Author: Offdrive

Do you want to know how to remove metadata from Word? Whether it is for a college essay or for work, there are times you need to clear metadata from your Word files. After all, you have to protect your personal information when submitting public files.

If you’re not sure why this is important or how to do it right, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered.

Read on below to see how you can erase metadata from your documents before you submit them:

1. What is Metadata in Word?

All over the world, we use more than 400 million metric tons of paper every year for paperwork and school work. Using paper offers more hassle when it comes to storing documents. They take up more space, are vulnerable to many substances, and more.

This is why many offices and schools are advocating the paperless movement. Or if not, they’re encouraging a paper-light environment in the least. It’s a great use of modern technology but going digital that has its disadvantages as well.

For example, metadata in Word documents can display property information. There’s more but we’ll discuss it in the next segment. For now, let’s talk about what metadata is.

Take a close look at a Word document with your file explorer. Open the details pane and select any Word document that you didn’t clean of metadata. You can also view some of the information if you are using the details layout or view.

Among the details will be information about the document itself. These pieces of information include the date of creation, versions, and revision marks. Any comments, headers, and footers are some other types of hidden data in Word documents.

Metadata can also be personal information. These include the author and the person who last saved the document. If you used some specific features, it may be possible to view your email headers, routing slips, and more.

When it comes to taking up space, metadata can take up some weight in files. In Word, the space it takes up is very minuscule. So, there is often no need to clear out metadata to save space.

2. Why You Should Remove Metadata from Word Documents

Microsoft Word is useful for many small businesses. It has the best tools to write, edit, and share documents. And while some people feel safer to remove them, metadata in Word has benefits too.

Metadata offers benefits to teachers, editors, and others who receive files to analyze. It is only unfortunate that these benefits can become weaknesses or evidence against you. This is why it is important to remove metadata from Word documents if you’re not going to use them.

All Word documents contain hidden data or personal information in the document itself. As you save them, Word has an automatic function to store corresponding hidden data. If you want to remove metadata, you must do it with every Word document you save.

It is important to remove metadata from Word documents before you submit them. This will ensure that now only are your hidden and personal files erased but also revisions. In the past, there have been some prominent cases that involve the metadata risk.

In 2005, the United Nations had not noticed the changes made to a report on a murder case. It was the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s murder report that had revisions. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan doctored it, removing some names before submitting the report to the Security Council.

Another incidence was the UK’s “Dodgy Dossier”. This document served to support the Iraq invasion. Later, upon closer inspection, authorities found that the document was from a student paper written in 1991.

As you can see, metadata can be a powerful weapon in the wrong hands. This is also great for anybody who is paranoid. Data protection will help you cover your tracks in this digital world.

3. How to Remove Metadata from Word

There is a way to remove metadata from your Word documents. That is using the Document Inspector on Word. This handy tool removes properties and personal information from your Word files.

Before you start removing metadata, inspect the document first. There are several ways to do this with the different versions of Microsoft Word. If you use MS Word 2013, click on File > Info > Check for Issues > Inspect Document.

On MS Word 2010, open the File tab > Info > Check for Issues > Inspect Document. If you want to view the personal information, click Show All Properties to the right of the Check for Issues button. If you have Word 2007, click the Office Button then choose Prepare, followed by Inspect Document.

When you inspect the document, the Document Inspector box should appear. Depending on what information you want to view, put check marks next to the types of hidden data in the list. Afterward, click Inspect.

If you are inspecting a document, you can also use the information you see to look for any suspicious actions. This is important to do with auditing records, important letters, and more.

Now, let’s go back to the Document Inspector.

After you select Inspect on the information you want, there will be a Remove All button next to the results. Click on the Remove All button to erase traces of metadata on your document file. Note that once you click this button, removed data isn’t restorable anymore.

Remember to erase metadata on the original copy of a document. If you must avoid keeping metadata on many files, you must do it with every single one. Or, you can convert them to a PDF file and use PDF instead.

You Now Know How to Remove Metadata from Document Files

That’s it for our quick guide on how to remove metadata from Word files.

Remember: metadata removed is not something you can restore. Even the Undo button has no capacity to bring it back.

Did you find this post useful and informative? Check out our other blog posts by visiting our blog.

Do you need to convert your files to document format? Are you in need of a way to convert your Word files to different other formats? Check out our list of free online converters, like this JPG to PDF converter.

If you are interested in graphic design, chances are you are probably going to have to interact with an EPS file.

EPS stands for Encapsulated PostScript. It is a PostScript document that is DSC-conforming and also has additional restrictions. It can be identified by its “.eps” suffix.

EPS files have many uses and can be opened by several applications. Read on, and we will go over what EPS files actually are and how they can help your workflow.

What is PostScript?

Seeing as EPS is an Encapsulated PostScript file, it would be helpful to first go over what PostScript is.

Postscript is a programming language which has strong graphics capabilities. It was first used in the 1980s by Adobe. Since that time, PostScript has gone on to become the industry standard.

It is used by pretty much all of the major printer manufacturers for their printers. PostScript file names end in “.ps”.

So what does PostScript actually do? Essentially, a PostScript file is able to describe the graphic or text parts of a document to an outputting device such as a monitor or printer. 

Please keep in mind that the standard home laser printer does not actually print PostScript. PostScript printers tend to cost more and are typically used for business.

What Is an EPS File?

Now that we have PostScript out of the way, we can finally go over Encapsulated PostScript. An EPS file is used to put images into the PostScript file. Another way to look at it is as a PostScript file in the form of a vector image format.

A vector image format tells the processing unit to draw the actual image instead of just pixels. This is extremely useful for people who make graphics such as logos because they need to resized often.

If you know how to edit EPS files, you can resize them without losing any quality.

Within an EPS file, you can find data such as bitmap images, text, and 2D vector graphics. EPS files also come with preview images embedded in bitmap format.

Protect Yourself from EPS Malware

Like many other file types, EPS files from unknown or suspicious origins can contain malware, viruses, and other dangerous content. Be careful when interacting with these sort of documents.

Because EPS files are often used to show previews of documents, they can seem inconspicuous and misleading. This is exactly what happened to Ukrainian Financial Institutions back in 2017.

In that scenario, Ukranian and Russian banks were sent emails containing EPS files with names such as “Card Statement” and “Account Statement” but when opened, the documents ended up containing malicious files.

We do not recommend opening files that come from unknown sources.

How to Use EPS

EPS files are primarily used by Adobe Illustrator. But just because EPS files work well in Illustrator does not mean they can be used the same way in Photoshop.

If you open an EPS file in Adobe Photoshop, that file will have to be flattened or “rasterized”. This means you won’t be able to edit it.

This also happens when you use a JPEG in Photoshop. This is one of the main differences between Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

Operating Systems

Also, the kind of computer software you have will be a determining factor in how difficult or easy it will be to interact with EPS files. For example, if you fire up a Mac, you will be able to start working with EPS data immediately.

When using a Windows operating system, you will have to download a graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator in order to read EPS.

If you are trying to view or edit an EPS file but are experiencing issues, the best way to open it would be by downloading Adobe Acrobat Reader which is a free application.

EPS or JPEG?

So why use an image in EPS format as opposed to one in say, JPEG? When you work with an illustration in EPS, you have the ability to manipulate it in several ways. For example, you can change an image’s colors with ease.

We’d like to note here that .eps files can operate within multiple color spaces. Whereas your standard digital cameras and scanners operate with RGB data (red-blue-green), printers use the CMYK (cyan-magenta-yellow-black) color space.

With EPS files, different objects within your vector graphics can have their own color spaces. This can be beneficial depending on the kind of work you are doing.

EPS files also allow for a lot of customization. If you are working with an EPS file that is editable, you can easily move, delete, and add objects within the space.

This is perhaps the biggest benefit of the Encapsulated PostScript files. You can manipulate its colors, sizes, and other elements without losing any quality.

Conversion

Many times you will need to edit EPS files but will only have the JPEG version. When this is the case, you will need to use a free file conversion site. This will allow you to upload your JPG image and then quickly convert it to an EPS file.

Use EPS for Big and Small Projects

The EPS file format is an effective way to manipulate images without losing any quality. Whether you are designing an illustration for a big highway billboard or just need to tweak the color of somebody’s hat, EPS is a file which can get you to the finish line.

Need help with other file formats? Check out our blog for more!

Over 90% of the input our brains process is visual. 

As a species, we’ve been coming up with ways to display images since the invention of the first computer. There are many compressed image file formats available today, so knowing what they are and how they’re used can get confusing fast.

To help you out, here’s a quick primer on image formats: the terminology behind them, some common formats in use today, and what their uses are.

Image File Format Terms

When we talk about image file formats, there are a few terms that pop up consistently. They help us describe the behavior of certain formats so it can be helpful to understand what they are.

Here are some of the more common terms associated with image formats.

