Author: Offdrive

Have you ever emailed a file to somebody, only to be told that they can’t open it? When you ask, you get all kinds of reasons why. Maybe they don’t have the software you used. Perhaps they opened it as a different file type and it got distorted. 

These problems occur all the time, leading to much consternation and wasted time. It doesn’t just happen with documents, either. In many cases, even images can cause a problem.

If this has happened to you, consider this: have you ever tried to convert images into another format?

Converting images into a PDF file can make your life and the life of your email correspondence so much easier. PDF files are a universal standard that you can open regardless of computer software.

Because of this, there are several benefits to converting an image to a PDF file. Moreover, Offdrive makes it easy for you to convert your files to and from a PDF! 

Preserve Your Graphic’s Integrity

The chief advantage of converting an image to a PDF file is preserving your graphic integrity. This means the picture will retain its original quality, or at least something close to the original.

Just as the image preserves its quality, so too is the layout retained. The image will not be cropped, rotated, or anything else that would change its appearance.

Because the PDF file has a universal design, it will keep its quality regardless of what software a computer has.

Secure Your File

PDF files offer a plethora of security functions to make sure your file is safe. This includes being able to encrypt a password to your file. This way, nobody can open it without having express knowledge of the password.

Another valuable security function is the watermark function. A PDF file allows you to insert a company watermark into the image, making it much harder for someone to copy or plagiarize. 

Lastly, PDFs allow you to create a digital signature for your file. For example, if you were to create a certificate image,  you can sign your end of the certificate.

Multi-Dimensional and Compact 

A PDF file is incredibly multi-dimensional in what it allows you to include. You can add text, audio files, videos, three-dimensional models, and more to your image file. 

You may not need all of these things in a single file, but it can be advantageous. For example, say you are sending a report to somebody in your company.

You could convert your images, such as charts or graphs, into a PDF file. Then, you can add further information to the image through explanatory text. You can then follow that up with a video clip.  

Such a multipurpose tool can be tremendously efficient at saving time. Now, you may be wondering how a single file could manage so many different features. 

If so, that’s a fair question. The short answer is that PDF files are intensely compact. They can handle near-infinite amounts of data while also giving you control over the quality of the image.

When Should You Convert Images OUT of PDF Formats

While PDFs have many advantages, they aren’t perfectly suited to every task. Other image files often work better for some purposes than a PDF file would. If you’re wondering what you should use, have no fear! 

In this section, we’ll compare the uses of PDF files to other image file types. That way, you’ll have an idea of what file type best fits your purposes.

1. PDF vs PNG

PDFs are ideal for images you intend to print, especially for graphic design and poster use. They’re also convenient for downloading an image for storage purposes. 

PNG files, however, are the best option for things like web graphics, such as illustrations or logos. PNG files can also shrink to become much smaller sizes if certain elements are limited, making them a compact choice as well.

Furthermore, PNG files are much easier to edit than a PDF file is. If your image is a work in progress rather than a finished product, it’s probably best to save it as a PNG file.

PNGs can also become transparent, allowing you to put text over an image or layer the image with illustrations.

2. PDF vs JPG

JPG images, like PNGs, are an excellent choice for online usage. If you plan on posting images or photos online, JPGs can help keep the size small.

Another advantage to JPG images is their use in showing preview images in emails. They are also a stellar choice for printing images at high resolution. 

3. PDF vs GIF

GIFs are useful if the image’s colors are more uniform, with fewer than 256 colors included. It’s a better choice for computer-generated images. GIFs are also better if you want an animated image rather than a still picture. 

How Do I Convert Images to Different File Types

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, so I get what I should use different files for. But how do I convert them?”

While many tools allow you to convert images, none of them are more straightforward than our Offdrive tools. To get started, all you have to do is visit our homepage.

From there, you’ll see several shortcuts that allow you to convert files, such as PNG to PDF or vice versa. Click your desired shortcut, verify you aren’t a robot, and select your image.

Click the convert button and boom! You have a converted image. It’s that straightforward.

Choose What’s Right For You

We hope this content helped! Remember, when you need to convert images, first decide what you’re using them for. If you need something edited multiple times, a PNG is best. If you want top-resolution photos printed, a JPG is what you want. 

Of course, if you want a secure, universal image file, a PDF is the optimal choice. There’s no need to make it complicated.

There was once a time when you didn’t need to think too much about which office suite you would use as Microsoft was the standard that we all turned to. Things have changed, however, and now there are more choices. One such popular choice is Google Suite.

