Category: FAQs

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.

If you’re a dedicated fan of a beloved music artist, TV show, or movie, animated GIFs are one of the ways to display that love online. And no, it is not pronounced as “jif”.

Whether you are showing off your GIF-making skills on Tumblr or texting them to your friends, knowing how to create animated GIFs is a valuable skill that is easy to learn.

How do you create an interesting animated GIF that will grab people’s attention and want to share it all over the internet? If you want to know how to make animated GIFs, keep on reading.

What is a GIF?

GIF stands for “Graphics Interchange Format”. It is a compressed file type that can support 8 bits per pixel. or even have as many as 256 colors in a 24-bit RBG range. Originally, GIFs were enacted as standards for decoding and encoding binary codes.

Nowadays, when they are used online, they are used as interactive methods to convey an emotion that most people will relate to. When you want to use an animated version of an image that would typically be still without embedding a video, you should go for a GIF instead of a JPG.

How to Animate GIFs

One of the great things about GIFs is that they are lossless. Technically, this means that when you duplicate an original image, the quality of the image is not lost. This works well when you are making a GIF to an animated GIF.

While a GIF can also be a still image, why not take full advantage of the GIF’s full potential by animating it? These are some of the ways that a GIF file can be created.

Create with Photoshop

Photoshop is not just for editing photos; it also works well for creating a GIF. Here is how to create animated GIFs with Photoshop.

1. Number your files and place them into a stack by going to  File -> Stack -> Load Files
2. Alternatively for video, use File -> Import -> Video Frames to Layers where you can choose which portion of the video to use
3. Set up dimensions, resolution, and color mode
4. Make a timeline
5. Change “Create Video Timeline” to “Create Frame Animation”
6. Click on it and select Make Frames from Layers
7. Press the play button and make the duration Forever (left of the play button)
8. Export and designate as Save for Web (Legacy)
9. Make the preset GIF 128 Dithered
10. Change the colors setting to 256
11. Save and upload! 

If you do not have Photoshop, other programs you can use to make animated GIFs include GIMP and Microsoft GIF Animator.

Create with GIPHY

If you are unfamiliar with it, GIPHY is known as one of the biggest databases for GIFs on the Internet. But what you might not know is that they also have a free GIF-making tool on their website. This is how you use it.

1. Input a video file, individual photos, a series of photos, or a video URL from YouTube or Vimeo
2. Go to the editing page that comes up after you upload your files
3. Trim your video to about two to six seconds (Note: make sure the file size is small enough to load quickly on any social media and blogging platforms you export the GIF to)
4. Add any caption, stickers, or drawings that you think will enhance the GIF
5. Upload it
6. Add tags so anyone can find it

The great thing about creating a GIF this way is that it is simple to navigate and create one from a variety of sources. If you are looking for a free way to make a simple GIF, this is a great way to do it.

Make GIFs From Other Files

What if you can’t afford Adobe Photoshop or other software that allows you to build files? Believe it or not, you can make GIFS by converting other files into GIF files. Some of the file types you can convert to GIF format include:

• ICO to GIF
• JPG to GIF
• PNG to GIF
• PSD to GIF
• SVG to GIF

Depending on the purpose of the previous file types you are using, converting your existing files into a GIF can be easy as pie. Try converting one of the file types above and use it for your intended purpose.

What Else to Do with GIFs?

GIFs are used in everyday life, such as online, at school, and or for work purposes. 

Because GIFs support 8 bits per pixel, they can be great for creating logos and banner images. This makes them useful files for marketing purposes on a blog or website. If you use pronounced linework and color in any drawn images, the GIF is also a great use for this.

Keep in mind that one thing you will have to look out for is images with fewer colors will work much better with GIFs than photos that have a lot of colors. They should be designated for smaller, lower-resolution images since the file sizes can become very large.

Learn How to Make Animated GIFs

GIFs are widely seen all over the internet whether you realize it or not. When you know how to make animated GIFs, you open yourself up to a new world of technological possibilities. Whether you make it yourself, use an online maker, or convert them from another file type, make the animated GIF work for you and your needs.

No matter if you need to convert spreadsheets, Word documents, or presentation slides, our online conversion tool can help you get your file to the right format you need. Try converting a JPG to GIF on our site today.

A debate that’s been around for about as long as Mac and Windows have themselves — which is the best presentation software, Keynote or Powerpoint?