Lossy and Lossless Compression

Lossless compression is a class of algorithms that allows original data to be reconstructed perfectly from compressed data. It’s called “lossless” because the original data loses no quality from being reconstructed. Lossy compression, on the other hand, reconstructs an approximation of the original data. 

There are benefits to both lossy and lossless compression. Lossy compression often improves compression rates resulting in smaller file sizes. Lossless compression obviously results in the best looking final image.

8-Bit and 24-Bit color

Bit stands for “Binary Digit”. When discussing computer graphics, 8-bit and 24-bit refers to how many digits you have to represent a color. With 8 binary digits, you can represent 256 separate colors. With 24 binary digits, you can represent 16.7 million separate colors.

Indexed Color and Direct Color

Indexed color refers to images whose palettes are 256 colors or less. They’re called indexed color images because the actual image data for each pixel of the image is a reference to a finite palette. The palette of index color images is stored in the file along with the image itself.

Indexed color was essential in the early days of computing because computer screens were commonly limited to 256 colors. Today, computer hardware easily renders the full spectrum of color but indexed color images still have their uses. For one, they’re usually much smaller, saving the user bandwidth and storage space.

Direct color images lack a color palette lookup table. Instead, each pixel has its own RGB color value. Such images are generally bigger in terms of file size but they support an unlimited amount of colors.

Bitmap and Vector Images

Bitmap or raster images are images that are stored as a series of pixels. Each pixel is a tiny square assigned a color. These pixels are then arranged in a certain order to form an image. When you zoom into a bitmap image you can see the individual pixels that make it up. 

The alternative to bitmap is vector. Vector images aren’t based on pixel patterns, rather they use mathematical formulas to draw the lines and curves of the image. Vector graphics lose no quality when zoomed in or out.

Common Image File Formats

Now you know the terminology, let’s take a look at some of the most common image file formats in use today.

PNG

PNG stands for “Portable Network Graphics”. It’s a raster-graphics file format that supports lossless data compression.

Originally developed as an improved, non-patented replacement to the GIF, PNG images have a lot of benefits. They support greyscale images, palette-based images, and full-color non-palette-based RGB/RGBA images.

They also support transparency, something originally relegated to GIFs in the early days of the web. Unlike GIFs, PNGs support alpha transparency – a type of transparency that can create the appearance of partial or full transparency.

PNG was made for the web and it’s where it shines. JPEG may still lead in terms of compression but PNGs lossless quality and transparency support make it the go-to file type for niche uses.

If you need to clearly render a logo or text then PNG is the file-type of choice. PNGs have also found their home as the default for mobile screenshots.

Need to convert your old GIFs to PNGs? We can help you with that.

JPEG

JPEG stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group”. It’s a lossy image format that sees extensive use online where its high-compression rate is a boon to file storage and load speed. 

JPEG is a great image format to use when displaying realistic, photographic imagery. Where it falls down is in situations where images contain crisp lines or text. Because of the compression used, such images can develop “JPEG artifacts” or sections of image distortion.

This image distortion can also occur when a JPEG is opened, edited, and then resaved. This is the “lossy” characteristic at play. Because each save approximates the original data, consecutive saves will result in a gradual loss of information.

GIF

GIF stands for “Graphics Interchange Format”. It’s a bitmap image format that was developed in 1987 and remains one of the most widely used formats today. 

GIFs use lossless compression but store image data using indexed color, so a standard GIF can include a maximum of 256 colors. To achieve any palette higher than 256 colors, GIFs must be separated into multiple blocks that individually support 256 colors. This is rarely feasible because of the resulting file size. 

GIFs are well-suited to buttons or banners on websites – uses that typically require a finite number of colors. Because they support animation, they’ve also found niche uses in this respect. If you’ve ever used an animated reaction image, you’re using a GIF.

As versatile as GIFs are, they’ve fallen out of favor in recent years due to the wide-spread adoption of PNGs. PNGs support 24-bit color and transparency, making them ideal for uses typically associated with GIFs. The only niche PNGs haven’t managed to take over is animation.

SVG

SVG stands for “Scalable Vector Graphic”. It’s a graphics file format that uses a two-dimensional vector graphic format created by the W3C. Developed as the standard format for displaying vector graphics online, SVGs describe images using a text format based on XML.

SVGs support graphical elements including gradients, transparency, filters, and animations. They’re used extensively as icons, buttons, and other simple graphical elements. Because they can be scaled to different sizes without losing quality, they’re known as “resolution independent”. 

