odt document

The Difference Between a Word Document File and an ODT Document File

Every business and individual has used a word processor. Whether it’s for a paper, an invoice, or a project, you can utilize a number of programs to format your projects.

With different programs, you’ll have different file types. However, it isn’t always clear what file type you should use.

Read on to learn about the differences between an ODT document, DOC, and DOCX documents to dispel any uncertainty about which to use.

What is an ODT Document?

An ODT document is an open-source document type. This means that open-source applications utilize this document type to hold information in text-type documents. Some of these open-source programs are OpenOffice and LibreOffice.

ODT documents can contain images, graphics, tables, text, and much more. There are almost no limitations to ODT files, and since they are open source, they are constantly being improved.

Open-source material is able to be changed by anyone who knows how to program. This means that anyone in the world can improve the product which keeps it moving forward without the limitations that a large corporation has.

What are DOC and DOCX Documents?

DOC and DOCX documents are the filetype that is created when you save a document in Microsoft Word. Which version of Microsoft Word you use will determine which filetype is used. DOCX is the newer version which isn’t compatible with older versions of Microsoft Word.

Both of these file types can contain almost any media type and this makes them extremely flexible when it comes to creating invoices, contracts, learning material, and much more. Additionally, due to their popularity, the main operating systems are able to handle opening these filetypes without much effort.

The Difference Between ODT and DOC or DOCX Documents

For simplicity when DOC is mentioned, it will also include DOCX documents. This is because they are extremely similar and are both supported by Microsoft. DOC files are used by older versions of Microsoft Word and DOCX files are used by newer versions of Microsoft Word.

There are very few differences between ODT and DOC files because they have been designed to handle the same type of functionality. The main difference you’re going to see is that ODT is open-source and DOC file types aren’t.

Being open-source means that anyone can dig into how the file is working with ODT. DOC creates somewhat of a security issue in some people’s minds because Microsoft owns it completely. This means that Microsoft holds all the keys when it comes to what DOC file saves and what’s in the files.

Microsoft collects data while you’re using their program whereas programs that utilize the ODT format typically do not. This means that if you want to keep what you’re typing to yourself, you may want to move to open-source programs.

Additional differences are:

  • ODT is arguably more secure because more people are patching security holes in it on a regular basis
  • ODT is usable on any operating system whereas DOC or DOCX is only available on computers that use Microsoft Word
  • Programs that use ODT files are typically free or extremely cheap
  • ODT documents are kept up to date by the community instead of by one corporation
  • DOC and DOCX files are more widely used and won’t have as many compatibility issues

One more difference that needs some explanation is that ODT files are blocked by some email systems. This is because ODT files are related to free programs, and, as a result, malicious people may try to use them to try to compromise computers.

This is a very niche issue because if you’re a trusted sender with email, you will be able to send documents freely regardless. As a salesperson or with cold emailing, you’ll most likely want to stick with DOC or DOCX documents to avoid any potential blocks.

Programs For ODT Files

As we state above, OpenOffice and LibreOffice are the two most popular programs that use ODT files. They are both free, and thus a great replacement for Microsoft Word if you’re on a tight budget.

NeoOffice is another open-source program that will utilize ODT files. There are other programs out there that utilize ODT files but these three are by far the most commonly used in the free word processor sector.

If you’re utilizing Microsoft Word, you can open ODT files without any issue. There aren’t any compatibility issues that are disruptive between the two file types. You can also open ODT documents with almost any file viewer, so there shouldn’t be an issue if your company moved over to open-source software.

If you run into any other issues with any of these types of documents, you can also convert between these three file types very easily.

ODT, DOC, or DOCX Documents?

The main differences between the document types are security-related and preference. Open-source products, like ODT documents, are being kept up to date by a large community whereas the DOC and DOCX document types are proprietary and kept up to date by Microsoft alone.

Utilizing programs that save documents as ODT files can save companies money and the quality is no worse than with DOC or DOCX files. Even Microsoft has designed its software to be able to read ODT files because of its rising popularity.

If you’re looking to convert your files for free, then click on the links above. If you’re interested to learn more about file conversion, feel free to read through the other blogs on our site!

how docx files benefit budding authors

How Docx Files Benefit Budding Authors

It’s an unfortunate fact that only 23% of authors who complete a manuscript manage to get it published. However, don’t give up hope quite yet.

There’s no denying that finding a willing publisher is a daunting challenge, but there’s a way to stand out from the competition.

A unique subject matter, good grammar use, and easily accessible file structure can easily set you apart from the competition.

While we can’t help you with those first two things, we do know a good solution to your file problems: DOCX. In this article, we’ll be showing you all the ways how DOCX files benefit budding authors. Let’s get started!

What Is a DOCX Document File?

Before we discuss how DOCX files can help authors we first need to learn what the format is. DOCX is the newer version of the DOC file—a Microsoft Word format. The file format is used predominantly for text, hyperlinks, and images.

DOCX is an XML format which means the structure of the data is embedded within the data itself. These characteristics make the format incredibly popular because it’s used both on Microsoft Word and other alternative software programs.

Though DOCX has been around for a while it remains a cornerstone in word processing due to this accessible nature.

How DOCX Files Benefit Budding Authors

Now that we know a little more about DOCX let’s discuss how it can be of use for authors, both new and old. We’ll briefly go over some of the ways that the file format can help your writing, but if you want a more comprehensive analysis make sure to check out our benefits guide.

1) It’s Much More Accessible

With over a billion users, Microsoft Word remains one of the most popular word processing formats in the world. If someone is involved in the publishing industry, then you can be sure that they use Word in one way or another.

As such, you want a file format like DOCX that caters to these users’ needs as easily as possible.

While you can’t predict what type of computer your potential publisher will be using, you can assume that they will own Microsoft Word, or have access to a software program that will run the file type.

This accessibility means that the publisher won’t need to go through the trouble of converting your file into a readable format.

By saving them time you already present yourself as a professional who understands the convenience that comes with readily accessible files. This advantage gives you a leg up over writers who send in dated or obscure file types.

2) Higher Fidelity on Images

If you’ve shared images on an original DOC file, then you likely know the pain of low fidelity images. Your photo may look spotless on the original document, but when you compress it to send it comes out spotty and grainy.

DOCX files solve this problem with compartmentalization. Font types and images are stored in separate folders within the document.

When you combine this with more advanced compression technology the result is images that don’t lose any resolution or color during the sending process.

3) Can Evolve With Technology

Worried that the constantly evolving nature of the web will render your file format obsolete? With DOCX you need not panic—the format is essentially future-proof. As we mentioned earlier, DOCX is built around the open standard XML code.

This means that the format will be easily readable in all web-formats. The CSS formatting that comes with DOCX also means that it will be easily translatable to eReaders and eBooks.

This eBook technology will continue to embrace XML and CSS features in the future, so you don’t need to worry about the file format going obsolete anytime soon.

4) It Offers Better Security

The old versions of the DOC format allowed users to embed macro programs into their documents to assist with things like formatting.

While this feature may have been helpful, it also provided ample opportunity for hackers to embed macro-viruses into their downloadable programs.

DOCX deals with this issue by allowing users to use DOCM formats for the same type of macro programs. This addition improves security and reduces the susceptibility to unknown viruses.

5) They Take up Less Space on Your Computer

When the DOC format first came out it was a revelation for many authors since it allowed them to embed images into their word documents. Unfortunately, these image attachments would cause the file size to increase exponentially in size.

DOCX solved this problem by compressing the images in the file. This means that like .ZIP files, DOCX can compartmentalize its content which can cut the size of the document in half. This feature both saves space on your computer and doesn’t overwhelm your editor or publisher with huge file sizes.

6) Not as Sensitive to File Corruption

The more you send a file around the more susceptible it is to file corruption.

If you’re an author, then this is a big concern because you likely need to send the document back and forth to multiple people—editors, publishers, and other industry professionals.

Most of the time corruption affects things like headings, page numbers, and other formatting characteristics. Luckily, the simplified XML language that comes with DOCX avoids this binary DOC system that corrupts easily.

This means that you can repeatedly send the file around to different recipients without worrying about the contents inside.

Need Help Converting Your Files? Look No Further Than Offdrive

We hope this article helped show you how DOCX files benefit budding authors. Not only is this format more reliable, but it can also make it easier for a potential publisher to access your work.

If we convinced you, then you might be wondering: how do I convert my files to DOCX format?

If you want a free solution to this problem, then Offdrive is here to help. We offer free access to everything from document to image file conversion. To get started visit our site today and get converting.

file conversion

How Does File Conversion Work, Anyway?

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…

how file conversion can help your business

How File Conversion Can Help Your Business Run More Smoothly

Files are the backbone of any computer system. They preserve information so we can retrieve it whenever we need to.

Trouble is, over time, more programs have meant more file formats being created. There are at least 44 common file extensions used by Windows alone.

Mac operating systems have extra extensions, such as .pages or .key. These are specific to Mac-only programs.

With so many file types available, it’s inevitable that incompatibilities will arise. Certain formats have drawbacks that other formats don’t. Converting files to make them usable will help your business run more smoothly.

Wondering how file conversion can help your business? Read on to learn more.

What Does File Conversion Involve?

Some file formats work across programs, such as JPG or PDF. You can open a PDF in a dedicated PDF reader or even a web browser.

Other formats only work within specific programs. Think of PSD files within Adobe Photoshop. Or PPT files with Microsoft PowerPoint.

Some software-specific files might be viewable in other programs. As an example, you can view PSD files within Serif’s Affinity programs. Or you can open a DOC inside Google Docs.

Yet viewing documents and being able to use them are two separate things. File conversion lets you take a document in one format and turn it into a format you can work with.

Why Do I Need to Convert Files?

You may wonder why you need to convert files. Wouldn’t it be easier to create files in the right format to start with?

Yes. When you’re creating documents within your business, you can do so. Export files in as many formats as you need. 

Work with your business partners to find out which formats they can open. This might depend on which version of a program they have.

