they’re both proprietary to Adobe software.

The key difference between Illustrator files and Photoshop files is that Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editing program, as opposed to a bitmap of image data.

In essence, Illustrator is better for (you guessed it!) drawings and illustrations. Vector graphics can be cleaner and result in better image quality than images drawn in photoshop.

Vector images allow scalability in images, something that’s far easier to do than in bitmap formats, meaning that a small drawing can balloon quite easily.

In a nutshell, if you’re working in Photoshop but need drawings that can be scaled up and down without image quality loss, go with AI. Macs can open AI files in Apple preview, however, they need to be converted to PDFs to view on Windows.

The PSD File Format

The PSD file format is simply the default Photoshop file format. Often these files can be much larger than their completed projects as they contain layers of graphics, text, notes, masks, colors, images, filters, effects, gradients, and more.

The defining staple of what makes this a tremendous format to work in is the layers system. Rather than compress an image into a 2D image, there are numerous images layered overtop one another that, in PSD, can be edited.

After all, that’s why “Photoshop” is synonymous with digital editing and used as a verb, just like how “Google” is synonymous for search engine use.

Unfortunately, akin to AI, the PSD file type is proprietary. Most applications can’t make sense of the data saved in them, thus to edit images in another software they need to be converted.

If you have a lot of PSD files but don’t have access to Adobe Photoshop, there are alternatives, but they’re few and far between.

However, Mac users can open PSDs correctly using Apple Preview. Alas, editing is still quite limited.

All Matters of Digital File Conversion

With this newfound knowledge, you should now know how to convert AI to PSD files. Hopefully, you found it to be easier than learning the complexities of both programs themselves, as this is a task that shouldn’t be too hard to master.

Need other file types converted? This is our specialty. Whether it’s PNGs to JPGs, or PDFs to DOCX, we can do it.

Check out our different options on our home page for easy file conversions.

file conversions

File Conversions on Macbook vs PC Laptops: Is There a Difference?

File conversions can be a pain. However, they’re only irritating when you don’t have the right tools and information.

Once you learn a little bit about formats and file sizes, you’re generally only a few steps from getting the output that you need. For starters, you should learn the difference between PC and Mac conversions, how they’re done, and some tips and tricks for both.

Keep reading to learn more. 

What Should You Know About File Conversions?

A file conversion lets you take a file of one format, and switch it to the one that you prefer. This happens frequently when a PC user tries to convert a file to Mac, or vice versa.

The key is to convert the file without damaging it or losing quality. Both PC and Mac have their differences and nuances you need to know about when you are trying to convert files.

1. Get to Know the Type of Files You Are Working With

Look into the file formats to be certain you get the tools of the trade that you need. Always get full clarity on the file formats that you are dealing with before taking steps with any software.

Explore deeper than the file extension alone. For instance, you might have a .doc file that shows up differently depending on the version it was created with. A lot of people need PDF file conversion when they’re dealing with documents of all kinds.

Once you’re clear on the exact file you have and what version you need, you will cut off mistakes and will be able to move forward with your conversion. 

2. Use the Built-In Mac Tools

Mac users have the benefit of some built-in conversion tools. For instance, the Preview app allows you to convert image files without having to use any third-party software.

The Preview app lets you take a JPEG and convert it to a PDF, PNG, or several other file formats. It allows you to manipulate the size, resolution, and other factors as well.

These changes will affect the output file size. You will be notified about differences prior to going through with the file conversion and can create several copies of the file.

3. Consider Image Conversions on PC

Learning about image file conversions will be a huge help. While Mac users can convert images from Preview, PC owners need to go another route. 

You can use Paint to convert JPG files to other formats. Paint is built into Windows PCs, and the file conversions can be done as easily as going to “Save As.”

For more complex file conversions, you’ll need to look into third-party software.

4. Find the Tools That You Need for Video

Using video content right now is the best way to get engagement. Because of this, getting to know some video conversion platforms will be a huge help to you.

With a PC, you will generally have to find a high-quality third-party app to address your conversions. These file converters let you work with files like .MOV, AVI, and MPEG.

These files are exclusive to PC and Mac machines, so the file conversion software will allow you to access videos regardless of which you have. Always pay attention to the compression rate and the quality of the output file that you’re creating.

You will be able to manipulate the size and frame of the video, and can even add chapters and subtitles.

5. Look for File Conversion Platforms That Are User-Friendly

Whether you’re using a PC or a Mac, the name of the game is to find file conversion software that is user-friendly.

Some of the conversions can get complicated, so finding a platform that asks you questions and gives you several options will be helpful. You can use the explanations and troubleshooting guides to make sure you’re getting what you need from your file conversion software.

6. Always Update Your OS to Keep With File Norms

Be mindful of the fact that files sometimes get aged out. To keep up with the latest file conversion capability, you have to also update your setup.

If you’re a Mac user, you get free Operating System (OS) updates as they come out. Apple is consistent with OS upgrades, and you’ll appreciate that your video, word processing, messaging, e-mail, iTunes, and other apps get upgraded in the process.

Staying up to date with the latest Mac OS also upgrades the machine’s built-in file conversion capabilities.

If you’re a PC user, you will also want to keep up with the latest version of Windows. This will also update Word and other critical apps that are constantly used for file conversions.

7. Try Out Some Useful Online File Conversion Tools

Finally, try out some online file conversion tools to see if they fit your needs. These platforms are constantly updated and allow you several conversions per month on a subscription basis.

