Category: FAQs

Technology is now a part of our everyday life, and being tech savvy will be crucial both in the workplace and in your personal life. If you’re not really good with technology at this moment, there’s no need to worry. It’s always a good time to start learning!

If you would like to become great with computers, here are some computer tips. 

1. Always Ask Questions or Search Online

A lot of the time, people may grow hesitant to ask questions about computers because they don’t want to seem incompetent. The best way to learn and improve, however, is to be open to asking for input and information constantly. 

If your workplace uses a new software or app, the best way to learn your way around it is to ask someone in the technology department. Since it’s a new development, they will be aware that people will have questions, and will likely welcome them without judgment. 

On the other hand, living in the digital age means you can simply go online and do a Google search. For example, if you need to convert files online, a Google search will teach you how to do so immediately. This is especially helpful if you want to learn about something in-depth.

One of the best ways to become tech-savvy is to never stop learning and to always try to find answers when you don’t know something.

2. Become an Expert in a Topic

No matter how hard you try, there is a limit to how much you can learn. Instead of trying to know as much about everything related to technology as possible, start specializing in an area that you are especially interested in.

Maybe you love the idea of computer design. Start diving deeper into this topic by doing online courses, practicing designing, and conducting more extensive research. It’s always important to have some foundational knowledge about different topics, but at some point, you will have to concentrate on a particular area. 

3. Learn About Computer Viruses and How to Treat Them

If you want to be tech-savvy, you will have to expect that the people around you may start approaching you for assistance with their technology-related questions. One of the most important aspects for you to figure out is how to treat computer viruses.

A computer virus is a piece of malicious computer code that’s created to spread rapidly across different digital devices and may end up harming your technology or stealing your data. It is, therefore, extremely important to find ways to get rid of them. 

What happens if your computer has a virus? The first thing you should do is to undergo a security scan so that you are aware of any malware or viruses that exist on your device. You can then use a service to remove the virus and update your security system so that it will prevent any other malware incidents in the future. 

4. Learn How to Program and Code

Another important skill to learn to become tech-savvy is programming and coding. Computer programming involves discovering how to design and build actual programs that can perform a specific task according to your wishes. 

This sounds like a difficult task, and it can be quite challenging in the beginning, but it is also a rewarding skill to have. Once you have advanced knowledge in the area, you will get to create games, apps, and more to your liking. You can even earn some money based on this skill!

5. Consider Enrolling in Online Courses

While you can acquire a lot of knowledge by going on Google searches or by watching Youtube videos, you may want to consider enrolling in online courses at some point. This is a great way to go deeper into a certain subject, and have a more structured approach to learning something than by simply finding questions and searching the answers to them. 

There are plenty of online courses out there. When choosing one, make sure to consider factors such as cost, certificate (finishing an online course will definitely look good on your resume), and the area of specialization. 

6. Join Online Communities or Subscribe to a Tech Guru

Talking to others who are learning roughly the same things as you is a great way to discover more practical computer tips or tech tips. You can join an online community on social media platforms, and also subscribe to tech gurus who regularly produce helpful content.

This way, you can engage in discussions regarding issues that you may have had to face. For instance, if there is a new type of computer virus and Google has not been helpful, you can ask your online community for advice or insights. 

Learning about computers with other people is also a great way to prevent yourself from getting bored!

Learn How to Be Tech Savvy Today

If computers have always been confusing for you, know that you always have the opportunity to improve and that it’s as easy as opening a Google search page and beginning to find information. There are plenty of ways for you to learn how to be tech savvy. You can ask questions, learn about problems and programming, and enroll in online classes or finding a community. 

There is no end to the ways that you can learn to be great with computers. Try the different methods and see what works best for you!

Convert your files with us today.

Do you want to learn how to reduce PDF file size without losing quality?

PDFs are the most versatile file type used among different people across the world today. This is because these files don’t lose their format when converted, can accommodate different media with ease, and are sure to pose no problem when sent to different users.

The only problem with these files is that they often take up a large space. Compared to other files like DOC and XLS files, each PDF file can be at least 5 MBs even if they contain only around 100KB of text.

