Author: Offdrive

doc to png

How To Convert Your Doc to Png Format On Your Personal Computer

Posted on | by Offdrive

1.2 billion people use Microsoft Office, which includes Microsoft Word.

That’s a huge percentage of the population. But it also means that a lot of people are left out and may be unable to access the necessary files.

In this article, we’ll go over how to convert a doc to a png file, something that many people don’t already know how to do.

Read on for more valuable information for creating a format that everyone can read, regardless of if they have Microsoft Office installed.

What Is .Doc and .PNG?

Before we go any further, let’s discuss what .Doc and .PNG files actually are.

Any file with a dot in front of it represents a computer file. The suffix, like the .doc or .PNG are the extensions, which tell the computer which application to open it with.

A .doc file is exclusively a Word file. This means that if the person you’re sending the file to does not have Word, they’ll be unable to view it. Their computer will either try to decipher it, or give them an error letting them know they could not access it.

A .PNG file stands for Portable Network Graphic. These graphics allow a little bit more transparency than .GIF images, which are closely related. They do not allow animations.

You can open a .PNG file on almost any type of computer or smart phone. Therefore, a .PNG file makes whatever it is you’re trying to send more accessible to everyone.

Why Would You Convert a Doc to PNG?

There are many reasons why you would convert a .doc file to a .PNG file, but the most common is so you can share information that the other party may otherwise be unable to read with their current equipment.

You may wish to share these files for school projects, for work, or for personal use.

You may also want to use it to upload specific information to a website, to show specific work, or to show people specific pages in a project or document.

Limitations to Converting a Doc to PNG Image

There are a few limitations to converting .doc to PNG image. The major limitation is that a Doc file saves all of the pages at once. A PNG file only saves one page at a time. Each page will present as different files.

So, for example, if you want to send someone a 1,000-word paper you’re writing, you’ll be able to send the whole thing via a .doc file that they’ll just open and look at. All of the pages will attach themselves so that you have a cohesive document. The document will also already be in order, so there is no confusion about which goes where.

A .PNG can only take one page at a time. That means that you won’t be able to send a cohesive document, but only each page individually.

How to Convert a Doc to a PNG Image

It’s relatively easy to convert a Doc to a PNG image, especially on certain types of computers. For some computers, any screenshot you take will be in a .PNG format, making it incredibly simple to convert the file type without actually having to convert it.

One way to do this is to is to open the Word document you wish to make a .PNG. You can then take a screenshot using whichever method your process uses for a screenshot. Then, your computer will automatically save the .doc file as a .PNG.

Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to copy one page at a time. Therefore, you’ll need to keep track of where your .PNG files go on your computer so that you can be sure you send all of them to the person who needs them.

This way, you’re positive the individual receives everything you’re giving them and that they can read it.

A good tip for this conversion is numbering each .PNG so that it’s in order. This way, the person receiving it will be able to understand the order it’s in. Although a screenshot doesn’t always save as a unique name, you can open up the document, click on it and change the name at the top.

Online Conversion

A less messy way to do this is to use an online conversion tool. While some competitors make you pay for this, our service is free and user-friendly. It also doesn’t require that you download any software, meaning you don’t need to clog up your computer with something you’re not interested in.

Our online conversion is very simple. You’ll just click “browse” and locate your doc file. Once you’ve located it, click on it and let the site know you’re not a robot by completing the captcha.

In no time at all, you’ll have everything converted from a .doc file to a .PNG file, ready to send to people who do not have Word on their computers. Or, you can send it to people to highlight specific points of your Word document.

Conversion Tools

Our website offers a wide variety of conversion tools for all of your needs. While some websites and programs require you to pay to convert files, ours are absolutely free and allow to convert a doc to png with ease.

Click here to convert a PDF into a doc file to allow you to edit something that you were unable to edit previously. Our site supports almost all formats available.

excel file extensions

A Quick Guide to Excel File Extensions

Posted on | by Offdrive

There are all kinds of new information employees are expected to learn and utilize in the workplace. Computers and file extensions are one such big area. 

File extensions are those short string of letters that sit after the ‘.’ in your file name. There all kinds of different file extensions and these extensions help your computer decide which program to open the file in. 

Different programs are associated with different file extensions, and a wide variety of different programs can open some extensions. When working with different programs, such as Excel, it can feel overwhelming to consider all the different types of file extensions. 

Excel works a huge number of different extensions, and each of these extensions has a different purpose. Need help figuring out which extension is right for your current needs? Read on, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Excel file extensions. 

XLS and XLSX Files

The default file type associated with the Excel program is either XLS or XLSX depending on what version of Excel you are currently running. Excel versions prior to 2007 used the XLS extension while those that came later used the XLSX. 

The XLS and XLSX file extensions instruct a computer to open the given file within Excel itself. These files hold all information that would be included in an Excel spreadsheet, including data, formatting, graphics, and so forth. 

Why the switch to XLSX? XLSX files are actually XML-based files. That means they are smaller in file size and take up much less space on a user’s computer. It also means it takes less time to send, download, or upload Excel files to share with other users. 

The newer versions of Excel still are XLS-compatible and allow you to open and convert XLS files to XLSX within the program. That means updating to a new version of Excel won’t force you to leave your old files behind. 

If you work off a Mac computer but use Excel, the XLSX file extension is the type of file you will be using. 

XLTX and XLTM Files

There are also file extensions that export your Excel work as an XML itself.