Microsoft Office has been with us since 1990, which Google is relatively new to the office world having only launched its rival product in 2006. Both corporations would like you to use their products in your business. But is Microsoft Office better than Google Suite? 

Where do you stand in the Microsoft Office Vs Google Suite debate? Do you favor Office 365, or is Google Workplace better for your needs?

In this article, we look at the differences between Microsoft Office and Google Suite to help you to decide which one is right for you. 

Microsoft Office vs. Google Suite: The Background  

Microsoft Office and G Suite come from very different backgrounds. Office 365 is the latest product in a long history of Microsoft titles. Microsoft Office is very familiar to a lot of business users because the software has been with us since the early days of PC use. 

While Google may well be a well-known name, they’re still at the beginning of its journey into creating platforms for business use. Of course, Google has been with us since the 90s when they released their leading search engine.

Over the last two decades, they’ve added to their capability by bringing out apps such as Gmail and Google Docs- eventually bundling all of their apps first as Google Apps, then Google for Work, then G Suite, and then in October 2020, Google renamed Google Suite to Google Workplace.

Microsoft Office vs. G Suite: The Similarities 

Both Microsoft Office 365 and G Suite have lots in common. They are both subscription-based platforms charging fees based on the number of people using the service each month. 

G Suite is web-based although it does have the potential to work offline, Office 365 uses software installed on the desktop. It also provides web-based versions of all of its apps. 

Both G Suite and Office 365 work well on most devices. Due to the fact that it is web-based, you can use G Suite from most browsers and using any operating system. Microsoft software is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. 

Both Office 365 and G Suite offer the same applications at their core. Both have a word processing app, an app for spreadsheets, an email application, a calendar, a presentation app, and a contacts program, as well as messaging, video-conferencing, and note-taking. 

G Suite and Office 365 both utilize cloud storage. The two suites both offer plenty of tools too.

Microsoft Word vs. Google Docs

Microsoft Word is a familiar, full-featured wordprocessor. It is designed for power and has been around for long enough for all of the kinks to get ironed out.

More recent versions of the software have collaborative capabilities that put it on a par with G Suite. There are also extra layers of security to protect your valuable data. 

If you’re looking for more of a minimalist app with collaboration at its core, then Google Docs is for you. The layout of Docs may be less familiar to you. 

Because there isn’t a native version of Google Docs, you do risk losing data integrity when it comes to moving between on-server Microsoft Word and the web-based Google Docs. 

Microsoft Excel vs. Google Sheets

When creating business spreadsheets, Excel is very robust. It provides advanced formatting and scripting elements that make it ideal for analyzing macros. It has the ability to run more complex programs from the Excel platform. 

Sheets is fantastic for keeping records of contacts or for doing basic equations. It also has a chat window that allows you to discuss any changes that are getting made in real-time. 

The app falls down when it comes to investigating data, business intelligence, and pivot tables as Sheets has far fewer capabilities in this regard. 

Microsoft PowerPoint vs. Google Slides

Microsoft PowerPoint is not only familiar to many users, but it is also dynamic. It is commonly used across a variety of industries.

PowerPoint provides formatting and style elements that are both dynamic and varied. There are a lot of great built-in templates. 

In addition, PowerPoint is fantastic and integrating with social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. As soon as you have added video files to a presentation, you can use them in presentations offline. 

Slides is very similar to PowerPoint. It doesn’t have the same range of features or templates though. The app is straightforward to use, however, with fewer features, you have less creative freedom as you might do with PowerPoint. 

Slides has native YouTube integration. You will, however,  need to have an internet connection to be able to show any presentations that are embedded with web videos. 

Microsoft Office vs Google Suite Comparison

So, when it comes to Microsoft Office vs. G Suite, which one is right for you?

With power and a great legacy, it’s hard to beat Microsoft Office 365. If you’re looking for software that is stable, secure, and packed full of features, this is the option for you. 

If you would prefer something a bit more basic but that allows for smooth collaboration, then look no further than G Suite. 

Wherever you land on the Microsoft Office vs Google Suite debate, you’ll still have the occasional need to convert your files. 

Offdrive lets you do that quickly and easily. Why not try it for yourself today?

Approximately 80% of Americans want to publish a book in their lifetime, but so few actually do. Why? Yes, writing a book takes time and dedication, but publishing a book in the traditional way is very difficult too.