You will appreciate being able to convert and download files on any machine that you access as long as you’re online. Make sure to try them out for a week or so to make sure you get your desired results without bugs.

For shorter trials, you’ll get to see the output, but it will typically have a watermark or other marking.

Take Control of Your File Conversions

File conversions are easy when you use the tips above. These points will help you out when you need to get the most from your Mac or PC.

Whether you need help with HTML files or any other file format, we’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our website, and start converting today.

how to edit a pdf

How to Edit a PDF: Your Ultimate Guide

Everybody is using PDF documents to transfer their files these days.

If you have ever downloaded a document from the web, it is likely to have been in PDF format, from tax filing to graphic design. This is because they are great at preserving the original document’s look and feel and are perfect for reading.

But what happens when you need to edit a PDF document?

If you have ever wondered how to edit a PDF document, this short comprehensive guide is for you. Have a look and discover the best and free ways to open and edit a PDF.

What is a PDF document?

One of the most common file types you will encounter today is the PDF. PDF stands for portable document format. They are easy to share and view as they look the same on every device.

Adobe invented the PDF back in the 1990s to help graphic designers share files across devices but ensure that everyone sees the file as originally intended.

Most browsers can be used as PDF readers and many word processing software applications, like Word or Google docs, now support them natively. However, they work as readers and require extra steps to be able to edit the files.

There are going to be times when you want to open and edit a PDF document. Perhaps to sign it or make some changes before sending it on. To do that, you will need to make the document editable.

How to Make a PDF Editable

Because of their very locked-down nature, lots of people spend a lot of time investigating how to edit a PDF document. They can not be edited natively in most reading software, like Adobe Reader.

However, many applications will make it possible to edit a PDF document and then resave it as a new PDF.

The best-known of all of these applications is Adobe Document Cloud or Adobe DC. As the original PDF creators, Adobe has had software for reading and editing this document type for decades.

You have to pay for a license to use this software. There is a seven-day free trial to try it out, and it is a powerful and useful tool. You can edit PDFs on mobile, PC, and Mac, and it is super simple to use.

How to Edit a PDF with Adobe DC

1. Open Adobe DC on your device

2. Choose Edit PDF from the right-hand side pane

3. Use the editing tools to change text, images, annotate, or add a watermark

4. Save the document

That’s all there is to it. It is easy to do but will come at a cost. Adobe Pro DC costs $22 a month and requires an annual commitment to the license.

How to Edit a PDF for Free

The great news is that you are not limited to only using Adobe software to read, open and edit PDF files. There are many other options on the market, some of which allow you to do the same for free.

Not all software is made the same, however. Be careful of applications that offer a limited free trial where they lock down some of the app’s functionality.

Here are a couple of good free software options for editing a PDF.

Smallpdf (PC and Mac OSX)

This is a handy, easy-to-use application that allows you to convert PDF files into easy to edit Word documents. It also has options for merging pdfs, e-signing documents as well as compressing and converting files.

Smallpdf has a freemium option that allows you to work on two documents per day whilst giving you access to most of their tools. It also works on their mobile app as well.

If you require more volume, then you will need to upgrade to one of their paid solutions.

PDFescape Online

This editing application is available as a PC download at a cost and has an online version that you can use for free.

The online version of PDFescape is quite limited but will allow you to create and fill forms, edit PDF files and share them. There are many more powerful options available in the downloadable option, but this comes at a monthly cost.

One limitation is that you can not upload PDFs greater than the 10MB file size limit. This will not be a problem for most documents, but if you are editing large, novel-length files, you will encounter issues.

Editing a PDF in Microsoft Word

Yes, you read that right. You can now edit a PDF directly in MS Word.

But, and it is quite a big but, you will lose some formatting. Obviously, once you take PDF documents out of their container, everything the PDF was doing to preserve formatting is lost in translation.

Word can deal with this much better these days than in previous iterations. However, if you convert a document from PDF to MS Word, you will encounter formatting hiccups.

If you are just looking for a way to access the text or make some minor changes, this is a great quick option.

Here’s how to edit a PDF in MS Word.

1. Open Microsoft Word

2. Select File > Open and browse to your PDF document

Once you select the file, you will receive a dialog box that warns you the file will be converted from a PDF to Word, and some formatting may be lost.

3. Select OK. It may take a while for your file to load if it is large.

Now your document is open in MS Word, and you can edit it as you would any other Word Document. Once finished, print the document and save it as a PDF.

Editing a PDF on a Mac

Apple has also made editing PDFs a little bit easier, more recently with a Quick Look feature included in the Mojave update of 2018. It is primarily designed to make form-filling easier and not more complex edits.

PDFs should open as standard in this tool as it is the default PDF reader software in the Mac OS. However, once open, you can also edit text and complete form fields.

Click the pencil icon at the top of the screen to move Quick Look from reader to the editor, and you should be able to make changes within the application. Then save once you have finished and your edits are preserved.

Editing a PDF is Simple

Hopefully, this guide has given you some ideas for how to edit a PDF and just how simple it is to do so these days. Don’t be fooled by the big software price tags. There are good freemium solutions available.

If you are looking for a quick online solution for converting your files, then take a look at our many free online conversion tools and find the right converter for you.

pdf to excel

Maintaining Your Tables: Converting PDF Files to Excel

A PDF table provides a neat presentation of data, but it does not allow you to manipulate it.