If you’re not familiar, XML stands for extensible markup language and serves as a kind of template file. Instead of literally holding all of the data and graphics in a file, an XML keeps track of the template of the file and allows additional information to be pulled from elsewhere on a computer. 

Template files are a good example and are often found in the XLTX or the XLTM file extension formats. These templates contain information such as the number of pages, formatting, and various formulas put in place. 

XLSB Files

The .xlsb format is used when the file information is stored in binary format as opposed to XML documents. This file format can be helpful when the file in question is very large in size because it’s twice as fast to save or open. 

Many of the above file formats can be opened in Excel-friendly applications such as Bloomberg or Capital IQ. But XLSB can’t be used outside of Excel, and can only be opened within the program itself. 

It’s rare to be in a situation where you would need to use the XLSB file format, but if you have a file that’s larger than 10MB, it’s something you might want to consider. 

.XLL Files 

Another rare but helpful to know extension is .XLL. This the extension for what is known as an Excel add-in file. These file extensions allow users to use third-party tools and functions within the program that might not otherwise be available. 

These files are built specifically by third-party programmers for use with Microsoft Excel. It’s very rare that you would need to export something yourself in the .XLL format, but you might download .XLL files in order to use in your work within the program. 

Sometimes, Microsoft offers small updates to Excel in the form of .XLL downloads from the Microsoft Download Center. 

How To Change The File Extension

Now that you have an understanding of what the different file extensions mean, you might have an idea of which extension you’ll need for the job in front of you. But how can you switch to that extension? 

It’s actually fairly easy of a task.

All you need to do is open the file you want to alter and go to File and Save As. If you are working in the most updated version of Excel, you might have the option written as Save A Copy. After you accept or change your file name, you’ll notice a dropdown bar that contains a number of different file extensions. 

You can pick your desired file extension from this list and press save to convert the file to that extension. On this menu, there will also be the option to export your excel file into more easily readable file types, such as PDF or HTML.

If you choose a file format that is for some reason not compatible with the file you’ve created, you might get an error box telling you such. Sometimes certain formulas or formats don’t work in other file extensions. You’ll need to remove these formulas before making an attempt to change file extensions.

Understanding Excel File Extensions

There are many different excel file extensions you should be familiar with if you want to become an Excel master. Understanding these extensions can make the work you do with the program to be much easier and more efficient. 

Need help converting files for your job? Let us help you free of cost. 

powerpoint to keynote

Powerpoint to Keynote: The Pros and Cons of Converting

Posted on | by Offdrive

Got a big presentation coming up, but don’t know whether to use PowerPoint or Keynote to make the greatest impact?

Not to worry.

We’ve got you covered with this simple guide to understanding the pros and cons of converting PowerPoint to Keynote. Now, you can spend more time creating quality presentation content instead of hassling over how to use and manage the software of your choice.

PowerPoint to Keynote: Pros and Cons

Especially for those Mac users out there, your choices for presentation software are pretty obvious: PowerPoint or Keynote.

Each one has useful and unique features. Both come with varying fees and costs as well. To find which is best for your presentation, it’s best to consider what type of content you’ll be using them most often for.

Pros of Converting to Keynote

If you didn’t realize already, Keynote is specifically designed for Apple products. This means it works great for phones running iOS software, Apple tablets, laptops and computers.

Keynote is a great asset if you like your presentations to look “profesh” but you’re seriously lacking in personal design capabilities.

You get an easy choice between various templates and fonts and you can even convert your old PowerPoint slides into a Keynote presentation. Bada-bing, bada-boom!

Other incentives for making the jump from PowerPoint to sleek Keynote include:

  • Keynote offers a mild learning curve. Creating presentations in Keynote is not that different from doing them in PowerPoint. This is good for you as you won’t need to spend hours relearning how to design things. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
  • Keynote is extremely user-friendly.
  • You get a more modern, clean presentation.
  • Your presentation looks less like it’s using the same deck as the presentation given last week from the HR department. Basically, you get a less “standard” format.
  • You can download new or additional templates to look even more unique.
  • Choose from several high-design templates.
  • Intuitive element placement help so your presentation doesn’t look cluttered.
  • Capable of supporting multiple media files from video, audio, images and more.
  • Transport files with ease from your iPhone to your MacBook without converting files and risking format changes.
  • Transitions and animations are modern. No more checkered boxes or zippers changing your screen from one slide to the next.
  • Keynote is FREE if you are using an iOS device.
  • You can manipulate and crop photos within Keynote easily.

Cons of Converting to Keynote

While anyone might like free presentation software on their iPhone, there are still some potential costs and other things to be aware of when considering the switch to Keynote.

  • It’s not as adaptable as PowerPoint. Manipulating and sharing files is harder unless all you or colleagues are using are Apple products.
  • If you’ve never used Keynote or an Apple product, there will be a slight learning curve.
  • Not all effects are supported when converting from PowerPoint. Mostly these include 3D effects, so be aware if you’re making a move over.
  • Additional templates may cost a fee.

Overall, Keynote is easy to use and easy to transition to from PowerPoint if you’re familiar with Apple products and plan to use them exclusively. Keynote also gives your presentations a much more modern look to remove the feeling of being lectured to.

Pros of Sticking with PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a classic for a reason. It’s likely the most well-known and maybe even the most commonly used presentation software out there.

If you’re one of the millions who have spent your whole work life using PowerPoint then making a switch may present a challenge. PowerPoint is adaptable to both PCs and Macs, however, this does mean your presentation is a bit limited to your laptop.