There are so many hoops to jump through to get a book published in hardback and paperback. But if you decide to self-publish an eBook instead, that is an easy process you could learn to do by yourself.

And to self-publish an eBook, you will need to turn it into an ePub file. This guide will explain everything you need to know about converting your eBook, no matter what format it’s in, to an ePub file.

What Is an ePub File?

An ePub file is a type of file format specifically made for eBooks. ePubs have the file extension .epub just like PDFs, for example, have the file extension .pdf.

Since its creation in 2007, it’s the most-used eBook file format for eReaders like Amazon’s Kindle, Kobo, and Nook. The latest smartphones are also able to open ePub files. If a smartphone isn’t compatible, an app like Universal Book Reader can open eBook files too.

Benefits of Using ePub Files

Though an ePub file is widely known in the digital publishing world to be the optimum file format for eBooks, many still might opt to format their eBook as a PDF or other more common document file types.

If you want to self-publish an eBook, there are several benefits to publishing it as an ePub instead of the alternatives.

ePubs Are Editable and Adaptable

A PDF file format, as an example, is more like digital paper. The images and words aren’t editable (at least not easily) which doesn’t make for an intuitive, adaptable document.

An ePub file is a zip file containing style sheets, images, words, and other interactive media. They are much easier to edit than other document file types which is possible through HTML coding.

ePubs also adapt and fit whatever type of screen they are displaying on. With other word documents, readers need to pinch and adapt each page to fit the screen, but ePubs are programmed to do this automatically. This helps authors create eBooks that flow exactly as they intended. 

ePubs Are Secure Files

Other word documents like PDF and DOC aren’t very secure. Especially DOC and DOCX, which anyone can edit! ePub files give authors more security over their copyrighted work as they aren’t easy to share.

They are DML protected which means users need permission before they can share the file.

Plus, ePubs are the standard file format for eBooks now. Publishers and users alike all have devices and eReaders that are compatible with ePub and not any other type of file. They expect a certain level of quality when reading eBooks so using a different file format may be detrimental to the user experience.

Creating an ePub File: Step-by-Step Guide

So, now you know why you should publish your eBook in an ePub file format! Here is how to create an ePub file from a different document file type.

Step 1: Identify Your Current File Type

Your current eBook format is likely either a DOCX, HTML, ODT, PAGES, PDF, RTF, or a TXT file. Offdrive has the capabilities to convert any of these file formats to an ePub file. 

Step 2: Go to Our Homepage

From the homepage, identify the “Document Conversion” section of the top menu. Click on the relevant conversion option. For the sake of this example, we’ll convert a PDF to an ePUB file.

Note that Offdrive has the means to convert many file types. So, if you also need to convert images, compressed folders, spreadsheets, and more then we offer the tools to do so. The most common conversions are also available directly on the homepage.

Step 3: Upload Your Current eBook File

Once you’ve clicked on the PDF to ePUB conversion option, the next webpage will ask you to select the file you want to convert. Click on the green browse button and search through your documents to locate your eBook file.

Once you’ve selected the eBook file, click open. The box next to the green browse button will now be filled with your eBook’s file name.

Step 4: Complete the CAPTCHA Test

As is common with many websites where there is an input of data, all users need to complete a CAPTCHA test. This is a security feature designed to stop malicious hacking attempts from uploading harmful software to the website.

Anyone should be able to complete these tests. In this instance, the CAPTCHA test is simply a tickbox you need to check next to the words “I’m not a robot.”

Step 5: Convert the File to an ePub File Format

Next, click the green button to convert the file. It may take some time to scan the file for viruses and to complete the conversion depending on the size of the file. In most cases, the process shouldn’t take longer than a few seconds.

Then, you can either convert more files or download the file you just converted. If you click the download button, you will need to save the newly converted file to your computer. This is so you don’t lose it and can reaccess and use the file.

You have now created an ePub file! The process is identical no matter which type of file format you would like to convert to an ePub file.

Self Publish an eBook Using the Right Files

This is everything you need to know to self-publish an eBook using the ePub file format. It’s a straightforward process and ultimately, self-publishing your own book is simpler and more accessible than the traditional publishing process.

Do you need to create and convert other documents into different file formats? Our website has the capabilities for most types of file conversions. Check out how to convert a PDF to a DOC file here.

In the internet age, the distribution of images is extremely common across all sites. Anyone who strives to be internet fluent should recognize the need to know how to share images.

Over the past few decades, there are two common formats for sharing, posting, sending, and creating images: GIFs and PNGs. Do you know t\how to work both of these essential file types?