This can pose a problem as it means that it will take longer for files to send, or not send at all. Reducing size often means losing quality, though, but there are great ways around it. Read what’s below to learn how you can reduce your PDF without compromising its quality.

Using Dedicated Software

First, let’s take a look at the best options for you to use natively on your device. These are the programs that exist solely for you to use to compress different files with. Many of them even compress PDF files only.

A good example is NXPowerLite. This is a program that’s compatible with Windows OS. This is a great option for you if you’re looking to send your PDFs through emails.

This attaches to your preferred emailing platforms like Outlook or Google. It then detects attached files and will automatically compress them before sending. NXPowerLite also has a standalone application that allows you to compress PDFs by batch.

All you need to do is archive them first before compressing the folder. This allows for significant size reduction without risking the loss of data.

If you often use your mobile for these tasks, then you may not be able to use NXPowerLite. However, there are also mobile apps that can do the job for you. Compress PDF is an app that can help you compress your PDFs, helping you save storage space on your mobile without compromising PDF quality.

Adobe Acrobat

We can’t talk about dedicated programs without mentioning Adobe Acrobat. While it’s not exclusively for PDFs, it has tons of useful features that allow for PDF compression.

Acrobat allows you to save your PDF in a smaller size. You do this by highlighting the Save as Other option and selecting the Reduce Size PDF option. You’re then presented with a prompt that allows you to select a version for compatibility before you can save the file.

The only problem with this method is that it lowers the quality of any image attached to the PDF, too. A better alternative would be to go to the Optimized PDF option in the menu. Go to the Space Usage Audit option that’s under Save as Other, again.

Doing this allows you to control each element of the file. This way, you can choose which elements to compress in the file. It’s a great way to make sure your images don’t become distorted during compression. 

You can also use this feature to remove any unwanted elements in the file. Things like links, bookmarks, and even script items from Java and such can increase the size of a PDF. Review your content to check if you need them in the file or not.

If you realize that the impact of your file won’t change even without certain elements, consider removing them. By the end, you’ll find that the file will be much smaller in size.

Compressing Files Online

If you don’t want to install any software onto your device, you can always opt for using file compressors online. There are tons of free software available for you to choose from all over the Internet. 

PDFresizer is the most popular option. This allows you to resize a PDF file simply by uploading the file to the website. Once there, you can choose to resize it, crop and split the file, or merge it with other files. 

The document will display itself as a preview for you on the website, too. This allows you to scan it for errors or for anything that you don’t like. You can then proceed to download the compressed PDF back into your device afterward. 

There are more tools for you to discover online. These are great options for you to go for if you’re working remotely. This is an important choice to have since we have more remote workers today than ever before.

Choose the Color Palette Carefully

Most people don’t know that even a simple choice in color can cause the PDF’s size to increase. This is often because they choose from the wrong color wheel when creating the file.

Choosing from the CYMK color wheel will increase the PDF file size. This is because these have sharper colors. These colors need more space to properly display, causing PDFs to inflate even more.

It’s best to choose from the basic RGB color wheel, instead. These colors need less space since they’re easier for devices to process.

If you need to use the CYMK medium, it’s best to do so when converting to EPS files or such, instead. This way, it won’t be as inflated as it will be as a PDF.

This applies even to the default background of the PDF. A PDF theme that uses tones from the CYMK color wheel will be much more bloated. 

Learn How to Reduce PDF File Size Without Losing Quality Today

Reducing the sizes of your PDF files will only be beneficial for you. Doing so without losing quality ensures your files are easy to read, and won’t present any error when opening. Optimize your PDFs and save yourself the trouble of bulky file sizes today!

Now that you’ve learned how to reduce PDF file size without losing quality, you’re ready to convert them. Check out our free online conversion software to get started! Open your PDFs in the right file type today!

If you really think about it, computers are a marvel and proof that human genius has gone very far. Nowadays, you can go online and do just about anything, including creating online documents, converting files, and communicating instantly. If you are fascinated by technology, you can take the next step and learn all about computers.

This article will list several facts about computers that you may find fascinating. 