Other pros:

  • Data integration and chart creation work excellently.
  • Adding Excel spreadsheets, data, word documents, and any other Microsoft files are seamless.
  • Use drag and drop for easy adding and editing of elements.
  • Most people have used PowerPoint before and will be easily able to navigate the presentation or the files should the presentation be shared.
  • You get literally thousands of themes, templates, fonts and more to choose from for free.
  • The “notes” function makes printing out your slides for easy review simple.
  • Smart design suggestions help you create a clean, professional looking design without the use of a restrictive template.
  • You can control just about anything in your design using Advanced Functions.
  • Great for collaborative projects where different contributors are using various devices and files.
  • Best for complex data.

Cons of Sticking with PowerPoint

PowerPoint has many features and capabilities to offer. Unfortunately, this complexity can create challenges for some users:

  • So many features that users can become confused.
  • PowerPoint must be purchased. It does not come free with your device.
  • It’s easy to look dinky or unprofessional as there are many cheesy animations and designs or templates to choose from.
  • Adding multimedia files can be iffy. Not all files convert well unless they were created on the same device you are presenting with.
  • Photo editing and cropping is tougher.

When it comes down to it, PowerPoint may be a bit tricker for some users to navigate. Still, the ability it has to adapt various files and data may rule out many of the cons.

You’ve got the pros and cons of converting PowerPoint to Keynote. So now the question is, should you do it?

Which Presentation Software is Best for You?

All in all, if you do presentations often as part of your team or job, it’s best to familiarize yourself with both types of software. This will ensure you’re ready to present professionally regardless of which software you are required to use.

Not to mention, each has its place and offers pros the other does not that could be an asset to you depending on what type of presentation you need. Presentations with large amounts of data are best done via PowerPoint.

For cleanliness, simplicity, and professionalism, converting PowerPoint to Keynote is a good idea. For more techy hacks and advice on files, software, conversions and more, check out our blog.

ODT files

How ODT Files Can Benefit Text Documents

Posted on | by Offdrive

Considering making the .ODT file your default text extension instead of a .DOCX file?

A file with the .ODT file extension is an Open Document Text Document file. Files like these are usually created by the free to use OpenOffice Writer word processor program.

Open Document files share a lot in common with Microsoft Word files. They’re both document files and feature text, images, objects, and styles. They’re both compatible with lots of programs, too.

Likewise, ODT files are compatible with Microsoft Word and other applications such as OpenOffice and LibreOffice. However, you can expect to see some formatting differences, and some Microsoft Word features aren’t available in ODT files. There are a lot more differences the two file extensions share too.

So why change from the popular Microsoft Word file to the OpenDocument file? Well, ODT files offer a whole host of benefits.

Ready to learn what they are? Read on.

The Benefits of Using ODT Files

So, what are the benefits of using an Open Document format?

1. Creates Well-Presented Documents

Firstly, files using the ODT format can contain rich formatting, clever graphs and tables, high-quality imagery, and other objects too. This means the format is very popular among those who need to create documents like essays, letters, contracts, reports, plus more. Basically, they can be used for a wide variety of different types of writing.

2. Easily Edited

Likewise, ODT files can easily be edited by those receiving them as well as their original authors across a huge range of software, including assistive technology.

3. Versatile

As mentioned, the format is also supported by various other non-open source applications, making Open Document files very versatile. They also work on most operating systems for desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets.

4. Strict Security

Open Document files allow for stricter security checks in comparison to other text files, helping prevent common cyber-attack scenarios. This is an especially attractive quality for big or high-profile businesses whereby keeping important data and personal information safe is crucial.

5. Cost Effective

Open Document files are either low cost or free to use so this allows individuals, businesses, the government, and other organizations to create and share documents without incurring additional costs.

How to Open an ODT File

Now you understand the benefits of using ODT files, it’s time to understand how to use them.

Open Document files are created with OpenOffice Writer, so the best way to open and edit a file is by using the same program. Alternatively, you can opt for LibreOffice Writer, AbiSource AbiWord, Doxillion, or another free document editor.

If you haven’t got any of these programs, don’t panic. As mentioned, Microsoft Word can open ODT files and you can also edit them there too.

Likewise, Google Docs can be used to open ODT files too. If you’re using Google Docs to edit the Open Document file, you’ll need to first upload it to your Google Drive account. Simply click New, then onto the File upload menu.

To open an Open Document file on an Android mobile device, you can install the OpenDocument Reader App.

If you’re using an iPhone or another iOS device, you can open ODT files with OOReader or TOPDOX Documents editor programs.

How to Convert a Text File into an ODT File

Perhaps you have a text file saved into a different format that you’d like converted into an ODT file. Here’s how to convert it.

1. Using Microsoft Word

If you already have Microsoft Word then converting a text file is easy. Simply open your file and choose an ODT file when you save it from the drop-down menu. There are also plenty of other text formats to choose from, such as DOCX.

2. Using Google Docs

Converting using Google Docs is just as easy. To convert your text file into an ODT file, simply click on File, then Download as, and choose Open Document from the options available. Too easy!

3. Using an Online Converter

Alternatively, you can use a free online converter like ours for quick and easy conversion.

Simply rest your browser on Document Conversion at the top of the page. From there, you’ll have a huge choice of text documents to choose from. We can convert DOC, DOCX, HTML, PAGES, PDF, RTF, and TXT to ODT, so no matter the text file type, we’ve got you covered.

Once you’ve selected your text file type, you’ll be taken to a new page. Click on browse and select the correct text file you’d like converted. Then click on ‘I’m not a robot’ to pass our security checks.