For example, you may have the most up-to-date version of Adobe InDesign. Users of older versions of Adobe InDesign won’t be able to open your files. Exporting files or saving to older versions can solve this problem for them.

Not all businesses will take this approach to file saving and conversion. You may be sent files in a format you can’t open. For example, a Mac user may send you documents in .pages format and you need a Word document.

Perhaps the files come from older software your programs can’t open.

In these cases, file conversion means you can still swap information with partners.

How File Conversion Can Help Your Business Run More Smoothly

Searching for a document in the right format wastes time. That’s time that could be better spent working on projects or solutions.

It also means you don’t need to waste time waiting for a business partner to send a document in the right format. Convert it yourself and get on with the task at hand.

Add conversion into your document workflow so you don’t need to pause to convert a document later. You can do this both when you create documents and when you receive them.

Make sure you give all staff members training on your file handling process. Add this training to your orientation process for new members of staff.

These processes make it easier for staff to take on duties when their colleagues are sick or on vacation.

Converting Incoming Files

You may receive files by WeTransfer or email. Save the file to its project folder. Label it with the date received to help with version control.

After all, you may need to go back to earlier versions. Saving over a file with a newer version removes the earlier information.

Before moving on to the next step in your workflow, do your file conversion. Save any or all of the formats necessary based on the software you use.

You may save the original file into a separate folder. Or save the converted formats into individual folders by file type.

That makes it easier to find specific formats for specific jobs. As an example, your business may use a lot of JPGs in larger documents.

Convert incoming PNGs into JPGs and saved them into a single folder. This makes file organization easier.

Then move onto the next part of the project.

Converting Outgoing Files

When you’re sending outgoing files, you may be able to simply export the document into a range of formats.

If so, export them all at the same time. Zip all formats into one folder and send the single folder.

To save time, the document creator may simply export a single file.

Managers can lose 25 percent of their working time doing admin tasks. So send that file to your admin team and they can do the extra file conversions.

The admin team can create a single folder of all file formats.

File Conversion: Dos and Don’ts

It’s best to have a file conversion process set up in your business. If you leave it up to staff, they may choose untrusted conversion options. You can’t guarantee the security of documents if you aren’t sure how the browser converter works.

By comparison, our online conversion tool encrypts uploaded files with SSL or TLS. The system automatically deletes uploaded files so they are never displayed or saved.

Without a process, staff may convert documents into the wrong formats. This is unhelpful and it also leaves you needing to find storage for extra documents you don’t need.

Make sure everyone uses the same conversion tool. That will add consistency to your process and you’ll be able to predict how much document storage you’ll need.

That’s How File Conversion Can Help Your Business

Proper file handling can sometimes feel like it’s adding unnecessary extra steps to your admin workload.

We hope having read this far, you now you know how file conversion can help your business. It saves you time when sending files to others. Conversion also saves you time when you receive files that you may not be able to open.

It also helps you guard against file formats become obsolete when software advances.

Try our free online conversion tool today. Whether you’re converting documents, images, or presentations, you’re sure to find the right format for you.

.docx

What Is the .DOCX File Extension?

Do you want to know more about the file formats you’re using to save your work? Are you confused about the differences between .DOC and .DOCX files? Do you want to clarify the purposes of the .DOCX or DOCX file extension?

In that case, it’s a good thing you got here. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about DOCX files. Keep reading to discover the answers to your questions.

1. What Is the DOCX File Extension?

Among the 1.5 billion Windows users, 1.2 billion of them use MS Word. If you’re one of the people who use it, you’ve likely encountered the various Word document file formats. Today, the default format for the documents you create is the .DOCX format.

A .DOCX or DOCX file is any document file created by word processing programs. These programs include Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and OpenOffice Writer. They can be documents written as letters, resumes, newsletters, and more.

Everyone can use this document format or file extension. Various industries and practices use documents in the DOCX format. These areas include business, home, and academic fields.

DOCX files don’t only support and save the formatted text. It also includes images, drawn objects, tables, and other elements.

It’s a very efficient and popular successor to the .DOC format.

A Short History of the DOCX Format

Before the DOCX format, the most-used document format was the DOC extension. The DOC format has a long and successful history. For over 30 years, it was the iconic file extension exclusive to MS Word. 

When Microsoft released the 2007 version of Word, it came with the Office Open XML. This included the extensions DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX. The basis of the new extensions was the Extensible Markup language.

This meant it allowed for more benefits. These new extensions became the default save formats for their respective programs. They weren’t popular choices at first since the older versions of MS Office programs couldn’t read the new XML formats.

However, after a decade, the DOCX is the standard file extension for Word documents. It isn’t as universal as the older DOC format. Yet, it remains as the go-to extension for those who use word processors.

2. Benefits of Using a DOCX File 

Why did the DOCX extension rise to popularity? What improvements does it have that it’s more preferred than its predecessor? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between a DOCX file and a DOC file. 

The Office Open XML gives files in DOCX some great benefits.

First, it saves in smaller file sizes. Now, you don’t have to worry about running out of memory space. It also helps a lot in sending files through emails.