SVGs can be compressed with GZIP compression. This results in an SVGZ file and is often 50 to 80 percent smaller than the original SVG file. 

Image Formats Made Easy

The characteristics and use of image file formats vary widely. Now you know the definitions behind the most common image format terminology. You’re also up to speed on the most common file formats in use today.

Want to know the benefits of PDFs? Here’s why you should be using PDF instead of Word.

Ever had to sign a PDF form or submit one for work?

It’s no secret now the PDF file format grew in popularity so quickly over the past few years. It may be due to its convenience, level of security, or design. This is the effect of how the popularity of a product reaching heights that marked it as a global standard.

You can see PDFs for books and workbooks. As well as in digital sign-up forms, and even important documents. This brings in the demand to find a way to convert other files into PDFs.

Now, what do you do if you don’t have a file converter or an app to create PDFs on your computer?

This is where you will need the best online file converter. Here are some reasons why you should go and use one.

1. No Unnecessary App Installations

When using the best online file converter, the process runs in a simpler method. It eliminates the compulsory downloading and installing of apps into your computer. Having to install an app somehow adds to the frustration when you are in a hurry and you only need to convert one file into a different format.

With an online file converter, you don’t need to take that extra step. This allows you to make the conversion without any need of consuming any more disk space. Not to mention being able to access the online file converter from any computer that has a secure internet connection.

There are inherent problems with downloading file converters. It comes in the form of downloading malware or keyloggers in the process.

This tends to be the case if you download a converter from an unreliable source. Thus, putting your system under risk from data corruption or ransomware as well.

This is a problem which the online file converter bypasses with ease thanks to its cloud system.

2. Ease in Sharing Files

The other convenience this provides is in how it makes file sharing easier. Let’s say you managed to install a file converter in your computer. You would encounter the hurdle of having to upload the file and send it as an attachment to others who need the file.

Online file converters store the files into the cloud. This makes the file sharing easier by providing a reliable point for others to access. All that it needs is for you to share the link where they can access the file.

This eliminates the problem of converting a big file only to discover it can’t attach to the email. Or you end up using a different cloud storage platform and send it from there.

3. File Protection

When it comes to converting files online, there’s no need to worry about security. Online file conversion tools have security protocols in place to aid you with this step. These security measures ensure that your files safe.

A danger to these files comes in the form of malicious viruses. To make it worse, it can also damage your computer if not careful.

There is also the issue of sensitive information being in these files. Only for these files to get damaged, or exploited and sold by hackers.

By having your files backed up in a secure and reliable storage system, you also prevent such dangers from occurring.

4. A Cost-Effective Measure

A good reason behind the use of an online file converter is in how convenient and cost-effective it is. For one, it helps when you plan to go paperless, cutting costs on printing like paper and ink.

Also, online file converters tend to provide such services free of charge. No additional payments needed when you plan to convert files like documents into PDF files. Compare this to other desktop file converters that offer a trial period, then requiring payment to make use of those features once it expires.

Having a file converter that is easy to use, easy to access, and easy on the pockets helps a lot. This lets you focus on other things and makes things efficient.

5. Ease of Use

Another factor is in the ease of use. Online file converters provide an easy-to-use interface that allows you to convert files. That is without the need to take extra steps that would be time-consuming.

This form of efficiency helps in workplaces as it allows other employees to make use of the platform provided, streamlining the process and workflow. You have fewer things to worry about when training and going through the learning curves.

This makes online file converters the one-stop-solution for such documents.

Speaking of documents, here are some tips on how to make PDF files using an iPad. It may prove helpful when you are using such a mobile device at work.

6. File Consistency for Work Purposes

Speaking of efficiency, the use of a file converter alone helps in ensuring all the files at work hold a sense of uniformity. This is a boon in a lot of ways.

First, by having a consistent file format, it makes filing easier in terms of storage and backup. When looking for the file with the information you need, you also gain ease of access due to the format.

Another great feature of using a PDF format is in how you can also preserve the file’s quality. This becomes a good thing when it comes to professional documents that you need to share at the soonest.

In addition, if these documents are for customer use, you also add improvement to your customer service.

Use the Best Online File Converter Today

From accessibility to the ease of use, making use of the best online file converter brings wonders to your file conversion needs. Not only does it come out in the best quality, but it also comes with easier file sharing. The best part of this is that these come free of charge.

Looking for a one-stop-solution for converting documents and presentations? You can check us out today to get started.