Now let’s take a look at everything you need to know about GIFs and PNGs and their differences. Here is a rundown on GIF vs PNG, what they actually are, and their origins.

After that, we’ll answer the important question you have probably asked yourself: should I use a GIF or a PNG?

What Are GIFs?

Both terms are, of course, acronyms of more complicated words. GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. While GIFs are great for animation and short clips, they lack strong and convertible coloring at times.

GIFs are really the “old and trusty way” to share files over the internet. They convert extremely well across numerous formats. The Graphic Interchange Format was developed in 1987 and has had two eras of prosperity.

After losing some appeal due to newer and higher-quality options such as PNG in the early 2000s, GIFs have enjoyed a second life utilized heavily within social media apps like Twitter.

What Are PNGs?

Mimicking the rise of GIFs, PNGs are also a technological achievement and a great option for image files. Also known as Portable Network Graphics, PNGs became common just at the turn of the century around 1998-1999.

PNG has color and brightness management and is superior to GIFs in that area. The files compress up to 25 percent better when sent. PNGs are better for creating images from scratch.

Unfortunately, PNGs do not support animation as GIFs do. But the advanced color is evident with PNGs as it supports thousands of more shades than GIFs (less than 300 colors).

Overall, PNGs are a slightly newer method and are more-advanced than GIFs, but this means that they might not work as well for older images and links as GIFs do.

Similarities of GIF vs PNG

Both PNGs and GIFs have been designed in the internet age to better share images and information. Since they are both great options, their use across the internet is split. That means it is important to be able to convert images between the two formats.

These two image management systems both are used for about 25 percent of files sent over the internet. JPEGs also are significant and are used over 40 percent of the time, making most of the market one of these three.

You can identify both by checking the file extension at the end of a file name. It should be listed at the tail end after a period. GIFs are sometimes spelled as “.gfa” instead.

Uploading An Image Online

You may need to upload or send a GIF or PNG for numerous reasons. As an assignment for school or work, you might need images. Most of the websites on the internet have carefully orchestrated ways to insert both of these file types when they publish pages since images are so essential.

PNGs and GIFs are very commonly shared over social media sites for personal use. Or that could even be for business if you are a member of the media. Anything from linking a URL to an image on a homepage to sending a gif by text is manipulating these images.

Now that you know how PNGs and GIFs are similar and different you can decide which one is better to use. But actually, the answer is both. It completely depends on the situation, as some instances call for a GIF and some for use of a PNG.

What factors are at play when it comes to deciding whether to use a PNG or GIF?

When to Use a PNG

There are a ton of PNG benefits with any image type or situation. As covered above, PNGs offer many of the advantages of GIFs as well as improving on many of their aspects.

Use a PNG for most situations, especially when you need clear and sharp graphics. Unless animation is involved, feel secure always using PNG.

The best thing about PNGs is that they are nearly as small as GIFs but with all the added benefits of the color and picture still included.

When to Use a GIF

Once again, the question of animation use is a crucial factor in making this determination. Anytime you are using animation, or any moving image, you should use GIF not PNG to send or post a file.

Another time to use GIF is when you are dealing with limitations on the size of and space for the image. GIF files are smaller than PNG or even JPEG files.

But if you are asking yourself, “should I use a GIF?”, when any of these factors are at play, steer clear: a need for photo-quality images with a range of colors, or a need to edit the image after sending/posting. If you plan on printing the image later on, don’t use a GIF.

Converting a GIF to a PNG

You may be wondering how to convert between the two image file types. There are two ways: you can convert a file manually between the two, which can be tricky. You can do this within a Word document or Paintshop.

An easier way is to utilize one of the many online sites that can convert the file for you.

Now You Know

For anyone who is online a lot, it is in their best interest to know GIFs and PNGs and how they work. Perhaps most important is to understand the differences between GIF vs PNG and how to convert pictures between the two.

For more helpful articles on file conversion, check out the rest of our blog!

One of the hallmarks of the 21st century is the move towards digital media. Twenty years ago, music, games, and even books were strictly physical mediums. Now, you can easily access these same items as electronic files.

With digital media, accessing your content is easier than ever and can be done on virtually any smart device. The EPUB format makes great use of this to allow consumers easy access to information like books, articles, or documents.

EPUB is short for electronic publication and affords varied utility and options from smartphone users to business owners. Keep reading to learn what are EPUB files and how you can use them.

What is an Electronic Publication File?