Did you know that we sent 156 million emails in 2018 worldwide? In your opinion, how many of those emails contain documents sent in batches because they couldn’t all fit one email? Now, you can squeeze in more document files in an email because DOCX saves in smaller sizes. 

The DOCX format also offers fewer risks of corruption. Another benefit of it is that it compresses images in higher quality. You don’t need to worry about saving a file and opening it to lower-quality images anymore.

The DOCX extension also allows for cross-platform compatibility. This means you can open it with tools like Open Office Writer. 

Note that these benefits extend to other Office Open XML formats like PPTX and XLSX.

3. What to Use to Open a DOCX File 

There are tons of programs in various platforms that can open DOCX files. On a Windows computer, you can use MS Word, File Viewer, Corel WordPerfect X9, and Kingsoft Writer. Mac apps that support DOCX files include Apple Pages, Preview, and Planamesa NeoOffice.

On Linux computers, Apache OpenOffice, LibreOffice, and Hancom  NEO Word read DOCX files. On the web, Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive support the DOC00580078 extension. Many Android and iOS apps can also read files saved in the DOCX format.

4. How to Open DOCX Files 

There’s no difference when it comes to opening a document saved as DOCX. Open it as you’d open DOC files. The catch is that DOCX files aren’t exclusive to MS Office programs.

You can open it by double-clicking the file on the File Viewer. Use the Open command (Ctrl + O) on Word to open a DOCX file. You can even drag the file to an open browser.

The primary software for opening and editing a DOCX file is Microsoft Word. You want to use a 2007 version and above. Otherwise, it’ll go into compatibility mode with an older version of Microsoft Word.

If you have an older version of MS Word, you can download the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for free. This lets you open, edit, and save DOCX files on older versions of Microsoft Word.

5. When to Use the DOCX File Format

It’s safe to use the DOCX extension every time you need to save a document. DOCX is already the standard file extension for documents. As we mentioned, it’s compatible with other word processors. 

The exception to this is if you want to recover files older than ten years. This preserves the formatting of the file in DOC. Later, you can convert it to DOCX.

Another exception is if you want to see how well an out-of-date word processor still works. Create a file in DOC format and open it with the old word processor.

If you’re not doing these, it’s always better to save documents in DOCX extension.

6. How to Convert DOCX Files

Do you want to convert Pages to DOCX files or vice versa? Do you want to convert your old DOC files into DOCX files for universal compatibility? We’ve got the best solution for you.

What you need to do is to head over to our homepage. There, you’ll see the various files you can convert into DOCX. We also provide file conversions from DOCX into other file formats like HTML or ODT.

Use DOCX Files More Often

That’s it for our guide on what .DOCX or DOCX files are and how to use them. We hope you picked up something helpful in this short guide of ours. We also hope you now know more about the two most popular file formats for documents.

Did you enjoy reading about what DOCX files are? Do you want to know more about conversions? Check out our guide here to learn how to convert Google Docs to Word documents and more.

how to convert a gif to video

How to Convert a GIF to Video Format

Do you want to create a video from a GIF file? A GIF is a virtual file format that stands as a way to preserve video and properties. However, GIFs act more like image files saved in a sequence rather than a video file.

GIFs are popular as a way to communicate how we show our reactions or feelings about something. The top GIF database and search engine for GIFs, Giphy, serves over 1 billion GIFs per day. However, we don’t always want GIFs in their traditional Graphics Interchange Format.

In this guide, we’ll give you the steps on how to convert a GIF to video. 

1. Go to Our Homepage

Before we begin, make sure you already have a GIF you in mind. Now, the first step is to head over to our homepage. Once the homepage loads in full, you’ll see a lot of file conversion methods. 

If you have other file conversion types in mind, don’t hesitate to go to our homepage. We offer everything from HTML conversions to document conversions. Now, let’s get back to the steps on how to convert a GIF to video. 

2. Open the Image Conversion List

If you notice, you won’t see anything for GIF conversions on the homepage. The first GIF-related conversion you’ll see is GIF to PDF. The conversions for GIF to video files are in the image conversion list. 

At the top of the page, you’ll see drop-down menus. Set second to the Archive Conversion is the Image Conversion menu. Click the small down-facing arrow and hover your mouse over GIF conversion.

3. Pick a GIF to Video Conversion From the List

Under the GIF conversion menu is a lot of possible conversions. You’ll see a variety of file conversions for your GIF. Pick a video conversion.

The most popular and most-used video encoding format is MP4. This is the best choice if you want to convert a GIF to video in the universal format.

 Other video formats include:

  • AAC
  • OGG
  • WAV
  • 3GP
  • AVI
  • FLAC
  • AC2
  • M4A
  • MOV
  • MPG
  • WMV
  • WEBM
  • MKV

When you pick any of these other formats, make sure you know why you’re doing so. Each video format is unique and has specific functions. For example, MOV works best for Apple’s QuickTime Player while only Windows Media Players can read WMV.

4. Upload the GIF You Want to Convert

Click on the video format you want the GIF converted into. This action will lead you to the next page. Here, you get presented a space for uploading the file you need to convert into video format.