Without any way to edit it, you cannot add entries or delete a row. You’re also restricted from modifying formulas. While anyone can view a PDF file, performing any changes, especially on a table, is very limited.

With so many ways to do the conversion, it can end up confusing and overwhelming.

Don’t fret. We’ve got you covered.

We’ve shortlisted the best techniques to convert PDF to Excel files. Here are three of the most used ways you can choose from:

Technique 1: Using Adobe Acrobat

This is the simplest method, but it offers one caveat – it’s a paid-for application. However, you can still use it with the seven-day trial for Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. If you’re doing a one-off conversion, this technique is a great choice.

The steps to follow are:

  1. Download and install Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  2. Launch the application and select the Tools tab.
  3. Click on the Export PDF on the main window under Create & Edit. You can also choose Export PDF on the pane on the right-side.
  4. Select the file you want to convert and choose Spreadsheet from the list of export options.
  5. You can click on the Gear icon on the upper right corner to adjust the settings. It allows you to choose the symbols used as data separators and the number of worksheets to create.
  6. Click the blue Export button and choose the directory location where you will save the file.

The conversion can take a while. It will depend on the complexity of the table and your computer’s speed.

Technique 2: Copy and Paste

Copy and paste is another simple way of bringing the data to Excel. The manual steps you need to do are offset by the flexibility you can get.

You’ll be able to choose which particular rows to copy. You can also arrange the entries while copying and pasting.

The following are the detailed steps:

  1. Select the data you want to copy.
  2. Then, use either the keyboard shortcut: “Ctrl + C” or Right-click and choose “Copy” from the pop-up menu.
  3. Use the Paste Special command in Excel. You can do this with the drop-down option on the Paste button or via the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Alt + V.”
  4. Clean up and arrange the data using Excel features.

Excel provides many Paste Options such as HTML, Unicode, and Text. The results you get will appear in a single column of data, though. You’ll have to perform step three to make the table appear as it would in the original PDF file.

Excel provides several tools and functionalities that can help with the cleanup process. This includes the Remove Duplicates and Text to Columns commands.

While this technique remains to be a popular choice, it has several limitations.

Some PDF files can prevent you from selecting and copying data. Even if you’re successful in copying and pasting, it might still need a manual arrangement.

Technique 3: Using Microsoft Word

Using Microsoft Word can help you lessen, if not rule out, the cleanup process. The table will also have the same formatting and structure most of the time.

In a nutshell, all you have to do is open the file in MS Word. Then, copy the table and paste it into Excel. Here are the detailed steps:

  1. Open the PDF on Word. You can do this by opening it straight from the MS Office application. Or, you can right-click on the file from the folder, choose “Open with,” then select Microsoft Word.
  2. A dialog box will pop up, informing you that the application will convert the PDF file into a Word document. Click the OK button.
  3. Copy the sections you want and paste them to Excel using the shortcut “Ctrl + V” or using right-click and “Paste.”

This technique works well with simple tables. Complex ones usually end up pasting some cells as images, though. In case this happens, you’ll have to type the text yourself.

Technique 4: Use OffDrive

Need to convert your files fast? If you’re working on the go or rushing on a deadline, OffDrive is the best solution. This is a browser-based conversion tool that covers all your file needs.

You can use OffDrive to convert between Excel and PDF. You also have options for Powerpoints, Spreadsheets, and Documents.

Benefits of Transforming PDF Tables to Excel

The advantages of converting PDF tables to Excel go beyond data manipulation. In general, it can boost your everyday productivity.

Data Becomes More Accessible

PDF is a great way to share files across different groups, whether compressed or not. However, it doesn’t leave any room for adjustments.

You might need to add a new column to add more statistics. Converting the data to Excel makes it more accessible for editing.

Opportunity to Update Entries

If you’re using Excel tables for your leads list, you’ll be able to keep the information up-to-date. You can delete outdated contacts and email addresses or even delete duplicate entries.

Run Macros to Automate Tasks

One of the features that make Excel very useful is the ability to record a macro. Using macros allows you to automate a set of actions that you often use when updating tables. This saves you a lot of time because you don’t have to do a manual change of formatting for every cell.

Visual Presentation of Data

Excel has aspects that allow you to show a visual representation of data. You can use these features to turn a boring worksheet into an eye-catching pie chart. With the use of charts and graphs, you can analyze the data in the tables faster.

Convert from PDF to Excel and Manage Tables Easier

These three techniques to convert PDF to Excel can remove the limitations imposed by PDF. You can now maintain your tables and manipulate the data without problems.

Do you want a more encompassing approach? Try to convert your PDF to DOCX format and change the entire content of a file easier.

Posted in PDF
dxf file format

The Pros and Cons of Using the DXF File Format

Are you curious about whether you should be using DWG or DXF file format?

In this article, we’re going to break down the pros and cons of DXF files and how versatile this open-source file format is. Let’s dive into it.

What is DXF?

DXF stands for Drawing Exchange Format and has become the industry standard in the world of computer-aided design (CAD) for file sharing.

It was developed by Autodesk, the developer of AutoCAD, in 1982. DXF is open source in contrast with DWG, which is proprietary to AutoCAD.

Viewing DXF Files

For anyone who works with AutoCAD regularly, such as those in the fields of architecture or engineering, working with DXF files and the CAD programs that read them is a normal part of their day.

However, if you need to share DXF files with a client, they’ll need a way to view them if they don’t have access to AutoCAD.