EPUB files are a versatile form of electronic formatting that can allow you to convert various media into easily accessible digital files. EPUB files can hold words, images, tables, fonts, and metadata.

The EPUB file is widely universal, which means you can access the files on your smartphone, tablet, e-reader, or computer. Another benefit of the EPUB format is that these files can be read on multiple devices without interfering with the layout. Essentially, no matter the screen size of your device, these files will still look the same.

EPUB is free to use, which makes it the most common format for ebooks. While there are other formats for ebooks, EPUB is so widespread that you can access them on nearly any device. The only devices that cannot read EPUB are the Amazon Kindle devices.

However, you can get around this by using a program called Calibre to convert EPUB files into a format that the Nook will read.

How to View EPUB Files

Because of their widespread use, an EPUB file can be viewed by nearly any device, save for the Kindle. The Nook and Kobo e-readers can open EPUBs without converting the files. iPad users can also view these files by using the Books app.

For desktops and laptops, some of the options available are Calibre, Stanza Desktop, Apple Books, and many others. Mac users can also utilize Readium to read EPUBs.

For iPhone and Android users, there are many different apps to choose from to read EPUBs. The app that works best for you will depend on your personal tastes and how each app meets your needs.

Some browsers, like Firefox and Chrome, have extensions that will allow you to read EPUBs in the browser. You can install EPUBReader in Firefox and Simple EPUB Reader in Google Chrome. 

You can also use Google Play Books to view EPUBs. By uploading the file to your account, you can access it via the web client.

Because EPUBs and ZIP files are structured in the same way, you can also use compression programs to open EPUBs. To do this, replace the .epub at the end of the file’s name with .zip. When you do this, you’ll also be able to see the contents of the file.

How to Convert EPUBs 

If you need to convert files to an EPUB or vice-versa, you will need special software to do so. If you manually change the file extension by simply erasing it and replacing it with another one, you can end up with a corrupt file.

One program that can do this is Calibre. It is one of the most popular conversion programs because it can convert files to most ebook formats available. Some of the available options include TXT, PDF, MOBI, HTML, and many more.

You can also view your EPUBs by using Calibre.

If you already have a way to view EPUBs and want something a little simpler, Zamzar may be the way to go for you. With Zamzar, you can convert EPUBs to different text formats like PDF, TXT, FB2, and others.

Another way to convert them is to try and open the file in an ebook reader software and then try to save or export the file as a different file type.

Some websites will allow you to convert files for free. For example, Offdrive will let you convert PDFs to EPUBs by uploading the file to the site.

What to Do If You Can’t Open the File

In general, the most common reason people have trouble opening these files is mistaking the file extension for another. Different file formats can look almost exactly like another, which can confuse people.

An example of this is PUB files, which you may think are EPUBs but are different altogether. PUB files are used by Microsoft Publisher as Publisher Document Files. 

If you mistakenly downloaded the wrong file format, you can always attempt to convert the file to the EPUB format. 

In other cases, your file may be corrupted. If this is the case, there are some ways to attempt to repair the file, but each fix is specific to the reason. Attempts to repair files work about 50% of the time, but there is definitely no harm in trying.

If you can’t fix the file, your only option will be to redownload it.

How to Make Your Own EPUB

If you are an independent author and you want to publish your book as an ebook, there are ways to convert your book file to EPUB. This will usually involve software that will format your book so that it looks presentable.

Draft2Digital is one of the easiest methods to convert your file for free. You can upload your Word file and have it converted to EPUB. Plus, thanks to Draft2Digital’s terms of service, you can take the file and submit it to another retailer or distributor to get it published.

Your Ultimate Source for File Conversion

If you found this guide on what are EPUB files helpful, Offdrive has much more for you to offer. We have free conversion tools that will allow you to convert your images, documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, and more, into other file types. We also have a blog on file conversion topics to help you learn more when converting your files. Check out our site and see what we have to offer.

Project files are notoriously complex. They contain information such as project timelines, individual to mass-group tasks, and control balances, budgets, and so much more.

And the problem is: not all file types work with all systems. Each has glaring limitations, but can be salvaged and covered if formatted to a different file type.

A perk over other file types is that ODTs offer smaller file sizes at the expense of limited capabilities. In this article we’ll go over how to convert files, such as MPTs and ODTs, to make sure your projects keep going smoothly.

MPT to ODT Conversion

A big question you may be asking is why would you want to convert files, such as an MPT to an ODT in the first place? In truth, the reasons are rather niche.