Click on the green Browse button. Look for the GIF file on your computer. Select the GIF and click on Open to set it up for uploading.

5. Find a Way to Pass the Captcha Check

Below the file upload area is the Captcha check. 

Using Captcha Verification is the web technique to ensure that the user is a real human. We use Captcha tests to prevent spam bots from spreading into our pages. Google developed the reCAPTCHA to give users a frictionless experience.

6. Click on Convert File

Once you pass the Captcha check, the convert button will appear in its place. Click on the button to convert GIF to video for Instagram, video editing, or other purposes. Don’t worry about waiting long because this will only take a few seconds. 

7. Select Download Now and Save Video Files

The next step is to save the converted file onto your computer. Once the conversion process is complete, you’ll next click on Download Now. This saves the converted video into the designated download folder on automatic. 

8. Be Ready to Convert More GIFs to Video Format

Two buttons will appear after you pass the Captcha test. They are the Download Now and Convert More Files button. If you want to convert a GIF to video format again, press Convert More Files.

This will bring you back to the upload page. You can choose to convert the GIF into other video formats or pick other GIFs to convert into the same video format.

Note that GIF conversion to video works only one at a time. If you want to convert many GIF files, be patient. The good news is that the conversion and downloading processes are quick and easy.

9. Troubleshooting When Errors Occur in the Process

Are you having trouble finding the Image Conversion list? Make sure you’re viewing the site in full view and full window mode. Otherwise, the conversion menus at the top won’t be visible.

You may also receive error messages from our file converter. This often happens when you pick the wrong conversion method. To fix this, choose the correct conversion method, press Start Over, and wait for your GIF to convert to video.

Always check the downloaded video file for compatibility with your computer or video editor. If it’s not compatible, download the GIF in a different video format. Don’t be afraid to do a bit of trial and error before you convert all the GIFs you have to video.

10. What to Consider When Converting GIFs

Some GIFs can be lengthy while others can last as long as three seconds only. Consider the length of the GIF when you convert them. This may affect the upload, conversion, and download time.

Sometimes GIFs are the best ways to get our messages and emotions across. They can come from series, movies, or even real-life clips. We use them as hilarious memes, reaction pieces, and more.

If you want to start a blog and make it more interesting, it helps to add GIFs with the text. However, for vlogs and videos, the experience isn’t as seamless. Thus, it’s better to convert GIFs to video files before you add them to the video.

Now You Know How to Convert a GIF to Video!

That’s it for our guide on how to convert a GIF to video format. 

We hope you learned something useful from this short guide. You can check our other file conversion methods if you want to reverse conversion and turn a video file into a GIF.

PDF meaning

The PDF Meaning: What Are PDF Files and How Do They Differ From Other Files?

Regardless if you’re a newbie or a veteran to file formats, you will likely encounter the portable document format or PDF. With over 250 billion PDF files opened in 2018, there is no doubt that the PDF is the most important file format in the world. 

Businesses and private individuals use PDF to share and store information. Even the biggest sectors that handle sensitive information use PDF software.

But what exactly is behind the PDF meaning? How do you define PDF? How does it work? What are the advantages that make it stand out from other file formats?

Continue reading below to find out the answers.

Understanding the PDF Meaning

When we talk about the real PDF meaning, it is important to go beyond the acronym. Behind those letters are interesting qualities that continue to influence the way people share and manage documents. 

But what does PDF stand for essentially? First, let’s look back at its humble beginnings. The PDF is software created by Adobe back in the early ‘90s. The PDF’s main purpose is to present and share documents. 

What sets the PDF apart from its contemporaries? The PDF allows you to share and store documents independent of any hardware, software, or operating system. 

Furthermore, when you convert your files into PDF, they will look exactly the way you intended them to be. This means that your documents or images will retain all the data coming from the original file you are converting to PDF. 

Even if you combine graphics and texts in one file, the PDF will preserve the original file’s data.

Today, PDF is more dynamic and interactive than ever. It lets you integrate different kinds of content and features to your documents. And the PDF software does all of these securely.

Why Does Everyone Love PDFs?

There are many reasons why students, individuals, and businesses love PDFs. But one of the main reasons why people trust the PDF is the high-level of security it offers. One of the first things you can do to secure your PDF files is to assign passwords. 

Studies reveal that 43% of hacking victims are small businesses. If you stick to your regular DOC files instead of converting them to PDFs, cyber-criminals can easily steal your company’s valuable information. 

The PDF software also lets you set restrictions on the people who can access your PDF files. You can limit your files only to certain people. In turn, only they can view or edit your PDF documents. 

Another reason that makes PDFs appealing is the consistency in formatting. As we mentioned earlier, your files will look the same when you convert them to PDF. This means there will be no changes to your file’s format when you send them from your computer to another.

A perfect example is when you email a Word document to someone and the latter opens it using his mobile device. Sometimes, the formatting of the Word document comes out differently on the screen of a smartphone. This is crucial since it may cause confusion between the sender and the receiver.

But if you convert your DOC files to PDF, the formatting remains the same. 