Click on the green Convert to ODT button. You’ll be taken to a new processing page where your new document will be converted. Once your conversion is finished, you can then click on Download now.

Your new ODT document will start downloading. Voila!

With our free online converter, you can use it as many times as you like without charge. Go crazy with your conversions!

Ready to Start Using ODT Files?

Now you’ve learned of the benefits of using ODT files and understand how to open and convert them, we hope we’ve given you the inspiration to make that move from using other text files!

Want to learn how to convert a text file to a PDF file? Check out our guide ‘5 Quick Ways To Convert Your TXT To PDF Files In Minutes’.

difference between DOC and DOCX

The Crucial Difference Between DOC and DOCX Word Files

Posted on | by Offdrive

Microsoft Word was first released in 1985, and there are currently over 1 billion people all over the world who use Microsoft Office to help them accomplish their daily tasks.

If you’ve ever used Word, then you’re probably no stranger to what a Word document looks like.

However, you might also know that when you go to save the document, you’re presented with more than a few options as to your preference of file format.

If this has left you feeling confused, then here’s everything you need to know about the difference between DOC and DOCX Microsoft Word files.

A Brief History of Word Documents

When Microsoft first released Word for MS-DOS, it started by using the DOC format. This quickly became the most popular file format and its popularity lasted for nearly 30 years.

Until 2006, Word was also the only program that officially supported DOC files. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, other programs could finally support the DOC file format, but the full range of capabilities and functions wouldn’t work.

It was in 2006 that Microsoft decided to open the specification and then the file was reverse-engineered. In 2008, the file format became available on other programs and platforms.

This is part of the reason why you can download a file from Google Docs as a Microsoft Word file. However, you’ll notice that you’re only able to save as a DOCX file. Why?

Microsoft had a lot of competition in word processing and finally decided to release an office publisher that used Extensible Markup Language rather than the binary-based format.

This led to the creation of the XML-based DOCX file that we’re so familiar with today. We’ll explore the differences between the two different file formats below, but first, we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s really no difference at all.

The DOCX file became pretty standard for business and personal use in 2008 when Microsoft Word 2007 became fully implemented and widely-used.

What you’ll find is that some users have trouble opening certain files. This is the biggest difference.

Understanding the Difference Between DOC and DOCX Files

The easiest way to understand the difference between DOC and DOCX files is to understand first that they’re both word processing files from Word. 

The biggest and really only difference is the year of the program that created them.

If you’re using Word 2003, then it’s likely that your processor will automatically save documents as DOC files. If you’re using Word 2007 or a newer version of the software, then the program will save your documents as DOCX files.

This really means that there’s not much of a difference. There is, however, a problem that arises when most people try to switch back and forth between a DOC and a DOCX file.

If a client, colleague, or friend sends you a DOCX file and your use Word 2003 or an earlier version, you’ll find that you can’t open the file.

To be able to open the file, you’ll either need to:

  • Upgrade your current version of Word. All you need is at least Word 2007 to ensure that you can open a DOCX file.
  • Purchase Microsoft Office! If you’re working off a bootleg version of Word, then you won’t be able to upgrade it. This is the problem, unfortunately, that most people run into.
  • Purchase Microsoft’s “compatibility pack.” If you don’t want to upgrade your current version of Word, then you can get the compatibility pack that should allow an older version of Word to open a DOCX file.

However, one of the easiest ways to open a DOCX file is to simply use an online file converter. It’s fast, easy, free, and it doesn’t require you to download any software to your computer.

How XML-Based Files Changed Word Documents 

Once Microsoft made the shift from MS-DOS files to the XML-based DOCX format, it caused a bit of a rift in the entire word processing industry.

The files themselves don’t look any different, and the word processor doesn’t provide you with any sort of additional functions.

What happened was that the DOC file was proprietary to Microsoft. This meant that other software and word processors couldn’t read the file.

Obviously, Microsoft wanted its users to be able to transfer files back and forth to other people who might not be using Microsoft products.

This, as mentioned, led to the creation of DOCX. They were able to add a few new features that weren’t possible when Microsoft was using the older coding. This benefitted users! 

However, the problem remained that people couldn’t easily switch back and forth between DOC and DOCX from computer to computer unless they were running the same version of Microsoft Word.

Over time, as more and more users switch over to more updated versions of the word processor, it seems likely that Microsoft 2003 (the version that supports the original DOC file) will also phase itself out.

This means that over time, the DOC file extension will cease to exist and the entire world can go back to easily sharing word documents back and forth.

Only this time they’ll be using DOCX files. 

Easily Convert Files to DOCX

So, now you understand the difference between DOC and DOCX, right? Great!

If you’re still having trouble getting DOCX files to open on your computer, then there’s a pretty simple fix. Using our online file converter will help you convert any kind of word document into the document you desire.

Need to convert DOCX to DOC or vice versa? We’ve got you covered!

Need to convert a DOCX or DOC file to a PDF? We can do that for you too!

The best part? Our online file conversion tool is totally free to use. All you need to do to get started is to select the type of file you want to convert “from” and then the format you’d like to convert “to.”

It really is that simple.

html to docx

Why Converting HTML to Docx Can Make Researching Easier

Posted on | by Offdrive

With over 114 million scholarly documents available online, using the Web for research makes sense these days. This is true whether you’re writing a college paper or focusing on a work project.

All of those Web pages, though, are in HTML, and that’s not always the ideal format for collecting and using your research. Many times, you’re better off converting the HTML to DOCX.

That may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be, and it offers many benefits. Here’s what you need to know about making that switch.

What is HTML?

First, though, it helps to understand what HTML is.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the standard used to write information designed for display on the web. A web server passes an HTML file to your web browser, and the browser translates that into what you see on the screen.

HTML includes information on how to format the page, such as font, spacing, paragraph breaks, images, etc. It uses tags and special codes to indicate how everything should look.

Trying to read this as straight text is difficult since it’s hard to distinguish the information from the formatting. Luckily the browser does the work for you, so by the end, you only see the relevant information.

What is DOCX?

Before you convert your HTML to DOCX, it helps to also understand DOCX.

If you’ve seen or received a document written in Microsoft Word, the chances are good that it has a .docx extension, although it wasn’t always that way. Before the 2007 edition of Word, the default was to save as .doc.

The change came to support open-source standards. This allows the files to be read by other word processing programs, such as Google Docs. The DOCX files are also smaller and easier to transfer, making them a better choice all around than DOC files. 

7 Reasons to Convert HTML to DOCX for Research

As you can see, HTML and DOCX are very different. HTML files are meant for web browsers, while DOCX files are meant for people to read. This leads to the reasons why you would move a file from HTML to DOCX when doing research.

#1 – No Ads

When you’re looking up information online, ads can be very distracting. You’re trying to focus on the details of your work, but you keep seeing information about interesting products and events.

If you convert that information to Word, though, you can get rid of the ads. This helps you stay focused and on-task.

#2 – No Paywalls

Additionally, if you need to go back to your research information again, once it’s saved in Word, you don’t need to worry about possible paywalls. While some online information is free, not all of it is, and you may only be able to access information once or twice for free.

#3 – Readability

You can certainly get past ads and firewalls by saving the website information as an HTML file, but it’s not very readable. Most people aren’t going to want to wade through the tags used in HTML to find the relevant information – including you.

Word, on the other hand, is much easier to read because it’s designed for people. You won’t need to look at all the details of how it’s formatted and can focus on the information.

#4 – Formatting

Another challenge with HTML is that even if you open the file in a browser, where it’s easier to read, it can look different depending on what browser you use. You might notice this yourself if you visit a site in Google Chrome and then again in Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer.

This happens because browsers interpret incoming information differently. For example, you might have different default fonts and slight differences in formatting. This is especially true if you have an older version of the browser.

This doesn’t cause huge problems when doing research, but it can be confusing if someone reading your paper gets a different view of the information when looking at the HTML file from a different browser.

#5 – Editing

One of the biggest benefits to using Word, though, is that it allows editing. Not that you want to edit your sources for research, but you might want to highlight things, or make comments. You can easily do that in Word, but you can’t in the HTML file.

#6 – Compile Information

You may also find that it’s easiest to have all your research materials in one place. This isn’t very easy to do with HTML, but it’s easy with Microsoft Word.

Using Word, you can put all your reference materials together, separating them by section and headings as needed. This will make it much easier for you to refer back to when working on your paper or project.

#7 – Citations

Referencing online information is becoming very common. You can even find instructions on the best way to cite online resources.

While you would still want to point to the online link, it may also be helpful to provide the information as a Word document, especially if you have multiple citations. That allows you to reference a page number to more specifically indicate where you got the information.

What About DOCX to HTML?

You may also be wondering, would you ever go the opposite direction and convert DOCX to HTML?

You might, but from a research perspective, it wouldn’t be the best approach. This conversion is mostly used if you’re working on a page for a website and prefer to draft it in Word, then get it online.

Moving from HTML to DOCX

Doing research for school or work often happens online, but the research doesn’t need to stay there.

Changing the information from HTML to DOCX has many benefits. You can more easily comment on relevant sections and compile your information together, without worrying about formatting differences, ads, or paywalls.

Even better, doing the conversion is very simple. You can easily find tools to turn that HTML text into a Word document with just a couple of clicks.

Are you doing some research now and want to get the HTML information into Word? Check out our free HTML to DOCX converter.

PNG vs. JPG

PNG vs. JPG: How to Know Which Is Best for Your Image

Posted on | by Offdrive

In the world of digital images, you’ve likely come to know two formats: PNG and JPG.

If you compare the two photo formats next to each other, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between the two

However, upon further inspection, they’re pretty different, and they both serve different purposes.

So, what’s the difference between PNG vs. JPG and when should you use each file format? We’ve got the answers for you below.

What is a JPG Image?

JPG stands for Joint Photographics Expert Group. Images that use the JPG format generally feature a nice balance of image quality and file size, meaning that during the compression process, the file isn’t affected too much.

It’s important to know that JPG images usually feature a 10:1 compression ratio.

For example, if you start with an image that is 100MB and then you try to export it as a JPG, the image will end up being around 10MB.

How does this type of picture format accomplish that kind of compression? It looks for similar pixels and merges them together in tiles.

While this is pretty efficient for a basic photo editor, it does cause photos to lose their quality. This means that if you’re trying to save an archival photo as a base to work off, it’s best not to save it in the JPG photo format.

What is a PNG Image?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics, and it’s a lossless file format. 

What does lossless mean in this context? Well, it means that you won’t lose any quality each time you edit, open, or save the photo.

Unlike a JPG image, PNG images use something called LZW compression. Instead of creating tiles by merging similar pixels together, LZW compression takes strings of bits and matches them to longer sequences.

While the actual science behind it all is pretty complicated, all you need to know is that the file stores these sequences in something called a codebook. Then, it stores the codebook within the image file itself.

This means that a PNG image will have a higher quality resolution within a smaller file.

Instead of compressing the file by grouping pixels together, a PNG file preserves the image pixel-by-pixel.

Here it’s important to note that while PNG is a lossless file format, it is better for use on the web. When shooting raw photos, you’ll want to stick with RAW photo formats or even DNG or TIFF.

When to Use a JPG Photo Format

Think you’ve got a solid understanding of the difference between PNG vs. JPG? Now you’ll need to figure out when it’s best to use each one.

For simple photo sharing and uploading images to social media platforms online, you’ll probably want to stick with a JPG photo. 

It’s a widely accepted photo format and the file is a bit smaller than PNG images. Oftentimes, you’ll find that online applications won’t let you upload PNG photos, which means that you’ll have to convert the file to a JPG anyway.

If you’re not dealing with a photo that has a lot of text or lines, then a JPG will do just fine.

Photos with defined lines tend to look a little blurry when you’re dealing with a JPG, which is why experts suggest exporting logos and other illustrated images as a PNG.

JPG also supports both RBG and CMYK color spaces in 24-bit, but the RBG color spectrum looks best for this photo format.

It’s best to avoid using JPG as your file format if you’re looking to print in grayscale. The color offerings and compression issues look better in RGB than they do in grayscale.

When to Use a PNG Photo Format

For any kind of professional graphic design or high-quality photo sharing, PNG is the clear way to go.

First of all, it’s a file format that supports transparency. If you’ve ever worked with images in any design software, you’ll know that you need to import a PNG to ensure that they’re no white background on the text or photo.

This makes PNG photos a great option for overlaying content on top of other images or even on websites and other design materials. 

When you’re looking to render a high-quality image like a logo or text, you’ll want to render it in the PNG format. It will allow you to preserve the quality of the fine lines and text better than a JPG file would.

And, you’ll find that opening, altering, and saving the file during the design process doesn’t affect the quality of the image.

Who Wins in the PNG vs. JPG Debate?

So, who’s the winner when it comes to PNG vs. JPG? It really depends on what you’re going to do with the photo file!

It’s easy to say that PNG is the clear winner, as the image quality is usually higher. However, certain online platforms and photo sharing apps don’t allow you to upload PNGs.

This means that for basic photography needs and online photo sharing, you’ll probably be better off with a JPG photo.

For web graphics like logos and design elements, stick with a PNG photo. They’ll offer you the benefit of the transparent background and the quality will be much higher than that of another kind of file.

If you take a lot of screenshots online, then you’ll definitely want to save them as a PNG.

College students, for example, who take screenshots of online material to then annotate later will notice that a PNG doesn’t lose its quality each time they edit it.

Converting Your Files with Ease

Do you think you have a preference when it comes to PNG vs. JPG? Maybe you do, but now you need to convert that file to another kind of file.

This is normal, as many different industries require different kinds of file formats.

If your client, teacher, or somebody else needs a PDF file but you’ve saved all of your photos as PNGs, then don’t worry!

You can easily convert your files into PDFs using our free file conversion tool.

txt to pdf

5 Quick Ways To Convert Your TXT To PDF Files In Minutes

Posted on | by Offdrive

You’ve carefully crafted an important document on your computer, but as a text file, it doesn’t look professional enough to share. Plus, it can be edited by those that do receive it.

Perhaps you’ve written up a resume for example, and you want it to look smart when sending it in job applications.

The solution? You’ll need to convert your TXT to PDF. This is because PDF files preserve the appearance of your document, making it look expertly produced and ready for sharing.

What’s more, you won’t have to worry about shifting tables or different font sizes when it’s opened by someone else on a different computer. Once your text document is saved as a PDF file, it will appear exactly the same on every screen that receives it.

Luckily, creating a PDF file from a text file has become a lot easier over the years. There are plenty of methods on how to change PDF to text, all that are very easy to do.

So, whether you’re using NotePad, Word, or any other text editing software to write up your document, here are some easy ways to get your file looking professional and ready to share externally.

1. TXT to PDF Using Windows

If you’re using NotePad, here’s how to convert TXT to PDF.

Firstly, open your text document or create a new one.

From the file menu, select Print. Don’t worry – we won’t be printing anything! We just have to follow this method to get the PDF save options.

The print window should then appear. Go on to click the PDF button, and then select Save As PDF.

Then, find a location to save your PDF file.

You’ll now have a shiny new PDF file that looks exactly like your TXT file. You can then compress this PDF file and email it to someone else, or you can save a backup. Either way, it’s all good to go!

2. TXT to PDF Using Mac

If you’re using a Mac then you’ll need to convert txt to pdf using a different process.

Start by opening the text file in TextEdit. As you may know, this is the default text editor for TXT and other text files on a Mac.

Select the File menu and then click on Export as PDF. Note that this option will appear only in OS X 10.7 (Lion) and later versions. If you happen to be using an earlier type of OS X, select File then Save As and click on PDF as the file type.

Choose a name for your file and decide where to save it. Then, click Save to create the new PDF file.

If your new PDF files are blank, you may need to delete corrupt files. This is because some users have noted problems with creating PDFs using TextEdit, with the resulting PDF ending up blank.

Luckily, deleting a few system files seems to repair any problems. Simply click the Go menu in finder and then select Go to Folder. Enter ~/Library/Preferences and press return.

Then delete any com.apple.TextEdit.plist files. Note that there may be multiple .plist files linked with TextEdit.

Finally, restart TextEdit and try to create the PDF file again. Voila! It should all run smoothly.

3. Word to PDF using Windows

Writing up documents in Word is very popular and converting Word documents to PDF is super simple.

In fact, if you’re using Word 2010 or newer, you can save Word documents directly to PDF. Simply click Save As and select PDF as the file type.

However, if you’re using Word 2007, you’ll need to download the Save as PDF Add-in from Microsoft. You can use this method for any text file you can open or copy into Word.

4. Text to PDF Using Google Drive

Alternatively, you may decide to write up your documents in Google Drive so you have a copy of your work in the cloud. You can also share raw documents in Google Drive so they can be edited by others live.

To convert your text file in Google Drive to PDF, first open up your document.

Select the File menu and click Download As. Then, choose PDF Document. You can expect the PDF copy to start downloading immediately. All done!

Using Google Drive to convert text files is a very quick and efficient way to convert text files into PDFs. So, even if you’re working with text in another location it may be worth copying it into Google Drive to convert.

5. TXT to PDF Using an Online Converter

You can also convert TXT to PDF online using a free converter.

Simply search for a free online converter such as ours to quickly and easily convert files.

Select which type of file you need converting to PDF and click on browse to add your file. Then, tick the security check box to prove you’re human. You can then click on convert and your file will start to download immediately.

We accept DOC and DOCX text files and you can convert as many files as you like. Too simple!

Ready to Convert TXT to PDF?

Using these five methods, you’ll be able to convert TXT to PDF with ease whether you’ve written your document in NotePad, Word, or Google Drive. The choice is yours!

Using an iPad and need some help with your PDF files? Check out our tutorial on how to create PDF on an iPad.

how to convert powerpoint to pdf

PPT Conversion: How to Convert Powerpoint to PDF

Posted on | by Offdrive

PDF files have become necessary for the most basic transactions, and rightly so. Tasks that once involved stacks of papers and hours of copying and collating are nearly obsolete due to the mighty PDF. Most widely-used applications can produce PDF files with little effort, and a reader is available to anyone with a computer.

Nearly every type of business document can convert, but this article is about how to convert Powerpoint to PDF.

Understanding PDF Files

So what’s so great about PDF files anyway? A lot. They started as a low-resolution, not-very-fancy way for some applications to access the same information. If you can imagine a bridge file format, something that several operating systems can understand.

Adobe then gave users control over image resolution, page formats, and many other characteristics that revolutionized the advertising and printing industries more than 25 years ago.

These industries had been using photographic processes to make printing film from which to image printing plates. The text was set with machines that imaged it onto photo paper. The larger the font, the softer the edges were. Photos were screened and separated with a filtered lamp, and the text and photos were taped together to form an image that covered the paper.

It was a complex and time-consuming process that led to costly reworks and time expenditures.

Desktop Publishing and PDF Files

To get beyond the photographic printing process, some innovative typesetting companies developed a way to “print” color separations and text onto printing film. The idea was to eliminate the process of building press flats by hand. 

Companies called service bureaus created pages and imaged film (filmsetting) for the printing companies for several years. They had methods for proofing from the imaged film, and this process was the norm until the filmsetting companies made machines that imaged larger pieces of film.

Around this time the printers started buying the larger machines and imaged their film in-house. Alongside this innovation, other companies decided to cut the film out altogether and image printing plates to mount straight on to the press.

Platesetters are now the industry standard for commercial offset printing, and they are fed by front-end workflows that use PDF files exclusively as their file format.

PDFs are a combination of text and images. Unless the contents of the file are scanned or created from a single image, the text is generally live, typeset text and the images are continuous-tone photographs or vector drawings.

These files translate perfectly to film and platesetting not only through their contents but through the “page boxes” that are invisible to the eye but define the exact size of the page. Print workflows can read this information and layout pages for a press in seconds because of it.

Why Convert Powerpoint to PDF?

There are good reasons to convert your Powerpoint presentation to a PDF. One reason is to reduce your file size. Powerpoint embeds all your images, and that file size can grow huge very quickly. This file size can result in slow loading and transition times and defeat the purpose of an excellent presentation.

PDF files can reduce your presentation file sizes up to 75% through the use of compression and image calls, making for a much more nimble file to use. It also makes your presentation far more email-friendly, as some companies have email attachment size limits.

Another reason is to protect your presentation content. It is far more difficult to copy text and images from a PDF file, and both could be unusable if anyone tried. 

How To Convert Powerpoint to PDF

This is why we’re here. You can convert your file to a full-page slide presentation or a handout with notes, or combine your slides on each PDF page.

Powerpoint contains live text and images, so converting a powerpoint presentation to a pdf generally works well. There are some caveats you need to pay attention to achieve the result you want.

Modern PDFs can contain rich media and serve up some snazzy transitions, but those will need to be embedded after the PDF is made if the file is intended to be a presentation. Hyperlinks can translate from the presentation file.

Animations in Powerpoint disappear upon conversion to PDF. For instance, if you used an “appear” animation for a bulleted list, the pdf will contain all the list items on one page. Any content residing off the presentation page will be lost as well. 

Knowing these issues, if you’d like to convert your presentation to a PDF, you have some choices.

How to Save a Powerpoint as a PDF

Very simple. File>Save as, choose your file destination, rename it if you like, and change the file type to PDF. This method saves your work to a single slide per page format.

Print to PDF With Speaker Notes

If you’d like to save your PDF with any speaker notes you have, your method is through the print dialog instead of a simple “Save as” menu selection. Choose File>print, and in the print layout, select the “Notes Pages” icon. Click print and choose a location, rename if you like, and click “Save.”

Print to PDF as a Handout

Using the print-to-PDF method, you can make a handout that has multiple slides per page. In the print settings, choose the “Handout Style” and pick which one you want. Then click print and choose a location, rename if you like, and click “Save.”

One Last Method 

The Internet contains much more information on how to convert powerpoint to PDF. This is a quick guide to get you through. There are easier ways to accomplish this, and one of those is to use a free file online conversion site. These services are quick and easy and can give you a PDF to work with a short period of time.

Why not check it out and test it with other documents? You never know when you need a PDF in a hurry.

how to stop chrome from blocking downloads

Google Explained: How to Stop Chrome From Blocking Downloads

Posted on | by Offdrive

Did you know that Google Chrome is the leading browser used by people? After all, according to W3Schools, 79.7% of their visitors access the website using the Chrome browser. Their total monthly visitors are about 50 million.

That said, even Google Chrome has a few kinks to work on. One issue is when the browser suddenly blocks you from downloading something. Chrome might identify a safe video or file as some sort of spam or virus, preventing you from getting what you need.

Not sure how to stop Chrome from blocking downloads? There are a lot of ways to do this, whether it’s using Chrome or third-party solutions. But in this post, we’re tackling the former since it’s the easiest.

Are you ready to learn how to unblock Chrome download capabilities?

Read on and find out more.

How to Unblock Potentially Unsafe Downloads

Sometimes the issue is with the file. PDF files are safer and better than Word files, for example, due to their built-in security measures.

Also, Google Chrome gives you a measure of protection when it comes to phishing sites as well as malicious app or file downloads. The browser does this through an integrated feature named Safe Browsing. If you want to download a file that Chrome would otherwise consider unsafe, you need to turn this feature off.

It’s always important to remember that your device will become more vulnerable to online threats without the Safe Browsing feature. What this means is that you should only turn this feature off while you need to download anything restricted.

Here are the steps needed to finish this task:

Step 1

Open the Chrome Menu. This is the three-dot icon on your screen’s upper-right corner. Click on Settings once the menu appears.

Step 2

Once you’re on the Settings page, you can now click on the Advanced option. There is a section called “Privacy & Security”, which allows you to toggle a lot of different options. You’ll see Safe Browsing as one of the choices.

You can now turn this option off to unblock your downloads regardless of their source.

Reminders

Turning off the Safe Search feature means the browser will not give you any security warnings. That means you won’t know whether you’re visiting a secure or a malicious site. With that, you’re more likely to get phished or infected with malware.

It’s important that you take the proper precautions when surfing the World Wide Web without this Chrome feature. You can also use a security extension to ensure your safety against possible online threats.

If you decide to block any unsecured downloads later on, go back to the Settings panel. Turn on the Safe Browsing switch to enable the feature. It’s easy, meaning you have no incentive to let it stay disabled.

How to Stop Chrome from Blocking Downloads

There are websites that will do multiple consecutive downloads like file conversion sites. In most cases, you will run into problems because of built-in restrictions on content. It’s there since it helps stop malware that downloads automatically along with other files.

It’s possible to skip this restriction without a lot of effort. But it’s important to remember that Google Chrome will still give a prompt asking your permission when you start downloading. This only stops if you choose to make an active choice to whitelist websites.

Here are the steps:

Step 1

Open the Chrome Settings panel and click Advanced. You can now click on the Content Settings option. You can see it under the Privacy and Security section of the current screen.

Step 2

Look for the Automatic Downloads option under the Content Settings option. You might need to scroll down a little. You can now turn on the switch next to the option that says “Do not allow any site to download multiple files automatically.”

The option will turn into “Ask when a site tries to download files automatically after the first file (recommended)”.

Step 3

After choosing that option, Chrome will now let websites make automatic downloads. Remember, the browser will still ask for your permission whenever the site you visit starts initiating a download. If this is a hassle to you, find the Add button next to Allow and add the link of the website you want to put into your whitelist.

Reminder

If you turn on automatic downloads, make sure to stay careful as if you turned off the Safe Browsing feature. The general rule is to only allow automatic downloads from the websites you trust. Otherwise, you will risk yourself getting exposed to malware infections.

How to Stay Safe After You Unblock Downloads

If you don’t have unsafe download restrictions, you’re more susceptible to malware. After all, more than 88 records get either lost or stolen each second due to cybersecurity attacks. The majority of these attacks are towards the healthcare industry, but it isn’t a cause for you to relax.

How can you protect yourself from malware intrusions? The best way is to use security extensions or malware removal utilities. Here are some of the ones you should use:

1. Avast Online Security

This security extension has 4.4 stars on the Chrome Web Store. Once you add this feature to Chrome, you can make immediate checks whether the website is safe. You can do this by clicking the Avast icon located beside the browser’s URL bar.

2. McAfee SECURE Safe Browsing

This extension is great when trying to determine the website’s safety. You can click on its icon to see the security metrics like phishing intent and popularity. If you see that your website has a green banner, it’s safe to visit and download files from.

Discover More Guides Today!

These are the ways for you to stop Chrome from blocking downloads. If you’re not sure where to start, you can use these methods to ensure that you accomplish the task without spending a lot of time. But it’s always important to remember that you should get another means of securing yourself from online threats.

Do you want to know the best time to use the PDF extension for your digital documents? If so, read our guide here and learn the nine ideal situations to make the most out of this file type.