One of the reasons could be that the MPT you’re working on doesn’t have a lot of complex algorithms working in the background and may be better served in a simpler file format. ODTs, which work in many free software, are great for that.

Another is that your Microsoft Projects subscription is lost, being revoked, or no longer meets your needs. Keeping your information in a text-based file helps make that data accessible.

Make note, many of the functions will no longer be available once it’s converted into a text-based document format, such as DOC, DOCX, ODT, and so on. 

MPT -> ODT Using Microsoft Projects

Perhaps the easiest way to convert MPTs to ODTs is if you have the Microsoft Projects application. When in your project folder, you can go up to “File” and “Save As…”

When saving, you should see a list of file types available to pick from. Picking the ODT option (as well as labeling the project something to distinguish it from your MPT file) is what you’ll want to do.

Afterward, you should be able to search in your files for the specific ODT file. Right-click the ODT file and choose which application you wish to open it with, to ensure that everything you wished to display transferred appropriately. 

MPT -> ODT Using Online Applications

There’s a bevy of online converter’s that can turn any file into any other type of file. When it comes to complex files, such as MPTs, however, you want to make sure that you’re finding a reputable site.

Don’t deal with maddening pop-ups, paywalls, or anything else that screams “scam.” 

You see, when you upload your MPT file, the conversion process will require you to download the fully converted ODT after. If you’re using an untrustworthy site, there might be more than you bargained for in that download.

(Viruses, malware, bloatware, all that stuff.)

Don’t upload anything with personal, private information until you can confirm the site is on the up-and-up.

MPT <- ODT Is Difficult

unfortunately, there’s no convenient way to turn an ODT file into an MPT file. It is possible to take an ODT, convert to a PDF, then subsequently turn that PDF into an MPP (the ‘final-form,’ so to speak, of MPTs).

However, to get a template out of an ODT file is… Not going to work well. 

Imagine it like a cash exchange at a store. While you can go to a store and buy a hat for $5, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to go and use that hat at another store to buy something worth five dollars.

If you took it to a pawn shop, maybe they’d give you $1, but the exchange rate doesn’t equate.

Thus, don’t expect to have a full-functioning MPT just because you have a really well-documented ODT file.

What Are the Differences Between MPT and ODT?

Both file types perform similar functions. Yet, as seen with many file formats and their required conversion processes, these two come as a result of proprietary versus open source file types.

MPT File Format

AN MPT file is a Microsoft Project Template file. As expected, this is used in Microsoft Project, the company’s project management app.

An MPT is the basis for what eventually becomes an MPP (Microsoft Project) file. These types of files are great if you’re using Microsoft Project, but pretty challenging to use in other, open-source software.

These files types have synergy with other Microsoft Office applications. Being able to perform higher functions is a great utility for the format, but it comes at the expense of larger file sizes and lack of compatibility outside Microsoft.

ODT File Format

ODT stands for OpenDocument Text Document file. These often originate from the free, open-source OpenOffice word processor, “Writer”.

Unlike MPT, these documents are more akin to Microsoft’s DOC and DOCX file format, which is used in their widely popular Word Processor.

While there are graphic and analytical data to be found in these types of files, usually it’s a bit stripped down from their MPT counterparts. However, most programs can open and read ODT files, unlike the MPT files.

For example, Microsoft Word Online, Google Docs, LibreOffice, AbiSource, and many more document editors can open ODT files. And that’s in part because of the limited information ODTs can display.

Primarily, ODT files share text, images, themes, graphics, and of course all the styling choices found in most word-processors. This makes it an ideal file format for printing.

It also is convenient for sharing, as the data is stripped of most analytical functions and can thus be made into a smaller file size.

To repeat the warning from above, the transition back into an MPT is not as easy as it was to become an ODT.

Convert Files Digitally

Now you should know how to convert files like MPTs and ODTs with ease. No longer do you need to fear being trapped in one proprietary system! Just use the tools listed above and you should find great success. 

Keep your files accessible. We make digital conversion easy. Whether you need to convert PDF to JPG files, or vice-versa, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re old enough, you might remember the iconic chimes sound introduced in Windows 3.1. It sounds so simple today, but it was a nice upgrade from the mere beeps produced by old computers.

It’s all thanks to WAV that we had this sound to let us know our download was successful. Today, though, it has a much larger application.

But, what are WAV files and what are their differences from other audio files? Keep on reading to learn all about it, how to convert it, and more.