Flexible and Compact

Also, PDF software offers remarkable flexibility. It lets you integrate different kinds of content to your documents. This means you can add images, videos, animations, and graphics to your PDFs. 

And of course, you can do all these things without altering the original format. 

Aside from flexibility, PDFs are also compact. Compared to the file size of other popular formats, PDFs file size is much smaller. This means it will not eat a lot of space in your hard drive. 

Even if you are working on high-quality files, PDF can compress them into smaller ones. Apart from saving space, having a small file size makes your documents easier to share.

If your business involves sharing and managing all sorts of documents, it is wise to convert them to PDF for better manageability. 

PDF vs HTML

Now, let’s put the PDF head-to-head against other file formats. Against the HTML, the PDF trumps the former in terms of cost and practicality. The cost to produce PDFs is low especially if you already have the files available for printing. 

When it comes to appearance, PDF retains the exact look of the original documents. On the flip side, HTML’s appearance depends on certain factors. These include the browser, the browser settings, the monitor, and the mark-up tags.

PDF vs DOC

Compared to DOC files, the differences in appearance can be night and day. If the PDF offers consistency, the appearance of DOC files may change depending on the device of the receiver. 

This can be problematic for companies who wish to retain consistency in their logos and letterheads.

PDF vs TIFF

If you are working on scanned images, TIFF is the closest competitor of the PDF. They both work on almost all operating systems. You can also open them using different applications. 

But when it comes to performance, PDF edges TIFF by miles. TIFF works by “wrapping” images. This means it can only support simple tags.

On the other hand, PDF accommodates both basic tags and complex metadata. This makes your PDF files fully-searchable. This is an excellent advantage if you want to archive your documents.

You can easily find them at a later date with much ease.

Also, PDF offers more security compared to TIFF. The PDF lets you set passwords and restrictions, whereas TIFF doesn’t come with built-in security features. The best it can offer is allowing and disallowing access.

Convert Your PDF Files and More Today!

Now that you have a better understanding of the PDF meaning, you can appreciate its features and pinpoint the specific areas where it can help your business. And if you rarely use PDFs, it is high time that you converted your documents to one.

Explore our website and convert your files for free. We offer free PDF conversions for Word docs, presentations, images, and spreadsheets.

Posted in PDF
convert word to epub

Tips to Help You Convert Word to Epub

One of the best things we can do with our files is to convert them to another type. This opens a wide range of possibilities.

One of the best conversions is to convert a Microsoft Word file to an Epub file. Epub is a file used for ebooks. These can be used on digital book readers such as Apple Books. 

Digital books, or ebooks, have become a revolution. If you convert Word to Epub, you will be able to work wonders.

How to Convert Word to Epub

You can now write your own books, essays, short stories, pamphlets, and many other types of documents on Microsoft Word. You can then convert them to Epub and sell them and gain an audience of avid readers.

If you write in Google Docs – as so many writers do today – we suggest learning how to convert from Google Docs to Word first.

You will need to know how to prepare your word document. And you will also need to know what are the best applications for converting files.

Here is how to prepare your Word documents first:

1. Titles and Table of Contents

As an Epub can have clickable links, the first thing you need to do is change your chapter headings to be in the Header 1 format. If you have any subheadings that you want to be easily accessible, make them in the Heading 2 format.

Then, navigate to your Table of Contents page. Go to the References tab in the Word toolbar. Choose the Table of Contents option and choose a format of your liking – making sure that it is under ‘Automatic Table of Contents’ not ‘Manual Table of Contents.’

2. Spelling and Grammar

This should be obvious but you would be surprised at how many authors and publishers overlook this. If you are going to publish your Epub files online, they will likely be rejected if they are full of spelling and grammar mistakes.

Using Word’s spell check is fine. We would suggest using Grammarly, in addition, to completely check that the grammar is up to par. You may also want to use the Hemingway App to make sure that your writing is clear. While this latter application is optional, you want to produce a quality document after all.

After you have confirmed that the spelling and grammar is accurate you are ready to move onto the formatting.

3. Formatting

There are several formatting rules that should be followed. As mentioned in the previous step, all chapter titles and subheadings should be formatted using a ‘Header’ setting. These titles and subheadings can be bold and can be a larger font size – though we wouldn’t suggest going over 14 pt.

Your text should be font size 12 pt. You should go with a standard and commonly used font – with Times New Roman being the ideal. You want to make sure that the margins are set at default – do not make any changes to them. 

You want to make sure all your links are clickable. By default, they will be in blue text to differentiate them from your regular text. We would also recommend making the links in bold so that they can stand out.

Once this is finished you should save your file as a DocX format as well as a PDF. You can then use a software application to preview how the document will look in a digital format. One popular application is Kindle Previewer. While Kindle files are not the same as Epub, they still give you a great impression of how the file will look digitally.

Finally, if you have page numbers on your document – go ahead and remove them. Epub files are usually not intended to have page numbers.

Once the document is to your liking, you can convert it to an Epub file.

Converting to Epub

Once your Word document is prepared, here are the best options to convert it to Epub:

1. OffDrive

We have a free file conversion from PDF to Epub. All you have to do is upload the PDF file of your Word document and within minutes it will be converted to an Epub file!