Where Microsoft Powerpoint used to be the undisputed champion, Apple Keynote has come on leaps and bounds to contend with the reigning champ. We’re doing a deep dive into the similarities and differences of Keynote vs PowerPoint to help you figure out which presentation program you should use. 

Keynote Vs Powerpoint Similarities

Both presentation programs are by far the most popular options for their respective platforms. Though by no means the only presentation apps available.

They both offer slide-based presentations where users can add text, graphics, multimedia, and more to each slide. You can use existing templates as well as transitions on both to create professional-looking and engaging presentations for your audience. 

However, the unique features for editing within both apps vary quite a bit.

Keynote Vs Powerpoint Differences

After being around for so long, each app has developed its own approach to features. In some instances, this gives one of the apps a distinct advantage over the other.

Shapes

You can add shapes to presentations in Powerpoint. While most business professionals won’t be doing this all too often, it’s a great tool for teachers. 

In Powerpoint, head to insert, then ‘shapes’ and pick the shape you need. Your mouse will then change into a precision pointer and you can draw your shape wherever you’d like.

In Keynote, you’ll click on the shape you want and it will automatically appear in your slide. You can resize it after it has appeared. 

You can even merge shapes in both apps. However, Keynote does not give you a preview of your merged shape whereas Powerpoint does. Powerpoint also has more shapes available.

Slide Master Edits

One of Powerpoint’s best features is the slide master. Editing this lets you make global changes to your presentation slides. So, for example, if you wanted a universal layout change last minute, it’s easy to do. 

You can also use it to insert the same placeholder image, text, or media across all slides, which is very useful for branding your presentation. 

Keynote is more limited in this aspect. You can make edits to the slide master, but there are fewer options for universal changes like in Powerpoint. 

Slide Transitions and Animations

You can add a dramatic flair to your presentation by using slide transitions or animations in either program.

Keynote has the edge over Powerpoint when it comes to the number of animations and transitions available. It also has the edge in terms of aesthetics. This should come as no surprise considering it’s created by Apple, who are famed for their design capabilities. 

Export and Save Options

Keynote save and export options are limited. By this we mean, you can only save it to one format which is the default .keynote file type. You can however open PPT files using Keynote.

Powerpoint gives you a lot more options for both saving and exporting your presentation. The default file type is the .PPTX format. You can export to PDF, XPS, and video, as well as publish to Microsoft Stream. 

Frustratingly, you can’t import Keynote file types to Powerpoint. It’s not reflective of Microsoft. Apple is well-known for creating a lock-in in regard to its products.

Fortunately, it’s a bit of a moot point because you can use our software to convert KEY to PPT.

Who Should Use Powerpoint?

As you can see from the above differences, the two offer a few unique advantages. But if your mind still isn’t made up on which to use, we’ve got a few more pointers to help you.

Powerpoint has been around for so long that it’s synonymous with presentations. This means many PCs already come with it pre-installed.

Powerpoint licenses can be expensive, particularly for business use. A personal license for the Microsoft 365 suite is $69.99 annually. This fee also includes licenses for other Office programs like Word, Excel, Outlook, and more.

Our familiarity with Microsoft products is another reason to stick with Powerpoint. Most of us grew up using Microsoft Office products. As such, we’re all familiar with the layout, regardless of how they’ve changed over the years.

If you’re using Powerpoint as part of a wider team then it’s best to stick to the same app. Collaboration can be made difficult when there are compatibility issues. This advice would equally apply if all your team was using Keynote, then Keynote would be preferential in this instance. 

Who Should Use Keynote?

The above isn’t to say you should always use Powerpoint. There’s plenty of instances where Keynote is the better platform option. Like if you’re an Apple user in general.

We mentioned the lock-in above already, but it has its positives. Apple’s obsession with having their own software on all their devices means their software works beautifully together. So if you’re on iPhone, Mac, and iPad and entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, stay there.

Keynote is available across all their devices. Better yet, it’s free. So you can switch seamlessly between the device that suits you depending on where you are.

You might think it being free comes at a cost, like fewer capabilities, but for the vast majority of users, Keynote has all the features you’d need. The app is updated often and you’ll never pay for the new features, unlike with Powerpoint. 

If you’re new to Apple products, the new programs can be a little daunting at first. But Apple prides themselves on how user-friendly their applications are. Keynote is no exception to this rule and you’ll pick it up in no time. 

You’ll be rewarded with better-looking themes, transitions, and animations. Even the default options on Keynote don’t look like a standard PowerPoint presentation. So if you’re looking to easily up your presentation aesthetic, Keynote can help. 

No Clear Winner

As you can probably tell, there’s no clear winner when it comes to the Keynote vs Powerpoint debate. Much of it will come down to what device you’re using and your personal preferences. Both are great programs that can be used to create memorable presentations.

Remember, if you need help with converting file types between Apple and Microsoft products, we can help with almost any kind of file conversion. See our full free services on our site. 

So you’re working on an audio project and want the best audio file format. Sounds easy, right? Why not just use whatever everyone else is using these days?

Well, the problem is that people use quite a variety of things. There’s no single “best” file format for audio, and that’s because each project has different needs and priorities. Once you get a handle on what decisions you’ll need to make, though, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an audio file expert.

Keep reading to find out how.

Quality Isn’t Everything

When people are looking for the best music file format, they might think what they’re asking for is high quality. But this isn’t always the best choice. Some high-quality formats also take up more storage space, meaning they could be impractical if you’re planning on gathering a large amount of audio for a project.

Another thing to consider is compatibility. If you’re sharing audio on the web, you’ll need to make sure your file format is compatible with the web platform you’re using. And if you’re distributing audio to a wide variety of people (for example, selling music), you will want to make sure a good range of media players support your file type.

Lossless vs. Lossy

When you’re comparing file types, you might see the words “lossless” and “lossy”—but what do these mean? Well, the answer has to do with compression and quality.

A Visual Analogy

Lossless and lossy are also words we can use to describe image files. For example, has someone ever asked you to send an image in the form of a PNG rather than a JPG? One of the reasons they might ask for this is because PNG files are lossless, while JPG files are lossy.

This means that when you save a JPG file, the image becomes compressed, losing a small amount of data in order to save space. The first time you save the image, this might not be noticeable at all. But if you continue to edit and save a JPG, the loss in quality will definitely show up.

PNGs are different. They don’t lose quality when you save the file, so you don’t have to worry about how many changes you make to it.

Lossless vs. Lossy in Music File Formats

If you already know the difference between lossless and lossy for image files, it won’t take long to understand what we mean by lossless and lossy audio file formats.

Like a JPG, a lossy audio file will degrade in quality every time you save it. This will save you space on your computer and won’t make much of an audible difference if you’re only planning on saving one version of it. But if you’re sending an audio file something back and forth with someone, you will want to go with a lossless format.

Like a PNG, a lossless audio file will not lose data to compression. So you can feel free to edit it as many times as you want without a decrease in quality.

The Best Audio File Format for Editing

When you’re trying to decide between different types of audio files, you’ll need to assess your current needs. Are you working on a collaborative project—like, say, a podcast or audio advertisement?

If you plan to edit a file with others, you will want to go for a lossless file format. Examples of these include FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), Windows Media Lossless, and Apple Lossless. This way, you can send versions of your audio to others and keep working on the same file without compressing it.

This is good practice even if you aren’t expecting heavy edits. For example, you might just be sending someone a file to upload to a website.

The person you’re sending your file to might need to trim it or make a small change before uploading, meaning a lossless format would be better. Then, if that person needs to convert the file into a lossy format for web compatibility purposes, they can do so on their own after they have a final version.

The Power of MP3

When it comes down to it, the most common type of audio file you’ll see floating around is the MP3 file. When you save a song on your phone, it’ll likely be in the form of an MP3.

MP3 is a lossy file format, meaning it might not give you the best possible audio quality. But because it’s the most common audio format, it’s extremely likely that you can play it from the device you’re using with no problem. It won’t be hard to find an audio player that’s compatible with MP3.

MP3 vs. WAV

If you’re using software to record and edit audio, you might have the option to save it either as an MP3 or a WAV file. While MP3 has its benefits, it’s not always the best option here.

WAV files are lossless. So if you’re going to keep editing and working on your file, it will likely be best to save it as a WAV until you’re done.

One major downside to WAV files, though, is that they take up more space on your computer. This might not be a big deal for just one file, but if you’re recording tons of audio (like, say, a series of interviews for a behavioral experiment), this adds up. Once you’re done editing your file, you might want to save the final version as an MP3 to save storage space.

Choose Wisely!

The interesting thing about choosing the best audio file format for your project is that the right answer might be a combination of formats. For example, you might need to preserve quality during the editing process but then prioritize compactness in the end. Whatever your needs are, there’s a file format (or a few) out there for you.

You can even check out one of our handy conversion guides here. Happy file-making!

There are almost 260 million Microsoft Office 365 users. Word is a component of Microsoft Office 365 as well as several other licensing options. That’s a huge number of MS Word users who might benefit from an understanding of the benefits of PDF.

Converting Word documents to PDF is a great tool for users who want to preserve format and more. Read on to learn more about the important benefits of converting Word to PDF.

What Is Word to PDF Conversion?

A document created in Microsoft Word can be converted into a “portable document format” or PDF. Microsoft Word has an option to save a document in the PDF format by selecting the “Save” option from the “File” menu and selecting the PDF file format.

You can read PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Reader but that’s not the only way to open a PDF file. Many applications have the capability to open PDF documents. Also, web browsers have PDF handling capability.

You can’t edit a PDF document. You can print it and share it with other people. These features make it a powerful tool for Microsoft Word and other word processing users.

Preserving Format

When you convert an MS Word document to PDF and distribute it to other people, the document is preserved. Unlike when distributing an MS Word document, it cannot be edited by those people who receive the PDF version of the document.

One major problem with documents in MS Word format is that how they look is dependent on the receiving computer users’ software. If the document user has a different word processing application, a different version of MS Word, or doesn’t have the same fonts installed, the document can look very different.

An MS Word doc to PDF converted document will retain the format that it was created in. All users of that document will see exactly the same document no matter what hardware or software they are using.

Paperless Advantage

Storing documents as hardcopy or paper is now regarded as both a waste of resources and space. Printing itself is expensive and environmentally damaging. This makes the paperless office and document storage in digital formats desirable.

The problem is, what format should you store your paperless archive in? The problem is that you may have multiple formats making retrieval and viewing problematic. The answer to your paperless storage challenges is to choose one format for everything you need to preserve and that is PDF.

Version-Free

One of the challenges of sharing documents with MS Word is that MS Word’s versions change. This can cause compatibility problems. Older versions of MS Word and old documents can mean that compatibility issues arise.

PDFs are version-free. All PDFs can be opened by any PDF reader irrespective of age or origin. That’s a high level of independence for versions that is comforting to know.

Long Life

Hardware and software changes are a challenge. New versions and technologies seem to be happening with such frequency that keeping up is difficult. That’s fine if you are excited by new features and capability but a worry if you are interested in the lifespan of your documents.

PDFs have been with us for many years and certainly look like they will be for many years to come. They have been adopted as an almost universal standard by so many users that a long lifespan is certain.

There are so many legacy documents stored and continuously shared in PDF format that it’s very unlikely that a new format will take its place any time soon. Meanwhile, that commitment to PDF is increasing every day with more and more users creating more and more PDF documents.

Operating System Compatibility

You may not be able to determine what operating system the receivers of your document will be using. Fortunately, PDFs work perfectly well on PCs and Macs.

PDFs are also viewable on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Whether your users use iOS or Android operating systems on those mobile devices, the PDF documents are viewable.

Security

Security is an ever-present concern for computer users. Confidential information, personal details, and even banking and financial details are at risk of theft, loss, or corruption. It’s important to preserve the security of data.

Fortunately, PDFs can be password protected.

Small Is Beautiful

Storage capacity is a limited resource. Whether your file storage is on your own hard disks or you are using cloud-based storage, file storage costs money. That means the size of the files you store matters.

Large file formats are more expensive to store than smaller file formats. PDF files are typically more compressed than many other file formats. Better to store your documents as PDF files than MS Word files if file storage capacity and cost of storage are a factor.

Simple to Use

Word processing applications have some very impressive features. When you open an MS Word document in the application, you are presented with a dizzying array of menus and icons. The options are so many and complex that only a trained user can happily work with the document.

A PDF viewer can be very simple. Reading the document is simple. Even some of the useful functionality such as annotation is very user-friendly. Intuitive icons make it accessible to most users.

Good With Non-Text Components

Do your documents contain any non-text elements? Images, graphs, and other non-text elements are very reliably preserved by PDF formatted documents. This can’t always be said of other formats.

If you embed hyperlinks in your documents, how they operate is important to you. A hyperlink in a PDF document will reliably open in the user’s web browser when clicked on.

MS Word to PDF Conversion

The case for MS Word to PDF conversion is a strong one. It’s a robust answer to the file storage and sharing challenges. That’s why it’s been so popular and will continue to be so.

Check out more useful articles about PDFs here.

Microsoft Word was first introduced in 1983. Over the years, its developers have made major changes to it. If you are a frequent user of this program you may have noticed some of the changes. 

Have you ever looked at the file? Yes, the words that are found at the end of the name you give a document. You will see .DOC or .DOCX. 

For the longest time, any saved files on Microsoft Word appear with the file format .DOC. Now, it’s common to see the file extension .DOCX. 

Do you know what’s the difference between .DOC and .DOX? Read this guide to learn the difference between .DOC and .DOX. 

The .DOC File Format

For most of its history, Microsoft Word documents were saved with the file format .DOC. This file format is the standard extension for the MS-DOS operating system.

Microsoft builds personal computers with MS-DOS – so the company had to find a way to make Word work in sync with their personal computers. This is why .DOC is proprietary.

Word files saved in the .DOC file format are stored in a binary file. This type of file contains the document formatting and other relevant information.

The options related to the text and design in .DOC are negligible. Unfortunately, this didn’t give users a significant number of options to work with. 

The .DOX File Extension

Every few years, Microsoft releases a new version of Microsoft Word. The release of Word 2007 led to the introduction of the .DOCX file extension. 

The X in .DOCX signifies the Office Open XML international standard for Office documents. Any file saved in .DOCX is a zip file that contains files related to the document.

The .DOCX file extension is the latest file extension used by Microsoft Word. Every Microsoft Word program released after 2007 saves documents with .DOCX. Applications from other vendors now also use .DOCX. 

Instead of using the binary-based format that .DOC uses, .DOCX uses the Extensible Markup Language. This format provides more options than the older and limited binary-based format.

This new file extension provides benefits that users like. With .DOCX, file sizes are much smaller than the file sizes of .DOC. Images in the document are better looking as the images undergo compression. 

No one wants to have a corrupted file as it’s a mission to open. With the introduction of the .DOCX file extension, there is less of a chance of a file being corrupted. 

Which One Should You Use?

You might be asking, “Which file format or file extension should I use?” The answer to this question depends on one major factor. The version of Microsoft Word currently installed on your computer will determine this.

If you have a Microsoft Word version from 2003 or older, your documents are saved in a .DOC file format. Microsoft Word 2007 and older saves documents in .DOCX. .DOCX is the default file extension for the Microsoft Word version currently in.

If you are given the option to choose between them, the best bet is to go with .DOCX. for about every situation, .DOCX is the better option.

Documents with the .DOCX file extension are much smaller and lighter compared to the .DOC file format. This allows you to read documents with more ease. It also makes it easier to transfer.

You can have the same two documents, but end up with two different sizes depending on the file extension. The file with the .DOC file extension will be 1.29 MB. The file with the .DOCX file extension will be 270 KB. It’s the fraction of the size of the .DOC file. 

The nature of .DOCX means you can use it with different full-featured word processors. You can open a document saved with .DOX with Google Docs. This allows you to open and read the document with Google Docs – something you can’t do with .DOC.

Third-party office applications don’t support .DOC. This is a major limitation of the .DOC. It can pose some challenges if you’re looking to share your document with others. 

Converting Word Files 

Sometimes, it may not be possible to save a document in the desired format. This can be a major problem if you need to save a document in .DOCX and don’t have one of the new Microsoft Word versions. 

There is no need to stress about it. There are free online file converters that allow you to make the conversion. To convert a .DOC to a .DOCX, the document will need to be uploaded to the converter on the website. 

The converter will convert the document and you’ll be able to download it in an instant. You’ll not experience any issues as the converter is secure.

If you want to convert a .DOCX to a .DOC, it will be the same process. Make sure to follow the direction listed. 

This online converter tool is a lifesaver. It can conversions in a matter of seconds.

The Bottom Line

The differences between .DOC and .DOCX are extensive. .DOC is the older file format. It’s being replaced by the newer .DOCX. 

Based on the options the .DOCX file extension comes with, .DOCX is the superior one. If you can save Microsoft Word documents with the .DOX file extension do so. 

Remember you can use an online converter tool to convert Word documents from one format to the other. 

Did you enjoy reading this topic? To read more interesting updates about technology, be sure to explore the rest of our website. 

We’re all familiar with MP3 files. But, this file type is often notorious for being of low quality.

On the other hand, WAV files have much better sound quality but are also much larger. There’s a handful of other differences between the two that you should be aware of, as well.

We’ve put together a guide that has anything you need to know. Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is an MP3 File?

Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’ve listened to an MP3 file before. In fact, the earliest forms of portable media players only had enough room for MP3 files.

The term MP3 stands for “MPEG Layer 3.” Additionally, the term MPEG stands for “Moving Picture Experts Group,” the organization that developed this type of file.

MP3 files were created with the intent of preserving CD-quality while simultaneously minimizing the size of the file. To be more specific, MP3 files are often only 10% of the original file size after they’ve been compressed.

So, a 60 MB WAV file that has been converted to an MP3 would be approximately 6 MB in size.

Of course, it’s impossible to preserve 100% of the original quality. So, an MP3 conversion uses a process known as ‘lossy compression.’ This involves removing certain audio information from the original file in order to minimize its overall size.

What Exactly Is a WAV File?

The term WAV stands for “Waveform Audio File Format.” It was originally created by both Microsoft and IBM.

In practice, this format converts an audio signal into binary information. This allows a WAV file to maintain the original level of quality from the recording.

Additionally, it remains uncompressed. As a result, they are significantly larger than MP3 files, making them more difficult to manage.

This is especially true for older devices that don’t have much physical storage available. Although storage space is often a nonissue in contemporary times, having a large number of WAV files stored in a single location can quickly take up a large amount of space.

The Consequences of Lossy Compression

As the name suggests, lossy compression involves the loss of certain data during the file conversion. But, an algorithm is at work during the process to ensure that only inaudible information is discarded.

To elaborate, the frequency range that humans are capable of hearing extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The algorithm attempts to eliminate frequencies outside of this range since humans wouldn’t be able to hear them anyway.

These frequencies are either converted into mono signals or removed entirely. Additionally, sounds that play at a low volume that are unlikely to be heard are also eliminated.

In most cases, the average listener won’t be able to tell the difference.

But, there are occasionally other side effects. There may be an issue with the audio content timing that could create the illusion of two layers of audio playing simultaneously.

Removing audio content can also change the way the human ear perceives the remaining audio. Finally, MP3 files are notorious for essentially neutering the low end of an audio file.

This is most prominent in recordings that have a large amount of bass.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

Choosing the right type of file for your situation will depend on a handful of factors. Many people, though, aren’t quite sure what to look for.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each.

MP3 files

The most obvious benefit of working with an MP3 file is its small size. This means that you can easily transfer this type of file to someone else, something that is ideal for collaboration on audio projects.

As previously mentioned, it’s also highly likely that the average listener will not be able to discern any differences between a WAV file and an MP3 file. For casual listening, MP3 files are often the ideal choice.

This can also be said about those who wish to save as much storage space as possible.

Unfortunately, using an MP3 file at a professional level often isn’t an option since these people aren’t average listeners. The compression artifacts and quality degradation make WAV files far more suitable within this scenario.

WAV files

This type of file is the most accurate representation of the original recording. This is due to the fact that they are completely lossless and uncompressed.

Working with WAV files is absolutely essential for those who are involved in music production. Many music producers use prerecorded sounds as the foundation for their own songs, and the sounds need to be of the highest possible quality.

Otherwise, the integrity of the entire track is diminished.

In scenarios where you don’t need to convert a WAV file to an MP3 file, you’ll save yourself a bit of time and be able to ease file management.

But, storing a large number of WAV files on your device is a surefire way to take up a large amount of space. These files are also notoriously inconvenient to transfer to other user (you’ll often have to compress them to send them).

So, keep this in mind when deciding which one is right for you.

Optimizing Sound Quality Might Seem Difficult

But the above information will ensure that you can do so seamlessly when you need to. From here, you’ll be able to use your knowledge of the factors that influence sound quality to get the best results possible.

Want to learn even more tips? Feel free to check out this article on audio file conversion in other settings.

Are you looking to adopt organizational digitization for your company or small business? Do you want to use the available technology to improve your brand and grab opportunities? If you are, a great step to reaching that goal is to create a digital transformation strategy.

Before the pandemic occurred, around 36% of small businesses in the US didn’t have a website. The pandemic created this need for all types of businesses to digitize, no matter the size. Moving forward, many new businesses are already likely tech-savvy and digitalized.

If you’ve yet to follow or create one, we’ve got a guide below to help you out. Read on to learn how to create a strong digital transformation strategy for your brand. Remember to customize this strategy to fit your business style and goals.

Digital Transformation Strategy: Evaluate Your Needs

Step one to planning your digital transformation strategy is to know what your needs are. Where does the company need digital transformation and how do you want it to look? Understand your answers to these questions well and use them as your guide as you go.

For example, you already have a great system in place for manufacturing and logistics. The place you’re lacking digitization is customer service. Instead of revamping the company on all fronts, focus on where you need it the most. Plan a digital transformation strategy focused on your customer service.

Adopt a New Business Model

Does your business model rely on traditional processes? Can your business function well, even after a big digital transformation? If the business will fall apart upon the transformation, change the business model.

No matter how successful an old business model is, remember that change is necessary. Reinvent how you give value to your customers and industry. Change your strategies and find new opportunities to grow.

We understand that it’s not easy to recreate your business model. It takes a lot of time and effort to make sure your new plan will come out successful. Don’t be afraid to come to an expert who can show you a few tricks you may not know or didn’t think of.

Start with small steps, like using a cloud for your inventories and bookings. Understand how you can use XLS and CSV files to your advantage. 

Know Your Budget and Create an Airtight Plan

Before you dive into your digital transformation, you need to know your budget. Managing digital transformation can be expensive, especially if not planned well. Thus, before you take any steps, make sure you know the best way to use your budget.

Anticipate the possible outcomes of your decisions and create contingency plans. Create back-up plans in case of failure to ensure successful digital transformation. You also won’t be wasting your budget on strategies that don’t work out in the end.

Get an Expert to Help Out

You want to adopt a digital transformation strategy for your business. The budget is there and the technology is there. The problem is that you don’t know if you’re doing it right or if you’re jumping ahead without taking some key steps.

Not knowing what your doing can spell disaster for the business you’ve built from the ground up. Any smart entrepreneur will be cautious about how they undertake business transformations. Digital transformation is a big change, and you may want to hire an expert to help you out with it.

Look for firms that specialize in digital transformation for other firms. Be open to their plans and strategies. Let them know about your goals and how you see your digital transformation, and they’ll deliver.

Focus on Optimizing Customer Experience

You shouldn’t stop at how your business will adapt to the change. You must also consider how your customers will react to the new experience. For 73% of customers, customer experience is a big driver of their buying decisions.

Make sure your digital transformation process creates a unique customer experience. For example, the strategy includes getting an app for the customers’ online orders. Don’t settle for any generic shopping app. Instead, hire an app developer who can make an app that’s simple and easy to use but also striking.

Stay Unique as a Business

When you create your digital transformation strategy, don’t forget to use technology to improve your brand. How will you use the technology to leverage your identity as a business? Well, it takes innovation and a bit of creativity.

You may also need to research how other brands used their identities as leverage. Keep in mind what makes your business unique and focus on that. Efficiency and accessibility are great approaches but don’t forego your uniqueness.

Establish Scaling

Once you go digital, you’re likely to see more customers hailing from far-off places. Let’s say you only sold your specialty pizza to people within your city before. After the transformation, you might get orders from people who live in nearby cities.

The experience can get you to start thinking of branching out or franchising. This can be a great sign of success.

However, while global scaling is a great goal, be realistic about your expectations.

Don’t focus on scaling, but keep it in mind. Instead, focus on how you can create high-quality products and services. Success will follow and so will bigger scaling needs.

Be Transparent and Encourage Your Employees

Employee pushback can be the reason behind a failed digital transformation attempt. Your employees are the ones who will most likely get impacted by the change the most. Make sure you empower them and help them out at every step of the business transformation.

Let them know what’s going on and what will happen next. This is especially important if you will to re-shuffle the organization in compliance with the plan. Engage with your employees and let them know that you still value them and want them to help out with the change.

Plan an Effective Digital Transformation Strategy Today

Planning a successful digital transformation strategy will take time and effort. You must understand your business’s workings, customers, people, and goals. Plus, you also need to know about the technology and strategies needed.

Transforming for the digital age also means that you must be able to open any and all types of file formats. To ensure you don’t have a problem opening them, you can also transform your files. Check out our free online conversion tools to start converting your files!