What Are WAV Files?

WAV (pronounced as “wave”) is short for Waveform Audio File Format. It’s a raw audio file format that has become the standard for storing uncompressed audio data. This is why a WAV file is usually larger than, say, an MP3 file.

It’s a container format that stores data in “chunks,” applying the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF). In this way, it’s similar to the formats 8SVX and AIFF.

As such, it may contain audio recordings using different bitrates and sample rates. It also stores information aside from the audio data.

Although it’s used in PCs most of the time, it’s also a viable interchange medium for other platforms. This means you can open it even on Mac computers.

How to Open a WAV File

Speaking of, opening it is pretty simple. As it’s a widely used format, most operating systems – including Apple’s macOS and Windows – have pre-installed applications that can open and play a WAV file. Meaning, you don’t have to download any special program to run it.

Windows has Windows Media Player, which will run if you double-click on a WAV file. Mac computers will use either iTunes or Quicktime.

If your computer doesn’t have these programs, you can download the VLC media player, which has over 3 billion downloads as of now. VideoLAN can play DivX, MP4, WMV, and more on top of WAV files. You can download it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, and other systems.

Some other media players we trust are Eltima Elmedia Player, Clementine, and Audacity. As it’s a standard file format, though, any program of your choice should be able to read it.

Differences of WAV from Other File Formats

You now have an idea what are WAV files, but how do they differ from other file formats? What are the benefits of WAV files that other formats don’t have?

Quality

WAV files are lossless and uncompressed. Meaning, they suffer no loss of quality from the original recording even after reproduction.

Other formats result in loss of audio quality after conversion. This is why WAV files have clearer and crisper audio. In terms of quality, WAV wins in WAV files vs MP3.

Size

However, it’s also because of this that WAV files are bigger than other formats, like MP3. At CD-quality, a WAV file can have around 10 MB per minute. This is because it’s limited to 4 GB files, which works out to 6.8 hours of audio at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo.

A three-minute song at this quality would then need around 30 MB of disk space. Simply changing to 48 kHz and 24-bit stereo would increase the file size to 16.48 MB.

Usage

For this reason, it’s not practical for use on the internet. For streaming, web pages, web videos, and pretty much the rest of the internet, MP3 is the better choice.

It’s a compressed music file with little noticeable difference in sound quality. It loads much faster and the audio is still decent, so it has become the standard for music distribution, libraries on mobile phones, and so on.

WAV is the best choice for media that requires uncompromised audio quality, though. It has applications on TV, DVDs, radio, and such.

Simplicity

Despite their large size, WAV files are easy to process and edit. Due to this, you should be able to use editor software at any level, from beginner to pro.

An underrated application of this is looping audio. WAV files are the best for loops because they’re easy to edit in a way that you won’t notice where it starts and ends. MP3 aren’t good for this task because they have gaps before and after the audio.

How to Convert WAV to Other File Formats

It’s pretty straightforward to convert MP3 to WAV files or vice versa. Most of the time, all you need is an internet connection to convert any type of media.

Online Converters

Browser-based converters are aplenty, and they allow you to convert WAV files to other file formats, such as AAC, AIFF, WMA, M4A, and such. You can convert even more types, like AVI, MKV, MPG, WTV, and many more to WAV.

All you need to do is search for an online converter on Google or other search engines. Pick one from the search results, and then upload the file. In many cases, you can even upload a video and the converter will extract the audio track to WAV.

You only have to wait a little while for the upload and conversion to finish. Afterward, you can download the file.

Some converters have extra features. They may allow you to trim the audio, for instance, or change the sampling rate.

Program

Some programs also allow you to convert to/from WAV, and it has the added benefit of being usable offline. VLC, for example, allows you to export a WAV audio file from any video clip. You can also convert any supported audio file format.

It all starts at the Convert/Save option under the Media tab. It can get pretty complicated, so it’s not as straightforward as using an online converter.

For instance, you have to choose the Profile or create a new Profile preset, choose the bitrate and sample rate, and so on. You can convert multiple files in one go, though.

Other programs might also be able to convert to/from WAV no matter what operating system you’re using. Most of them are free, but if you want to go more in-depth, you might have to shell out money for a paid program.

Convert Your WAV Files Today

After learning what are WAV files, you should now know what to do with your audio files. Do you want to keep them as is or do you want to convert them?

If you have a GIF, we’d be glad to help you convert it to WAV. You can also check more on our page to see what other conversions you can do.

Microsoft Word feels like it’s been around since the dinosaur age. Whenever there is a project or proposal due, we open up MS Word and begin typing away.

Although there were different alternatives available, we stayed true to using Microsoft Word because that’s all we knew. However, as technology has advanced over the last two decades, there has been stiff competition between document processors.

Different file formats became available, and our love for Microsoft was in jeopardy until one day, we went up to “File” and scrolled down to “Save” and saw another file option other than the usual DOC. It was DOCX

It’s still the same Microsoft Word file type that we know and love but enhanced. Today we’ll look at DOC vs. DOCX files and compare the differences between the two.

An Overview of DOC Files

The DOC file format was the first file format used for Microsoft Word when initially released in MS-DOS thirty years ago. During the 1990s and early 2000s, different products tried to compete with Microsoft Word by releasing word processors that were compatible with DOC files.

Because Microsoft’s formatting for file types was different, other companies weren’t able to mimic them completely. However, it enabled the competition to create free word processors, whereas Microsoft Word is a paid product.

With more competition on the market, Microsoft needed to adapt once more. In 2007, they completed a complete overhaul of Microsoft Office and products such as Powerpoint (PPT) and Excel (XLS).

Microsoft Word was also updated, and the DOCX file format was created as a result.

DOC vs. DOCX

The DOCX file format is the upgraded version of the DOC file format previously used by Microsoft Word. It is currently the default file format for most documents that are saved on Microsoft Word.

DOCX contains more features than original DOC files. With DOCX, files created in this format are smaller and easier to transfer than large bulky DOC files. 

Also, DOCX can be used on any open-source word processor because of the compatible nature of the files.

Are There Differences Between DOC and DOCX?

Yes, there are some critical differences between the two formats. Check out the list below:

DOC Format

• Any Word file created up to 2006 is in the DOC format
• Documents are stored in a binary with all relevant formatting information
• There are limited options for design and text in DOC files
• The file size is bigger in DOC format
• DOC is proprietary, meaning that the structure was not available for other software
• Third-party applications do not support DOC
• DOC files can be easily corrupted when they are transferred

DOCX Format

• DOCX is open source
• DOCX is essentially a zip file that contains the Word file and the other document formatting files 
• More editing can be done in DOCX format
• There is no hassle in opening up older DOCX files
• Third-party applications can use the DOCX format
• DOCX filers are smaller
• DOCX files can be quickly recovered if they are corrupted during transfer

As you can see, there are some significant differences between the two. But does that mean that one is better than the other? In the next section, we’ll look at some of the benefits of using the DOC format or DOCX.

Benefits of DOC Format

Although it is only, DOC files do have some benefits to them. They are:

• It can be used to open up older Word documents, not in DOCX format
• If you haven’t updated your Microsoft Office, there’s a compatibility pack that lets you open DOCX files in your older version of MS word
• It can be helpful to send this file type in case the received does not have an updated version of Microsoft Word

There aren’t many benefits, but these few do impact how people use Microsoft Word. Next, let’s look at the pros of the DOCX format.

Benefits of DOCX Format

Since it became available, the DOCX format has made its mark on businesses, school work, and leisure writing. This type of structure comes with some great benefits such as:

• DOCX files can be easily converted to other file types
• Because the files are smaller, it makes sending emails easier
• You can use newer features with DOCX that you couldn’t get with a DOC file
• DOCX files have more security against viruses
• If you’re not using Microsoft Word, DOCX files can be used on any other word processor
• DOCX files will not be corrupted as easily as DOC files

As you can see, there are more benefits of using DOCX compared to using DOC. There’s less risk involved, and there’s also a wide range of tools to enhance your experience using DOCX format.

Saving Your Files

It can be tricky to know what file type to save as at times. When we save our document, the mouse goes back and forth because we’re unsure which file type to use.

When it comes to saving your files, go with your preference. If you’re sending a file to someone you know may not be using DOCX format, send them a DOC file instead.

If you know that using DOCX files will make an impression on your employer because of its enhanced features, then use a DOCX file. 

Whatever you do decide, make sure that you’re comfortable saving in that file type. There’s enough technology available to open the file in your chosen format.

Use Microsoft Word Efficiently

The DOC vs. DOCX debate has gone on for some time, with more favor leaning towards DOCX, and rightfully so. DOCX will make your life easier, and you’ll be more productive. Just look at its benefits.

If you need more information about Microsoft Word or tips on any other word processors, check out some of our other blog posts.