DWG TrueView

DWG TrueView is only available on Windows OS, but you can use it to view, measure, and present your drawings easily. With an organized interface and search feature, it’s a useful tool for DXF file viewing.

Autodesk Viewer

Autodesk has its own online DXF viewer that allows you to view drawings on iPhone, Android devices, iPad, Mac, and Windows in your browser. You can read both 2D and 3D designs with Autodesk Viewer, which supports over 50 file formats.

Once you’re signed in to your Autodesk account, you can choose to upload DXF files from either your hard drive or cloud storage. From there, you can make comments, take screenshots, and manage your designs.

DXF Viewer for Mac OS

DXF Viewer is available in the Mac App Store and allows you to view DXF and DWG files on your Mac. It offers fast load times, the ability to view multiple files simultaneously, and will enable you to convert your DXF files to PDF.

Pros of the DXF File Format

Now that we’ve covered what DXF is and how you can view these files outside of a CAD program let’s talk about the pros this file format offers.

Exchange Data Between CAD Programs

Because the DXF file format is highly compatible across programs, it can act as a bridge between different CAD programs. Sharing designs with colleagues of varying skill sets, new and old software iterations, and various specialized CAD software is incredibly easy with DXF files.

Most Compatible Vector File

Unlike DWG files, which are not as widely supported, DXF files can be viewed or edited in a variety of GIS, CNC, and CAD software. A few examples include Adobe Illustrator, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD.

Ease to Parse

When we talk about parsing, we mean that processing and dividing DXF files into smaller components for specific programs is easy to do. You’ll also have the option to remove or keep hatches, fills, and other details when you convert different file formats to DXF.

Publicly Available

DXF is open source, which means you have the option of accessing the file specification online. Thus, DXF has been widely adopted and is appreciated by developers who are in charge of creating CAD programs.

Cons of the DXF File Format

There are plenty of reasons to love the DXF file format, but there are a handful of downsides. Let’s go over what those downsides are to give you a full picture of what you can and can’t do with DXF.

Doesn’t Support App-Specific CAD Elements

Some objects designed for specialized CAD software are either partially documented in the DXF specifications or unable to be represented in the format, like dynamic blocks in AutoCAD. You’ll have to keep this in mind so that you won’t lose data when transferring these files between programs.

They Can Become Large

While it is rare that a DXF file will become cumbersomely large, it is a possibility. This can happen if you have a multitude of hidden vector elements that are the same color as your background.

Compared to the same file in the DWG format, DXF files will typically be more extensive. This is because the DWG file format is created in binary and AutoCAD’s embedded compressing data versus DXF files that are designed with the ASCII text standard.

Line Widths

Because of the mass adoption of DXF, line widths aren’t included in the format’s standards. Occasionally, this can cause problems when using some CNC and CAD programs that can not handle line widths. In this case, it would be a good idea to see if your application allows you to turn off line width data before you export a DXF file to one of these specialized applications.

Creating DXF Files

If you’d like to start using DXF files, you can create them in various programs, including Adobe Illustrator, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD; to name a few. To create a DXF file, you’ll want to go to the save drop-down menu and select either the ‘save as’ or ‘export to’ options and choose DXF (.dxf). 

Converting DXF Files to Other Formats

If you need to convert your DXF file to another format, or vice versa, there are a few ways you can do so. You can use AutoCAD or Adobe Illustrator programs that support DXF importing and exporting, an online DXF file converter, or a DXF viewer with a conversion feature.

Here’s a list of file types you can convert a DXF file to:

  • JPG
  • PGM
  • SVG
  • BMP
  • PNG
  • PMG
  • GIF
  • DWG
  • EPS

Explore More File Types

The world of file types and their ability to be converted is vast. Are you interested in discovering more about document conversion? For more information on a variety of different file types and how to convert them, check out our blog.

M4A to MP3

From M4A to MP3: How to Convert

Most music today comes in a small range of preset file formats, M4A, MP3, wav, ogg, amongst a few others.

Each has its limitations, including where they can be played. These limitations can be cumbersome, and thus there are ways to convert these files to work on different devices with different sound qualities.

In this article, we’ll go over two of the most common file formats and how to convert M4A to MP3 files.

M4A to MP3 Conversion

Due to the diversity of file formats, file format is essential. This can be between images to documents and, of course, audio to audio.

First, ask yourself what file you’re converting. Is it an M4A to an MP3, or vice-versa? The difference matters.

M4A to MP3 Using iTunes

One simple method of converting an M4A to an MP3 is by launching iTunes. Open “Preferences” and click on “Navigate to Files.”

Once there, look for “Import Settings.” Change the import setting to the MP3 encoder, and click “Okay.”

Once done, drag and drop your M4A files into iTunes. Click on it, select “File,” then “Convert,” and you should see the prompt “Create MP3 Version.”

Once you’ve done that, you should be good to go. Both files will likely show up now, under different formats, in your iTunes library.

M4A to MP3 Using Online Applications

There are several online sites that can work for converting your files, often for free and without having to install any software.

Note: there are many sites out there that aren’t as savvy with user data, so do your due diligence before plugging in a bunch of your M4A files.

Often these sites will have a “Select File” prompt which you can either click on or drag and drop to have the files digitally convert automatically.

Some allow you to tweak bitrate settings between 220kbps and 250kbps. Whichever you choose, it likely is just a button press away (and a few seconds or minutes) for the file to fully convert.