Next, you can download the Epub file to your computer and are then ready to publish it. Before you do, we recommend running it through a previewer software to see if it is to your liking. If you are a Mac user, for example, you can simply add your Epub file to Apple Books. You can then read through the whole book to see how it will look once it is available for wider distribution.

2. Draft2Digital

The next application to use is from Draft2Digital. This is an online platform for authors who wish to publish their ebooks. Even if you do not wish to publish an ebook, you can still use their conversion tool for free.

The process is straightforward. All you have to do is upload your Word document to the conversion application. Wait a few minutes and then the file will be converted to Epub. You can then download the Epub file – and again, you do not have an obligation to publish anything to Draft2Digital.

3. Reedsy

Another great option to use is Reedsy. This is a publishing platform where you can find professionals to help you with publishing an ebook or digital document. There are also several online collaboration tools and applications on Reedsy.

Among these is an application to create an Epub file. While you cannot upload your Word file to the application, you can copy and paste your text and create your Epub file.

4. Vellum

This is a pricey software application available for Mac users. If you are an independent author and plan on continuously producing ebooks, then this will be a great investment for you. 

You can upload your Word documents to the application interface and then it will be converted within a matter of minutes.

Show Off Your Epub

Now that you know how to convert Word to Epub, you are ready to publish your ebooks, documents, stories, and other written content and share it with the world!

Be sure to read more great content on how to make the most out of your software.

png animation

How to Make a PNG Animation

Animation has become key to communication online, but if you want your own library of animations to choose from, you’re in a tricky position. Most think of GIFs as the primary animated file type, but PNG animation is an even better option in some cases. Read on to learn why.

Reaction GIFs, Flash animations in various formats, and videos are the norm, but you’re probably used to accessing them through services like GIPHY and embedding YouTube videos. We all come to a time, though, when we want to use a certain animation in our conversations or blog posts…only to struggle to find it and give up.

When an online animation becomes your Moby Dick, all you can do is hope to come across it another day, right? Think again—You have other options.

Keeping legality in mind, one option you have is saving your favorite files for another day. But, wait! You started a collection, and now your iPhone memory is all taken up!

Believe it or not, it’s possible to reduce this problem with animated PNGs. If you haven’t heard of them and/or can’t imagine making one, you’re not alone. Here’s how to go about animating PNG files.

Breaking the Mold: PNG Animation Without GIFs

Not all PNGs can move, but APNG files can: Compared to turning PNGs into GIFs, this is PNG animation in the truest sense.

The best news is that optimized APNG files typically take up less space than the same animations in GIF format. PNG also supports 24-bit RGB colors, which means that an APNG file can display more colors than a GIF file. If you can animate a PNG that takes up less space and has more colors than a GIF, why does anyone still do PNG-GIF conversion?

The reason is simple. Most people are in your place—not knowing how to make an APNG. So, this file type isn’t yet common, and there are some catches. Not all sites support APNGs, and it’s sometimes tricky to find tips on making them since people use them less often.

The good news is that they’re rising in popularity and more sites are giving users the ability to upload them. When APNG becomes the norm, you’ll be ready. Here are some great tips on how to make APNG files.

APNGs From GIFs

If APNGs are an alternative to animated GIFs, it makes sense that you can make APNGs from GIF files. That said, most people wouldn’t spot the difference between an APNG and a GIF. When it comes down to it, the differences between the animated file types are subtle.

Aside from smaller file sizes (if you optimize), the wider range of color is perhaps the biggest upside. Unfortunately, turning images into GIFs means that transparency is also affected. So, another reason web users opt for APNG files is that they also work with 8-bit transparency. 8-bit makes partial transparency possible.

For this reason, APNG is a good option over GIF for anyone who wants to keep their colors and transparency as true as they can. The best way to create an APNG from a GIF is by using file conversion software.

Turn PNGs Into APNGs

When it comes down to it, animations are sets of frames in sequence. So, animated PNG files can be created by compiling a set of PNG files, in the same way that classic cartoons were made by placing carefully drawn images one after another. Some artistic software, like GIMP and Photoshop, has this capability.

Before getting into it, be aware that the process is no walk in the park. Making a DIY animation perfect is a time-consuming and draining process. So, going that way might be something to think about if you’re an expert looking to fine-tune every aspect—not in most other cases.

Otherwise, the best and easiest way for most (as well as for plenty of artists and designers) is to instead go online and upload the files to a converter. Before you know it, your static PNG files will be a composite animation. 

Video to APNG

If you’ve spent much time at all online, you’re probably familiar with turning videos into GIF files, whether or not you’ve done it yourself. Some benefits of converting video to animated files are memory conservation and greater ease of sharing on social media and forums. Just like you can convert portions of video to GIF format, you can also convert video to APNG.

The easiest way to do this is by using a converter like OffDrive. You should note that while APNG can be smaller than GIFs in some instances, video converted to APNG still creates very large files.

However, that drawback is also present when you make a GIF from a video. When the two are compared side by side, the biggest downside of APNG is still that you can’t use it everywhere. Newer browsers and software, though, do support PNG animations.

If you want an alternative for video GIFs, APNG is a great format to explore along with WebP and others. Don’t fret, because these formats are also easily created with online converters.

Become an Internet Pro in No Time

Now that you know all about PNG animation, you can get started making GIFs and APNGs from PNG files. With this information, you have everything you need to do to send professional and exciting emails, make fun ads, decorate your blog, or just have funny files on hand to send to friends and family.

Whatever you do with animated PNGs, once you’ve created your files, it’s vital to get the next steps right. Don’t worry about a thing. We have all your internet use needs covered!

Whether you want to convert files of all sorts or to draw in the most followers possible, check out the rest of our blog to read all the best blogging tips and internet advice.

microsoft office

Why You Need to Learn Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is the epicenter for professional communication and applications. 

Not only is it a skill set that is universal, but it is also one that allows you to collaborate with others. Microsoft Office spans across multiple industries, making it one of the most well-known and well-used software. 

From applications, communications, and even operations, Microsoft Office is an incredible skill to learn. In fact, it is one of the essential skills to have in the workplace and a number one requirement across all careers.

Read on to learn more about the importance of Microsoft Office and why you should learn it today.

Microsoft Office is a Standard in Most Industries

There are over a million companies that use Microsoft Office. 

That means that there is a different use case for Microsoft Office and that in itself is worth learning. From enterprises using Excel for their various spreadsheets to writers using Microsoft Word for word processing, there is a range of software that can be used across multiple industries. 

When applying for jobs, it may be a requirement that you know the Microsoft Office suite. This includes positions in administration, wealth management, web development, etc. These industries are very lucrative fields, and if you want to make sure that you are aware of the professional systems, Microsoft Office is the way to go. 

If you take on the job market, learning Microsoft Office is essential. In fact, many jobs require experience in Excel or other office software. If you do not know Microsoft Office, it may hinder your chances of landing that job you want, since it is such a universal tool. 

To make sure that you are prepared for your next career endeavor, consider learning Microsoft Office to help up your chances of securing a job in various fields. 

Microsoft Office Offers Various Applications That Can Be Useful Outside of Work

Even if you work for yourself or aren’t looking for a career change, Microsoft Office offers applications that are very useful for professional and personal use. For example, Mircosoft Excel can help you organize data like appointments, select dates, or other events.

Additionally, Microsoft Word is the gold-standard of word processing. Even if you are writing just for fun, Microsoft Word is a great platform to jot down your ideas. 

Microsoft Office is User Friendly and Intuitive

Since Microsoft Office’s inception in 1989, the platform has evolved and grown. However, the basics have stayed the same. Thirty-one years later, Microsoft Office is still adaptable and easy to learn. 

From the installation process to everyday use, Microsoft Office is not clunky or slow. It is responsive and guides the user through various options. You don’t have to be computer savvy learn Microsoft Office. Once you start using it, you do not forget it. 

Microsoft is Secure and Offers Cloud Services

Microsoft Office Suite is not only intuitive but secure. 

With its cloud services, you can safely store all of your data in the Microsoft cloud. This means that all of your content is accessible across multiple devices and that you can even access your data on the go. 

Additionally, if you want to get into the Microsoft Office ecosystem, there are even mobile versions of the desktop applications. These include Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. 

Microsoft Office is Cross-Platform 

The “Mac vs. PC” feud is a tale as old as time. 

However, the benefit of learning Microsoft Office includes the fact that it is cross-platform. This means that you can learn Microsoft Office on any computer, whether it runs Microsoft’s Windows or Apple’s macOS. 

This is huge because it unlocks a new layer of communication across various platforms. If you and your team have different operating systems, it doesn’t hinder you from sharing and collaborating on documents. 

Additionally, the format is the exact same on both Windows and Mac. Though some short cuts may differ, the general interface is the same. This means that there is cross-platform continuity that will allow you to use the same Microsoft Office no matter your machine. 

Microsoft Office Makes Data Digestible 

Data can be complicated, especially if you are dealing with large amounts of it. 

One of the most significant benefits of learning Microsoft Office is the fact that it allows you to digest your data with ease. Whether you are budgeting your finances or your company’s, Microsoft Office will enable you to see patterns and figures that can influence your decisions. 

Additionally, it makes data easy to comprehend. With a simple interface and tools, it makes it easier than ever to understand what the input or output is. Once you learn the ropes of Microsoft Office, there opens a door of various advanced options that can enhance your personal or professional workflow. 

The Benefits of Learning Microsoft Office

As you can see, there are various benefits to learning Microsoft Office. 

From professional to personal benefits, Microsoft Office is a tool that is enhancing your computing experience. With various devices that allow you to input data, process words, or even connect with others, Microsoft Office offers a wide variety of resources for everyone. 

With Microsoft Office being the standard for most businesses, it is no secret that it is not going anywhere. A great way to learn more skills and enhance your understanding of new software is to learn the ropes of Microsoft Office. 

For more information on technology, check out our blog for more details.