72% of small business owners report feeling overwhelmed with their daily to-do lists. It’s understandable. Business has never been so complicated or competitive.

According to a recent study by the Harvard Business Review, 86% of business owners feel that their business and decision-making processes had become so complex it was hindering their growth. That also makes sense. Just because someone’s an excellent business person doesn’t mean they’re an expert coder, per se.

Spreadsheets are an inevitable part of business. They help keep your business information manageable and organized. They also allow you to communicate with your investors and workforce, helping everyone to get on the same page with quantifiable data.

Today, we’re going to show you how to integrate spreadsheets into your web page using Microsoft Excel and HTML tables. Converting Excel to HTML table isn’t that difficult, once you know what steps to take.

Converting Excel to HTML Table

Like everything having to do with computer programming, there are multiple ways you can go about creating an HTML table from an Excel file. Think of computer code as more like Lego blocks than a step-by-step formula you need to follow.

Here’s how to create an easy HTML table from an Excel spreadsheet.

The “Save As Web Page” Option

Saving an Excel file as a web page is an easy way to convert an entire Excel workbook into an HTML file. You can also export portions of the workbook or individual sheets by selecting a range of cells.

Say you’ve created a feature-rich file in Excel and you want to export all the figures, pivot tables, and charts to a website.

Open the Workbook

To export your Excel data to HTML, start by opening the workbook you want to export. Then click on the File tab and select ‘save as.’ If you only want to select a portion of the data, make sure it’s selected before saving.

Saving as Web Page Options

There are a few formats you can save your Excel file as. You can export your Excel data as a web page. This consolidates all of the Excel files into a single folder, including graphics, charts, lists, and background images.

You can also export your spreadsheet as a Single Web Page. This saves your data as a single file with all of the special features embedded.

If you’re only exporting a section of your spreadsheet, make sure to check the ‘Selection’ button before saving.

If you’re exporting your entire workbook, make sure the ‘Entire Workbook’ box is checked. If you’re only exporting individual sheets, check ‘Selection: Sheet’ instead.

You’ll also be given the option to name your web page. You can always change the name later, as well, if you need.

Publish

Once you select the ‘Publish’ option, you’ll be presented with a ‘Publish To Web Page’ dialog box. Here’s a glimpse of what you’re going to see.

Items to Publish

This is where you’ll select the range of cells you’re wanting to publish to an HTML table. Again, you’ll be presented with the option to export the entire workbook. This includes all of the worksheets and the tabs to navigate between them.

You’ll also be given the option to export selected parts of your workbook. You can choose to export only pivot tables and charts, for example. Or you could define a range of cells, as well as other methods of filtering your data.

If you’re only exporting a range of cells, choose the ‘Range Of Cells’ option from the drop-down menu. Then you’ll select the ‘Collapse Dialog’ option to define the cells you’ll be exporting.

If you’re publishing an Excel file you’ve previously saved as a web page, select the ‘Previously Published Items’ box. If you want to eliminate redundant files, choose the item in the list and select ‘Remove.’

If you want to change the name of the web page you’re exporting, select the ‘Change’ button next to ‘Title’ and enter the name of the page.

Choose Where to Save Your Web Page

After you’ve named your page, you’ll choose where to save your HTML file. You can choose a hard drive, an HTTP site, or an FTP location.

You’re even able to save your Excel data straight to an existing web page if you have the permissions to modify the file. If you’re wanting to overwrite the previous HTML code, choose ‘Replace.’ If you want to add it to an existing website, check ‘Add To File’ instead.

It’s even possible to automate updating your spreadsheet. By choosing ‘AutoRepublish every time this workbook is saved,’ your Excel file will be republished every time you save your workbook.

Ready to Publish

Now you’re ready to preview what your live HTML file is going to look like. Choose the ‘Open published web page in browser’ option to see what your site will look on the Internet. If everything looks good, just select ‘Publish’ and your Excel spreadsheet is now an HTML file!

As you can see, exporting your Excel data to HTML files isn’t only useful for PowerPoint presentations or making charts and graphs. It’s also an easy way to create a constantly evolving website without having to open the HTML editor each time!

Looking to Convert Your Files?

There are so many different programs and file formats that are necessary for your business to thrive. Moving files from system to system and throughout your workforce can become a logistical nightmare, slowing you down instead of helping you to be more productive.

Whether you’re trying to convert Excel to HTML table or export them to a CSV file, our file converters are the Rosetta Stone to ensure everyone in your enterprise is communicating efficiently and effectively.

Check out the full list of our online file converters today!

In March 2019, actress Lori Loughlin was arrested as a part of the college admissions scandal investigation dubbed “Varsity Blues.”

Loughlin’s arrest came as a shock to many but also solidified what people have known for years: college is hard to get into, and many will do about anything–even break the law–to receive that coveted acceptance letter. 

To gain acceptance into college, you need to know both how to write and format and essay.

Read on to learn about how to format a college essay that will allow reviewers to focus on your content. 

Learn How to Format a College Essay

Before you can really learn about how to format a college essay, you need to know one thing: what does your chosen university prefer? 

Every professor you encounter will have a specific preference — MLA or APA. PDFs or Word docs. Times New Roman or Juice ITC. 

Just kidding. No prof wants to read an essay in Juice ITC. Do not try that. 

So as you look at the admissions process, whether you’re looking at the common app admissions essay format or a general university admissions essay format, look for this information: do they want a Word doc or a PDF? 

What Is Word and Why Should I Use It

“Word” is the name of the program Microsoft developed to create and edit documents. But you probably already knew this. In short, Microsoft developed this program to allow anyone to create a document and to edit that document easily.

This feature of “editing” sets a “doc” or “docx,” the final product of a Word document, apart from the PDF, another type of document you’ll read about in a bit. There’s a limitation to the Word document, though: you can only edit it in Word. 

Thanks a lot, Microsoft. 

Microsoft developed Word so you can easily edit a document with only their software. 

You do have the freedom, however, to save the document as a pdf (another highly preferred format by college admissions committees). Once you save the document as a PDF, you can still open it with Word, edit it, and save it as a PDF again. 

Buyer Beware with Word

Word does have its limitations.

When you use MS Word, your document may not arrive exactly as you intended it to look. It changes with delivery.

For example, if the receiver of the document does not have a particular font, Word will change the font to what makes sense to Word.

While this may not seem like a big deal, it can mess with important information like letterhead or logos. 

So while you can easily edit a Word doc (with the right Microsoft Word program), it does not always travel well. 

What Is a PDF and Why Should I Use It

Adobe, a company dedicated to open source content, developed the “portable document format,” commonly known as the pdf. 

Adobe developed the PDF to create and edit a document. 

The bonus to a PDF is in its portability. Because Adobe designed the PDF to be portable, the PDF retains the exact content and appearance of the documents saved. 

Unlike the Word doc, the PDF you send will look exactly the same on the receiver’s end as it did on your end. It will retain its same appearance. 

The Downside of the PDF 

Though you can easily create a PDF, you cannot easily edit it. Unlike the Word doc, the PDF is an open source. 

Open source means the developers created the program so anyone with limited coding skills can modify and share the program. They make the program accessible to the public. 

In a nutshell, any person or developer can make editing tools for a PDF. 

But that’s not in an average joe’s skill set. 

Typically, when the average person with no coding skills receives a PDF, he cannot edit it. He can see it as the creator intended him to see it.  

Institution Preference

You can see now why you should first ask what your institution prefers before you ask what you prefer. 

You may also want to ask what the go-between services prefer. After all, Common App has its reasons for the PDF as well. 

Bonus Information on Formatting College Essays

Now that you know the basics of which formatting program you should use, you need to note how to format your particular essay, whether you have a Word doc or a PDF. 

Most colleges recognize the MLA (Modern Language Association) style for essays. MLA has some particular idiosyncrasies you should note. 

First, use a legible font. Typically Times New Roman size 12 does the job well. 

Then, double space the entire document. 

Do not double space your work manually. Rather, before you begin, set the program so you’re automatically double spacing as you type. 

If you do not know how to create this setting, use the help menu on your particular word processing program. 

Show that you know your stuff by leaving only one space after periods and other end marks. If your computer teacher took typing in the 1990s or earlier, he or she probably forced you to use two spaces. 

Forget that information and use one space. 

Set your margins to one inch, and then indent all paragraphs a half inch from the left margin. 

Stellar Essays in a Stellar Format

You probably do not have a mom who’s willing to face jail time like Lori Laughlin is looking at for her daughter.

Don’t worry. You don’t need that mom.

Use your amazing writing skills to knock the socks off the college admissions committee. You can do this.

As you write your essay, tell your story, show who you are, and format the document right. 

If you don’t want to deal with the rigamarole of how to format a college essay in a particular format when you’ve already written it in your own program, consider using our services. We can easily help you convert a pdf to a word doc or vice versa.