Then, download the processed file.

MP3 to M4A Using iTunes

This will largely be the same as going through the M4A to MP3 conversion process.

  1. Launch iTunes
  2. Go to Preferences
  3. Go to “General” then “Import Settings”
  4. Click on the “Import Using” and select AAC encoder
  5. Import your M4A file (or right-click on it if it’s already in your library)
  6. Select “Create AAC Version”

And boom. You should be good to go, with iTunes doing the work. After a few seconds, you should have two copies of the file, one as an MP3 and the new M4A file. 

MP3 to M4A Using the Web

Take precautions as stated above. Some online web converters are prone to giving viruses, making you pay for what should be a free service, or stuffing you with a ton of obnoxious ads and pop-ups.

That being said, a reputable online converter will require you to upload your file, tweak a few settings, and wait for the conversion process to be completed.

You’ll then need to download the M4A file from the site, after which you will be good to go.

What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever downloaded digital music, you’ve likely heard of these types of files. M4A files are the standard for digital downloads from iTunes or Apple Music. 

That’s because they’re convenient to use… If you’re an Apple aficionado. Meanwhile, MP3s are more wildly used across different types of devices. We commonly call devices MP3 players, not M4A players, after all.

So what’s the difference?

M4A File Format

Interestingly enough, the M4A file format was initially designed to be the successor to the MP3 file format. M4A stands for MPEG 4 audio, the four obviously indicating its successor-status.

What makes the M4A file format superior comes in notable tweaks in its design. The MP3 format was initially designed with the purpose of shrinking video file sizes and then got changed to audio later on.

The M4A file format was designed from the ground up to limit extreme compression by reducing sounds that normally would be inaudible to humans. It does this while retaining slightly better sound quality in the process.

To dig deep into the jargon, the compression formats differ in two crucial ways:

M4As use a sample block size of 120 or 128 rather than the MP3s 192 for changing signals. This allows for more detail in certain sound segments. Allowing for more precise details where they are needed.

The MP3 file format uses a low 576 sample blocks compared to the M4A’s much larger block size of 960 or 1024.

This larger block size allows for more data to express the music more appropriately to its original intent without mitigating complexity.

MP3 File Format

MP3 stands for “MPEG Layer-3”. It’s a file format specifically meant for audio files, particularly music.

MP3s are a wider-spread file format across all media, and for good reason. As described by Techopedia, “It can be used for dual channels, single-channel, stereo, multichannel signals, and joint stereo.”

In laymen’s terms, that means it’s flexible and can turn complex audio into something small and simple.

Unlike many of its counterparts, MP3s compress audio to about one-tenth the size of its original file by reducing nearly inaudible portions of songs.

Some purists claim this reduces some of the sheen of a song.

But the truth is the quality remains quite high, even after compression. Because these files are so much smaller than some of their unoptimized counterparts, you can fit more songs into your device. And that’s a win.

To compare and contrast perks of different audio formats, here’s a list of some of the most common types.

Digital File Conversion

Converting M4A to MP3 files isn’t so complex. Hopefully, you’ve gleaned some helpful information from this article and can now convert your files with ease.

While the conversion process may make sense on paper, note that continual conversion of files will cause them to gradually degrade, sort of like Xeroxing a Xerox. Make sure to convert a limited amount of times!

And if you need to convert other files, from digital PDFs to Excel spreadsheets, we’ve got you covered.

data hoarding

Data Hoarding Dangers: What Is Data Hoarding and How Can You Avoid It?

Whether you’re a company or a home user, there is likely large amounts of data on your electronic devices you do not need.

Data hoarding, the collection and storing of data out of habit and compulsion, is something of a hidden but significant bugbear for many modern computer users.

Data hoarding doesn’t just cause your storage devices to balloon full either. It can be a major issue, especially if it’s companies who collect the data of clients. Join us today as we discuss the nature of this phenomenon and the ways it may hurt you (and those you serve).

Why Has Data Hoarding Become an Issue?

While some view data hoarding as a mixed blessing, the reality is that it does more harm than good. It fills storage devices, can cloud up everyday use, and even can attract hackers.

The only real grey area is in regards to people who consider themselves data archivists. If a user intends to collect and save huge volumes of the internet, for instance, is that data hoarding? 

The answer to that question may not be clear-cut but it’s also an edge case. Few users are making a genuine effort to archive data, hoping to save it for posterity. For that reason, it’s a question that doesn’t need an answer for the majority of data hoarding to be looked at as an issue.

A Lack of Proficiency Can Lead to Headaches

While it’s getting rarer, many older and otherwise less proficient users tend to be seriously inefficient when using computers. You may have even seen how this can result in data hoarding without realizing it.

If you’ve ever seen a computer user whose desktop is an unorganized mess of different files, you’ve seen data be hoarded. This inefficiency is often caused more by a lack of proficiency and basic computer discipline than any active intent.

Helping these users learn to organize and delete files can often be enough to resolve the issue.

Capturing Moments and Getting to It Tomorrow

The average home user, with at least moderate computer proficiency, can data hoard too. This type of hoarding tends to come down to two major issues: a viewing of files not unlike photographs and just downright laziness.

There is some merit to the first point. Some files may be important to you, like original fiction you’ve written or art you’ve made.

Most, however, you will never look at again and would forget you deleted a few days after doing so. You shouldn’t feel obligated to keep files past their use, even if they were once important to you in some way.

Perhaps a more prevalent issue is when users keep files around they will “get to tomorrow.” Whether that means they’ll finish them up or just delete them “later,” some files sit years on PCs doing nothing.

Chances are you have a project you never intend to finish sitting on your computer. Delete it! It will free up space and, if it has important information on it, reduce the risk you’ll be under if you’re ever hacked.

Big Data Has Poisoned Us

There are some who argue corporate data hoarding can often be blamed on Big Data. There has been a big push to view data as valuable (and it often is) but many companies jump into that mentality without knowing how to differentiate.

These data hoarding security risks stand to often lose the most of any of the types of hoarders we’ve noted so far.

Data hoarding can choke organizations with useless information obfuscating other data that may be needed. In some cases, it may even lead to the corruption and loss of data that would have been useful.

The solution to this issue is a set of clear rules for data management, coupled with organization. If every user of a company PC knows where files go, and which pieces of data can be deleted, operations will run much more smoothly.

This is ignoring that the hoarding of client data means leaks and breaches become much worse. Protecting client data is serious enough business without it coming out you gathered more data than you needed and kept it for no other reason than to have it.

In the worst cases, this could expose you to a lawsuit.

Common Solutions

The number one way to solve data hoarding of all kinds is organization. If you cannot find a file again, or recognize what a file is, then it may sit forevermore in its place. Develop a system, either for yourself or your company, that is easy to understand and gives the files you’re working with clear places to be on your network.

You can further help some aspects of data hoarding with things like file compressors. For example, compressing PDFs may help you save space. If you need many of a similar type of file, compressing can allow for much more data to be stored.

Learning when to just delete files is another must when it comes to avoiding hoarding behavior. Most new data on your computer won’t be useful a month down the line. If you develop the discipline to delete things you won’t need, your system will be much better for it. 

The ability to send documents securely also can help prevent data hoarding. If you don’t need to double up key files between multiple computers, it can prevent a growing sea of unneeded and rarely needed data. It won’t always be an option, but remember that you don’t always need every file to be shared between every company (and relevant client) PC. 

A Little Effort Can Help You Avoid Data Hoarding

Data hoarding is a common issue but it’s also one moderate discipline will solve. If your computers are full of files that go unused, especially files that contain sensitive data, it’s time to organize what you have and clear out what’s not needed.

For the files you have left, we also have dozens of converters to help make sure they’re in the file type you actually want. That’s even putting aside the fact that, like was said earlier, our compressors will be able to save you even more space!

pdf to doc

How To Convert PDF to Doc Without Losing Formatting

What makes a document stand out is in two aspects.

One is in its contents. This includes the information that makes the document relevant and important. 

The other is in its formatting. This gives the document its distinct appearance and function.

When converting a PDF into a different file type such as a word document, the problem that tends to surface is in how it messes with the formatting and layout. The question now is how to change the file from PDF to DOC without losing the layout and formatting set on it. 

Today, that is what we will explore. We look into the steps on how to preserve PDF formatting when changing its file type.

Why Convert a PDF to a Word File?

Before we explore file conversion, let us look at the benefits of converting PDF to DOC. PDFs lend well as portable document files that you can access online due to their file size. It is also easy to send and transfer. 

You can access and view these files on various devices. This ranges from desktop computers to mobile devices.

Though there would be situations where you need to convert a PDF into a different file type. Here are the reasons as to why this becomes a need.

PDF Reader Unavailable

One of the leading reasons behind the desire to convert a PDF file is this. It might be due to how the device used to view the file would either not have a program available to read and open it, or the reader would be incompatible with the device.

For this reason, it leads you to either install a PDF reader or to get a file converter. A file converter might be a beneficial option when you have multiple machines that do not have a reader. Converting the PDF would prove far more efficient when you look at this perspective.

Enacting Edits on the Document

Another reason why file conversion is the better option is due to the need of making the edits on the document. This would be for correcting, adding, or subtracting information from the document. The means of allowing changes on the document helps the case for file conversion.

Another aspect that you can see for file conversion is how it helps with filling up forms. Although this is a feature offered in some PDF Readers. This relies on its availability to users and the program’s compatibility with the device. 

This situation also changes when you use a web browser to access and open the PDF. You can only input the required information if the PDF has fillable fields. The absence of this feature in a file limits the ways you can accomplish the forms.

With that in mind, it shows that converting a PDF into a Word file is the faster and better option. This also allows you to use tools that can let you change your text font and size, as well as other formatting features.

Assistance from Accessibility Options

The other aspect to look at is the capability to read the document. In this case, you have programs that can help the visually-impaired in reading the document using screen-reading tools. The problem is that these tools tend to be incompatible with PDFs.

Converting the PDF to a DOC file poses a better situation for screen-reading tools. It makes the document readable that it can now work for dictation. This is desirable for the blind when they need to know what the document contains.

Ways to Convert PDF to DOC

Most of the programs and applications that work with document creation offer a means to convert a document into a PDF. You can see this feature in the office suite and word processors, allowing you to create a PDF in a flash.

It is possible to reverse the process, where you can save the PDF as a DOC file. One such method is through the use of an online conversion tool. For this, you just need to upload the file to the online file converter, then convert.

The other method would have a step-by-step process using a PDF Reader. This is how those steps would proceed.

Using Adobe Reader

For this, open the PDF using the reader. After which, go to File and then choose Export. From there, choose Microsoft Word Document as the file format of choice.

This is where you need to pause as continuing at this point would end up with you losing the formatting. So, from here, go to Settings and go to Layout Settings to make the needed changes.

Here, you would see some formatting options that you can choose to retain. Clicking on Retain Flowing Text would allow you to preserve the text flow, but the downside is that it would not save the formatting layout. That goes to the other option that says Retain Page Layout.

Once you managed to put in the setting changes. Choose whether you wish to include comments and images. Once done, click on OK and then click Save to turn the document into a Word file.

Just to be sure, check the file on Microsoft Word. See if there are layout changes or it managed to convert properly. 

After Conversion

After converting the PDF to DOC, open the file once more and see if it managed to preserve the formatting. If it managed to do so, then you succeeded with the file conversion. Just in case, check the entirety of the document.

This way, you can check for any errors that may have happened during conversion. You only need to fix it until you’re happy with the format. You can also test out the common Word functions

Convert PDF to DOC Today

There would be reasons why you should convert your PDF to DOC. Whether this is due to the need to edit or you need a file accessible for everyone, file conversion is one of the faster solutions available. This becomes possible when you have online file converters that you can access from anywhere at any time. 

We can help you convert your files into the format that you need. Check out our converters today to get started. You can also contact us for any inquiries, suggestions, and comments.

Posted in PDF
resize a pdf file

How to Quickly and Easily Resize a PDF File

Does your job entail sending all sorts of files to different people? Then encountering PDF files is likely a staple in your everyday work.

The Portable Document Format, or PDF, remains one of the most enduring file formats in the world. There are even over 7.7 billion unique PDF users in 2018.

With the PDFs ability to secure files, we can expect millions of people to continue utilizing them for a long time. However, using PDF is not always a breeze. Sometimes, you need to resize a PDF file for different reasons.

Thus, the question: do you know how to resize a PDF file? If your answer is “no,” then continue reading below to learn how to resize them quickly and easily.

Resize a PDF File Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

There are different ways to resize a PDF file. Since the PDF is a creation of Adobe, nearly three decades ago, let us first discuss how to convert PDFs using the Adobe Acrobat Pro. Using Acrobat Pro is a good option if you want to resize a file without compromising its quality.

To begin, open your Adobe Acrobat Pro and hit the “File” menu. From there, choose “Open” then select the PDF you wish to resize then select “Open.”

Next, drag the PDF file into the “Compress PDF” box. Alternatively, you can hit “Select a file” and select it from your computer. Once the file is ready, you can save it by hitting “Download.”

Next, go back to the “File” menu at the top of the screen. Click either “Compress PDF” or “Reduce File Size.” The option that you will see may vary depending on the Acrobat version you’re using.

Thereafter, you can choose the location you wish to save the PDF file. You may also rename the file while in this step. Complete the process by clicking “Save.”

Keep in mind that resizing your PFs using the Acrobat Pro means buying the Acrobat software. Unfortunately, a lot of people find it quite expensive.

Resizing to A4

Another skill you need to learn is resizing your PDF files to A4. This is important since PDF is one of the favorite formats to use when distributing documents online.

Also, resizing your PDFs to A4 is somewhat tricky especially if you’re using the free version of Adobe Reader. This is because the free version cannot edit the PDF files.

If you wish to resize the PDF for printing purposes, begin by double-clicking the PDF file. You will use your default reader that comes with your computer. Alternatively, you can use the official Adobe Reader, which you can download for free.

Next, hit the “Print File” option at the top portion of the reader. Choose “Fit to Printable Area,” which you can find next to “Page Scaling” on the drop-down menu.

Thereafter, look for the radio button under “Print Rage.” This allows you to print the entire PDF document. If you don’t want to print the entire thing, select “Pages” and pick the range of the pages that you wish to print.

Hit “OK” to begin printing. Make sure to set your printer to A4 settings to ensure that the PDF pages will fit the page size.

Through Mac Preview

Are you using a Mac computer? Worry not, as you can also resize a PDF file with your device. The main tool that you will use to resize PDF files on Mac computers is the Preview app.

Using Preview, open the PDF file you want to resize. Take note if the PDF file opens in a different app.

If it does, close the app then right-click on the PDF file. Choose “Open with” then hit “Preview.”

Next, go to the menu bar at the top of the screen and open the “File” menu. Hit “Export” and click the “Format” menu. Be careful not to select “Export as PDF.”

Next, you want to click the “Quartz Filter” menu. From there, hit the “Reduce File Size” option. Keep in mind that once you hit this button, the quality of your PDF file will go down. This is more evident if the file comes with images.

Thankfully, there is an option to retain the larger version as your original copy of the PDF. To do this, you need to rename the smaller version. A good tip is to type the word “smaller” before “.pdf”.

Thereafter, pick a location where you want to save the file. Finally, hit the “Save” button to complete the process.

Why You Should Resize a PDF

If sending PDF files via email is a norm for you, then resizing them will help you get rid of dead call time.

This is crucial if you need to send the PDF file to another person who needs it right away. By resizing your PDFs, you will be able to send them faster via email. In turn, you can respond to your clients and attend to their concerns swiftly.

Also, you will have a faster time transferring and downloading if you reduce the PDF file size. This is most beneficial when you’re working on PDF documents with hundreds of pages like mortgages and loans. Resizing a PDF also allows you to convert your PDF to EPS and other file formats much faster.

Finally, resizing allows for better collaboration. With faster file transmissions, you can send PDF files to other members of the team more efficiently. They can review the files and provide feedback faster.

As a result, the company becomes more productive. Additionally, smaller files are easier to access using mobile devices. The increase in productivity is only one of the reasons why PDFs are the most important file format around.

Convert Your PDFs and Other Files Today!

Now that you know how to resize a PDF file, you can enjoy faster transfers and better collaborations. In case you don’t have Adobe Acrobat, you can still resize your PDFs through other reliable means.

Check out our different methods for converting PDFs and other file formats, too. Discover the different conversions you can do with our help today!

Posted in PDF
ppt to jpg

Converting PPT to JPG: Save Your Presentations as Images!

You’ve just completed a detailed PowerPoint presentation for work. You have a virtual meeting tomorrow with several coworkers and clients, all of whom use different hardware and software.

The challenge you face is how can you ensure they all have access to your presentation?

Converting your PPT to JPG files is the perfect solution. Almost every device can access and read JPG files.

The JPG format is a common compressed image format used for digital images. You have the ability to adjust the level of file compression. When you open a JPG, you’ll often see an image version of a photo, picture, or document.

The question many ask is how do you convert a PPT to a JPG? Here’s everything you need to know about converting your presentations into images!

PPT and JPG: What Are the Differences?

PowerPoint presentations save with a PPT or PPTX extension. To access a ppt file, you’ll need Microsoft PowerPoint installed on your computer. The benefit of ppt is you can open, read, and make edits to the file.

A JPG is a file extension that stands for joint photographic experts group. This extension is an image that is accessible on almost every type of software, including mobile devices.

The benefit of exporting a PPT presentation to jpg is the jpg has a smaller file size. The image quality remains high even after compression. The smaller size makes sharing these files online faster and easier.

Convert PPT to JPG Using PowerPoint

There are several ways to convert a ppt presentation to a JPG image. The most common method is to save the PowerPoint file a second time and export it as a JPG. Other options include downloading conversion software or using an online converter.

The most common method is to use Microsoft’s PowerPoint software. If you have PowerPoint downloaded on your computer, follow these steps to save your ppt as an image.

1. Open the Presentation

Begin by launching PowerPoint and opening the presentation you’d like to convert. Make sure to save it to prevent losing it during the conversion process.

Once the presentation opens, navigate to the File tab at the top left of the screen. If you’re on a Mac, scroll down and click Export. Those using a PC, select Save As from the File tab.

The Export option will open a fly-out menu with several options. Find the option labeled Change File Type.

A box with several file options will appear. They include options such as presentation, PowerPoint Picture Presentation, PNG (portable network graphics), and JPG File Interchangeable Format.

At the bottom, you’ll find an Other File Types section. Click on the Save As option.

2. Where to Save Your JPG Presentation

Next, you’ll receive a prompt asking where you’d like to save the new version of the presentation. Simply select the location, hard drive, or folder. Your presentation images will save there.

Make sure you remember where you save it. If you forget, you may end up spending several minutes or longer hunting for your image presentation.

3. Save Your JPG Presentation

The same dialog box will also request a name for your presentation images and the file format. In the top box, enter the file’s new name.

Below the name, you’ll find a dropdown box with different file formats to choose from. The default file type should be PPT or PPTX. On a Mac, select the File Format menu.

In the dropdown menu, look for the JPG or JPEG option and click it. Other image files include PNG, TIFF, BMP, GIF, and WAV, to name a few. For ease of use, stick to JPG or JPEG.

4. Choosing Compression Size

You can save space and make your presentation easier to share with others by compressing the size. Navigate to the More Options button below the file format options.

There should be a ‘Compress’ or ‘Compress Images’ option. Select the compression option that fits your needs.

Remember, if you compress your presentation too much, it will be hard to read. If you don’t compress it enough, it may be hard to share via email or other digital means.

5. Save!

Now you’re ready to save your presentation. Select Save or Export at the bottom of the dialog box.

Both the Export and Save As options will ask if you’d like to only save the current slide or the entire presentation. This will depend on your needs.

If you save the entire presentation, PowerPoint will create a folder with the name you entered containing all of the images. If you choose to save only one slide, PowerPoint will export that slide to a single image.

The dialog boxes will close and you’ll have an image version of your presentation. You can find the images in the folder

Converting PPT to JPG Without PowerPoint

What if you have a ppt presentation but don’t have PowerPoint installed on your computer? The good news is you can still convert a PPT to JPG without PowerPoint by using an online file converting tool.

The best part about these conversion tools is they don’t require you to buy or download any software. Most of them are free and offer great results.

Here’s how you can use our free online PPT to JPG conversion.

1. Open the Free File Conversion

In your web browser, navigate to our free PPT to JPG conversion page. Upload your presentation by clicking the green Upload button and selecting the PPT file you’d like to convert. Click on the lower “Convert PPT to JPG” button.

2. Convert and Enjoy

The converter may take a few seconds to process the request. Once complete, you’ll have the option to download your presentation images or convert more files. Click on the Download Now button to download your images.

From there, you can view the presentation or share it with others.

Start Saving Your Presentations as JPGs Today!

Learning how to convert PPT to JPG is a quick and easy way to share your presentations with others. The small size of a jpg makes it the perfect choice for sharing presentations with others on a variety of devices and software. If you haven’t already, give it a try!

Do you have other files to convert? Check out our entire selection of free online conversion tools today!