1. Around 70% of Virus Engineers Work for Organized Crime Syndicates

People can engineer computer viruses, which can seriously affect your computer and your data. A computer virus is a malicious computer code that can spread across devices. This virus can then damage your device or steal important data. 

The ability of computer viruses to infect files and stop your computer from working becomes especially concerning once you find out that most of the virus engineers out there work with an organized system of crime. 

2. HP, Microsoft, and Apple All Started in a Garage

What is it about garages that have inspired entrepreneurs to create the huge technology firms that we see today? HP, Microsoft, and Apple all have the same humble beginnings by starting in a garage. 

HP – or the Hewlett-Packard Company – started in 1939 in a Palo Alto garage. After they graduated from Stanford University as electrical engineers, Dave Hewlett and Dave Packard started working in a rented garage on the company. 

Microsoft, started by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, managed to land a deal in 1980 to provide the operating system for IBM’s first personal computer. In a matter of a few years, Microsoft became the world’s largest company providing personal-computer software, and is still highly popular today. 

3. The First 1GB Disk Drive Weighed 550 Pounds

If you look at disk drives today, you’ll see that they are very small and light, easily carried everywhere. When IBM created the very first 1GB disk drive in 1980, however, it weighed a whopping 550 pounds. It was as big as a refrigerator, too, which made moving it around quite impossible for the average person.

Not only that, but the disk drive would cost $40,000, whereas a Microsoft drive today would cost around $500. 

4. For 20 Years, US Nuclear Launch Codes Was OOOOOOOO

Nuclear codes were useful to prevent unauthorized usage of nuclear weapons. The only person who can actually decide to launch a nuclear missile will be the president of the United States, which makes the security of the codes even more important. 

This is why it may come as a surprise that the password of the computers for the nuclear missile launches in the United States was, for two decades, 00000000. This was what the passcode was during the peak of the Cold War, too, and it wasn’t really a secret from the crew who were managing the silos. 

5. A Woman Was the First Known Computer Programmer

Nowadays, people consider Lady Ada Lovelace as the world’s first known computer programmer. Her mother encouraged her to learn Mathematics and logical problems, and her father was the famous poet Lord Byron.

She was known to have written the world’s first machine algorithm for a computing machine.

6. Creeper is the First Ever Computer Virus

Another one of the fun facts about computers is the first-ever computer virus.

Bob Thomas made ‘Creeper’, which is also the name of a character on Scooby-Doo, in 1971. The virus made computer screens display the phrase: ‘I’m the creeper, catch me if you can!’

The Creeper virus was a worm, which meant that it would replicate and spread to other computer systems. The virus wasn’t particularly harmful or stole any form of data. Instead, all it did was display that message. 

The inventor limited Creeper to realms of research and so was not intended to cause harm or replicate beyond the scientific study. A 15-year old created the first-ever wild virus called Elk Cloner which impacted Apple II computers. 

7. John Lasseter Was Fired for Promoting Computer Animation 

Disney fired John Lasseter in 1979 for promoting the idea of computer animation. At that time, Disney’s main focus was on hand-drawn animation work, while Lasseter believed that computer programming was the future of animation.

After this, John Lasseter went on to co-found Pixar, which created movies such as The Incredibles. In 2006, Disney bought Pixar and placed Lasseter in charge of the Walt Disney Animation Studios. 

8. Nearly 85% of All Emails Are Spam

If you have an email, you’ll notice how much spam you receive daily. It’s a problem that almost everyone has encountered, and the statistics confirm this. In fact, nearly 85% of all emails are spam, which makes almost 122 billion spam emails globally every day. 

While this number keeps changing, the amount of spam email has currently been declining – which is perhaps good news for you!

9. The First Computer Mouse Was Wooden

Douglas Engelbart created the first computer mouse in 1963. It was part of an experiment to see whether there was a better way to click on display screens and immediately blew up in popularity. And, just like the first computer, it was made out of wood. 

Fascinating Facts About Computers

Computers are a huge part of our daily lives, but not a lot of people know some of the most interesting facts about computers. The fact that the first disk drive was $40,000, for instance, is something that we can find hard to imagine in this day and age. 

There’s no shortage of exciting things you can learn about computers, and technology is only going to keep getting more sophisticated. 

Convert your files with us today. 

PDF was a huge step toward the future at the time of its release in 1993. It aimed to solve the problems that arose with transferring files over different systems.

Using this technology, people can share files and documents without changing their look. They will look the same everywhere, no matter what system they used.

It’s a useful feature even today, but what if you want to edit it or convert it to Word? The good news is we can convert file documents to other formats easily. Check out the different ways of converting PDF to Word below.

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Your Acrobat programs can convert your PDFs for you, but it comes with a price. While you can use it to view PDF files without limit, you need to have a subscription to edit or convert them.

To be specific, you need a subscription to Adobe Acrobat Export PDF. It’s an Adobe Document Cloud service that also allows you to convert PDF files to Excel and RTF file formats.

You can use it right on your Adobe Acrobat Reader software, but you can use it anywhere. If you’re using another computer, for example, you can use your web browser to access it. You can also download the app on your mobile phone.

A subscription costs about $1.99 per month, which they bill yearly. With this plan, you can also use the Add Comments, Share, and Fill & Sign tools for free. You can also choose other plans if you need more features.

For preserving formatting, this is the best choice. The conversion will keep all fonts, images, and alignment. The subscription fee is a small price to pay for turning a lot of PDFs into Word documents.

However, it’s too much if you only need to use the feature once. In this case, you can take advantage of the seven-day free trial to Acrobat Document Cloud. This allows you to export several PDFs into Word for one week.

Adobe Website

If you don’t have an Adobe Acrobat Pro but you still want to use an Adobe product, go to their website. They have an online PDF to Word converter you can use for free.

The upside is that you can be sure you won’t lose the document formatting. As the inventor of the PDF file format, Adobe makes sure that their online tool preserves the font, images, and alignments of the document even after conversion.

To use their converter, upload your PDF by clicking the “Select a file” button. You can also drag the document from your computer to the upload area. Uploading usually takes only a few seconds, but it still depends on the size of your file.

Once it’s uploaded and converter, you can then sign in to download the file. You can sign in by entering your registered email address or via Google, Facebook, or Apple. If you don’t sign in, the file will disappear from their servers.

You can also share the converted file with anyone upon signing in. It’s in a DOCX format, which is editable once you open it with Microsoft Word.

Note that this service is only good for converting one file. You’ll need to have a subscription to convert more files or wait for a day for another chance.

Adobe has more Acrobat online tools in case you need to do more with PDFs. You can also convert Word to PDF or even PDF to JPG.

Free Online Converter

Adobe’s website isn’t the only browser-based converter, though. Through a simple search of “PDF to Word” on Google, you’ll get many options of websites that can convert PDF to Word file documents for free.

The process is pretty much the same as in above. You upload your PDF document, convert it, and wait for it to finish. You can then download it as a Word file with preserved formatting.

The PDF document should be on your local hard drive. However, some websites allow you to upload it from your Google Drive, Dropbox, and such.

Some websites have more functions, like allowing you to convert several files at once. You can also convert to PDF file formats if what you have is a Word document.

These websites don’t usually have a single function, too. Most of them can also convert other file formats into several other file formats. You can convert MOD files, for example, or convert files to SVG.

In short, you can convert images, audio files, videos, documents, and almost any type of file with the help of free online converters.

Google Docs

Google Docs is also helpful in converting PDF documents, and the best thing about it is that it’s free and limitless. You can convert as many files as you want, although it does take a few steps.

First, you have to go to Google Docs and upload the PDF file(s) you want. Click on the folder icon on the right side; this is the open file picker.

If your file is in your Google Drive, you can search for it under the My Drive option on the opened window. Otherwise, you have to upload it under the Upload tab. You can only upload one file at a time.

The file will automatically open on another window after it’s uploaded. But, you need to open it as a Google Docs file.

To do that, click the “Open with” button at the top-middle part and choose Google Docs from the dropdown menu. Once opened, click on the File menu, select Download, and choose Microsoft Word (.docx).

This will save the document as a Microsoft Word file on your computer. You’ll also notice that you can also download it in other formats, like .epub, .txt, .rtf, or .pdf again.

The downside to using Google Docs to convert file formats is that it doesn’t preserve the images. It will still be readable, and tables might still be there, but it’s not the best choice when you have other elements in your file aside from text.

Convert File Formats Today

Converting PDFs to Word or vice versa isn’t a difficult task given the numerous options available to you. Whether you need to convert file formats only once or multiple times, our list above should be helpful.

Are you looking to convert your file to another type? Our free online tools will help you with this! Check out which ones we have and what files need converting today!

Do you want an easier way to back-up your documents and photos without needing to take up extra storage space? Then you’ll want to consider storing pictures in the Cloud as well as your files.

First invented in the 1960s, cloud computing has enabled the separation of data and hardware. Once you upload your data to the Cloud, you’re able to access it from any device, anywhere. However, it’s important to know a few rules of thumb so that you can make cloud storage work for you. 

Read on for our simple guide on the best cloud storage tips as well as more information to get you started! 

What is Cloud Storage? 

It first helps to know a little bit about how cloud storage works. Simply put, it allows you to store any kind of data on the Internet via multiple servers. If you want to access that data, you’ll have to be online. One of the main benefits of the Cloud is that you’ll be able to access your data no matter where you are and on any device. 

This is beneficial for personal use as well as commercial applications. Multiple employees are able to access the same file in real-time without waiting for emails or long download speeds. Cloud solutions are also scalable, meaning that you don’t have to break the bank if your business is still small and growing. 

Cloud Storage Basics

Now that you know a little about cloud storage and its benefits, it’s important to know some best practices so that you can make cloud storage work for you. The best cloud storage solution won’t be beneficial if you don’t know how to use it! Here are some of our top recommendations: 

1. Keep Backing Up Your Data

Since cloud storage’s main benefit is backing up your data, it’s important that you upload your files to the Cloud regularly. Hardware problems, power surges, or other cataclysmic damage can’t be predicted. When this happens, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that even if your computer isn’t able to be repaired, all of your files are still safe in the Cloud.

However, this isn’t possible if you’re not regularly updating your data and making sure that everything is relevant. Create a schedule on your calendar or automate your computer back-ups. CrashPlan and other server backup software are able to do the work for you by backing up your entire hard drive regularly to the Cloud.  

2. Pay-As-You-Use 

It’s important to remember that if you’re a sole proprietor or own a small business, you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars a month in order to access cloud storage. Some options like Google Drive or Dropbox are even free before you hit a certain threshold.

One of the best parts about cloud storage is that you only have to pay for more storage you grow. Even if you unexpectedly need to store more data, many plans are flexible and allow you to pay for more storage on the spot. 

3. Remaining Compliant

Cloud compliance can be an issue if you’re handling sensitive data that’s then stored on multiple servers throughout the world. For this reason, it’s important for any organization to be completely aware of these details with their cloud provider: 

• What type of data you should upload 
• How is the provider going to protect the data
• How they’re going to back-up your data
• How you can audit their security framework

Remember to classify your data and ensure that not all of it is being kept in the cloud, as some types of data are better to be kept internally for greater security. Take your time when trying to find a cloud provider and make sure they’re reputable! 

4. Encourage Collaboration

Another prominent benefit of cloud computing is that it can encourage collaboration between all of your employees, even if some are working from home and some are in the office. The reason for this is because they have an easy, centralized area in order to access documents even as they’re edited and updated. 

For this reason, make sure to continue encouraging collaboration by ensuring that everyone understands how to access the Cloud. You can do this by creating a document of all the processes and steps to go through or tasking one employee to enforce your policies.

5. Consider a Multi-Cloud Setup

A multi-cloud setup can be beneficial if you’re looking to save some money. For instance, Google Drive and Amazon services are great free options for cloud photo storage or files that don’t need to be updated regularly. There are also cloud services that back-up your entire computer on a weekly or monthly basis in the case of hardware failure. 

By using multiple services, you’ll be able to ensure that all your bases are covered in terms of file management without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to keep track of and manage all these services closely so that you’re not paying extra for redundancies. 

Learning the Best Cloud Storage Tips

Learning these best cloud storage tips is important if you want to utilize the Cloud in the most efficient way. For instance, you’ll need to remember to use multiple cloud services in order to keep your computer automatically backed up each week or month.

If you’re a growing business, however, there are plenty of free options that help you save money and give you the cloud storage you need. As you grow and retain more clients, you’ll be able to pay for more storage without over-spending. 

Before you switch to the Cloud, it’s important that all your files are formatted the right way for easy access. Check out our free online file conversion tool today to speed up your workflow even further! 

A picture is worth a thousand words. Yes, even when that picture is on a computer. 

We share 3.2 billion images every day. Some of them are photographs, others are landscapes, and others are paintings and drawings. But there’s one thing that connects hundreds of millions of images together: their file type. 

The JPEG is one of the most shared types of files on the Internet. Yet it can be confusing. After all, there seem to be just as many JPGs as JPEGs.

Is there a difference between a JPG or JPEG? Here is your guide to find out. 

The Basics of the JPEG

JPEG stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group.” The Group is a subcommittee for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The members create standards for digital images, providing users with consistently high quality. 

Most people who use the term refer to a file extension also called JPEG. It is a bitmap compression format, meaning that a photograph can be uploaded and converted into a digital image. 

Digital cameras and photo-sharing devices use JPEGs. They support nearly 17 million colors. The format can support an image up to 65,535 x 65,535 pixels, but most files are smaller. 

But the process is not perfect. JPEG compression can result in colors blurring in images with sharp edges. 

The process is a lossy compression method. It creates a small image that loads quickly. But unnecessary information is eliminated, preventing the full image from being restored. 

The Basics of the JPG

Many people think that JPG is separate from JPEG. But there are no differences between the two. 

JPG exists because early versions of Windows limited file extensions to three letters. JPEG became JPG. UNIX and Mac did not have this limitation, so those users continued with JPEG. 

New versions of Windows accept more characters in their file extensions. But many systems allow for JPEG to accommodate users who may get confused. These systems often allow the file to change either way. 

Converting an Image to JPG

If you need to convert your image, you can do so easily. If you’re in Windows, start by opening the image. You can pick whatever photo app you are using. 

Click the “File” menu, then click on the “Save As” command. A drop-down window will appear on your screen, and you can select JPG/JPEG. Pick a name for your file, then hit “Save.” 

Mac OS comes with an app called Preview, which is an image editing program. Select your image in Finder and click on it. 

The image should open in Preview automatically. If it didn’t, right-click on it and select “Open With.” Then find Preview from the scrolling menu. 

Once Preview is open, click the “File” menu at the top of the screen. Click the “Export” command. 

A window will pop up, allowing you to select a format. Select JPEG, then adjust the “Quality” slider to change the quality. Higher quality produces a bigger file but a clearer image. 

You can change the name of your file in the “Export As” section. Then you can hit “Save.” 

Using a Website to Convert

Some websites offer services that allow you to convert a photograph to a JPEG. You upload your image onto the site, then select your quality.

Some sites allow you to color your image or enhance it in some way. You can then convert the image to a JPEG, and it will upload onto your computer. 

But you should be careful when using a conversion website. Some websites attach viruses that download onto your computer. You may suffer from malware or spyware. 

Do not click on a banner ad that promotes a service for converting images. Research the website and authenticate that it is genuine. Install virus protection software just in case. 

Other Image Formats

You may have heard of other kinds of image file formats. JPEG is the most popular, but plenty of people use other ways to compress images. 

GIF stands for “Graphics Interchange Format.” GIFs are commonly used for web graphics, including animations. They are the second most popular image file format behind JPEG. 

They are limited to 256 colors, far fewer than JPG. But they are easy to make, and they are easy to convert into formats like WAV. 

PNG stands for “Portable Network Graphics.” It is a lossless format, meaning it loses no image information while compressing. Designers created PNG to improve GIF, supporting more colors and textures. 

Unlike GIF, PNG does not support animation. MNG is an extension that can. But MNG is incompatible with most browsers, so GIF is best for animations. 

TIFF stands for “Tagged Image File Format.” TIFF is also a lossless format.

This is ideal for high-quality printing, especially in a professional setting. But it can create very large files. When converting to a TIFF, make sure you have room on your computer to store it. 

Bitmap is a format for Windows. It is a lossless format, creating very high-quality images. But its file sizes are bigger than TIFF, making TIFF a better option. 

RAW images are unprocessed images. They are akin to a digital negative. They hold all image information, but they require processing in a photo editor. 

Should You Choose a JPG or JPEG? 

When you’re converting an image, you may ask yourself, “Should I choose a JPG or JPEG?” The answer is either one. 

A JPEG compresses an image, producing a colorful and small file. “JPG” is simply an abbreviated way of writing “JPEG.” There’s no difference between the two. 

Use the software on your computer to convert an image. Consider a GIF if you want an animation or a TIFF for high-quality printing. 

Pick a website that converts your images without hurting your computer. Offdrive provides free and premium file conversion tools. Find your beautiful JPG today. 

Are you thinking of using your Excel files online?

If so, Google Sheets is the best way to go. Google provides some of the most powerful selection of productivity tools. With a Google account, you can use Docs, Sheets, and more!

Is it your first time using Google Sheets? Planning to transfer all your files to your online account?

If, so read the rest of our article to learn how to convert Excel to Google Sheets. That way, you can transfer your spreadsheets online and work anywhere.

1. Simple Copy-Paste Conversion

In most cases, you need only convert Excel’s data to Google Sheets. If you have no complex functions or scripts underneath, a simple copy-paste will do. Highlight all the cells you intend to copy in Excel.

Right-click anywhere within your chosen range. Select Copy from the menu that pops up. If you’re more comfortable with keyboard shortcuts, use CTRL + C.

Go to your Google Sheets spreadsheet. Right-click in the uppermost left cell to open a menu. Select Paste to put the data or press CTRL + V.

Doing this fills the online sheets with all data copied from your Excel spreadsheet file. It’s simple, and it won’t take over a minute.

2. Open the Excel File In Google Sheets

You can use Google Sheets to open your Excel file. However, you must upload your file first. Open your Google Sheets and select Open or Import from the File menu.

Go to the Upload tab in the succeeding window. Press the blue button that says, “Select a file from your device.” Look for the Excel file within your computer, pick it, and press the Open button.

Doing this uploads your Excel file to your Google Drive. Once done, open it using Google Sheets. The web app converts your Excel file to the Google Sheets format.

It will open in a new spreadsheet file in your account. The application will match your original Excel file the best it can. Regardless, you might see some slight changes that might not matter a lot.

3. Import From a CSV File

If your Excel file uses a CSV format, this is the only method you can use. When doing this, you must know the file’s delimitation. It matters not whether it’s a tab, comma, or another character.

You can do this using two methods: the import feature or the IMPORTDATA function. Read on to learn the steps for both techniques. If you want to enhance your MS Word knowledge, learn the basics here.

Import Feature

Follow the same procedure when uploading the Excel file (.xls). However, when you pick the CSV file, a window will appear.

It lets you select the file formatting. You may choose which method to use when converting the spreadsheet data into a Google Sheet file.

It also has other configurations like opening the data using a new spreadsheet. You may also use this to replace the current one or append them. It also asks whether you want to convert the text from the CSV file into the right data type like numbers, dates, and formulas.

After configuring the conversion options, press the green “Import data” button. It brings the CSV file data into your online spreadsheet.

IMPORTDATA Function

An alternative to bringing data from a CSV format Excel file is to use the IMPORTDATA function. The caveat is that the file’s storage must be on a web server. It also applies when you can access it using a direct link.

For example, the American Census Bureau gives lots of data files in the CSV format. Some of these include the population totals per state. Regardless, you can import these files using this Google Sheets function.

Open a new spreadsheet on Google Sheets. Click the cell where the imported data will go. After that, type the following function:

=IMPORTDATA(“your link goes here”)

After pressing Enter, wait for a few seconds while the data loads. The data will appear in the spreadsheet, allowing you to save it. The data stored using this function will update whenever the link receives an update.

If you want to disable this, highlight all the original sheet’s cells. