Sadly, there are many staggering technical innovations that we still don’t have available to us even in 2020. Flying cars that travel at Mach 5, robotic suits of armor with jetpacks, a singular cohesive file type…they remain only dreams for now.
However, there exists a solution to make one of these innovations at least semi-possible. And before you whip out your wallet for a suit of Iron Man armor, it’s the ability to convert file types.
But this raises more questions. How do you convert one type of file to another?
Well, we’re glad you asked. We’re here to break down exactly how file conversion works! So without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
How Does File Conversion Work?
To understand how file conversion works, we first need to look at data structure and compatibility. Data structure refers to how your data organizes itself within the context of a specific file type. For example, the formatting of a DOC file is different from the formatting of a DOCX file.
This is because DOCX is a newer extension and has advanced formatting options DOC doesn’t have.
Data compatibility, on the other hand, refers to how well the data works with a specific program. Many file types get created with the intent to go hand-in-hand with a specific application (like PDF files in Reader).
As such they run into problems when asked to interact with other applications. This is because companies will tend to gate-keep their preferred file formats to their software to prevent you from going to a competitor.
Many developers will take steps to try and accommodate for the most popular file types (think Google Docs and the ability to download said documents in multiple formats). However, they can’t account for every type. So data conversion involves looking at the structure and translating said data to alter its compatibility.
Some conversion software will opt instead to use a program that has instructions on how to convert specific pieces of a file. This is because when you convert, it’s often using two file types that are “saying” the information in the same way. The other main method is translating the file line by line into the format of the other file.
Complications Arise
Of course, there are drawbacks to this process. One of the main problems is that data will get lost in the translation between file formats.
For example, let’s say you were trying to take an HTML file and turn it into a JPEG file. Since converting the file often involves compressing the image, you will lose pixels in the “translation” and end up with a less detailed image than you started with.
Problems also arise when translating written documents. Let’s say you want to take a DOC file and turn it into a PDF file. DOC files are straightforward, as the data they display is all they’ve got.
On the other hand, PDF files carry both the text as we know it and the text in special integers so the program can recognize it and allow you to copy/paste the content elsewhere. So, A equals a certain number, S equals a different number, and so on.
Now, not all PDF files get created with care, and as a result, it has trouble translating every character on the page into something that makes sense (like if the document is a string of numbers). It will appear fine in a PDF viewer, but try to translate the file to a different format and you’ll end up with a nonsensical mess.
Put It Into Practice
Now that you know how data conversion works, it’s important to put that science to the test, right? So let’s start with one of the usual suspects…text files.
Now, most word processors come with a built-in converter. For example, if you go to the File tab in Microsoft Word and click the Save As function, you can save the file in a variety of different forms beyond the standard DOCX for Word.
If the text converter lets you down, ASCII files often work well as a middle ground between two different word processors. Take the text in the original word document and convert it to an ASCII file, then convert it into the desired file type from the second word processor.
But what if you have a text file that’s more like an Excel spreadsheet? Well, for these “database” files, the same rules apply. You either convert it within the processor or use ASCII files as a middle-man between processors.
Put It Into Practice Part 2
For audio files, you’ll often be able to convert them through your player. For example, iTunes gives you the option to generate MP3 files or custom mobile versions of any song you have in your library. If you’re looking for a more well-rounded solution, free software like Audacity tends to pack a greater toolbox of options (like WAV, MP4, and so on).
Got image files you want to convert? Then check your “viewing” or creator software to see how you can alter the image.
That said, it’s important to remember that certain image files cannot turn into other file types regardless of what you do. For example, you couldn’t take a GIF file and turn it into a WMF file.
Video files follow a similar process, as you can convert them from internal video player software on your computer. Examples of these type of software include QuickTime and VLC Player.
If all else fails for any of these file types, hop onto the Internet. Many websites offer free or paid software that will convert files for you without having to jump through a whole bunch of hoops.
Time to Shape Your Files as You Desire
And there you have it! Now that you know how file conversion works, you’re ready to become the king of the computing world as you swap files around with ease! And hey, if you need someone to convert your files with ease (like a simple PDF to TXT change), come use our services to swap them out with ease!
Now, if you’ll excuse, us, we need to go ask General Motors where our flying cars are…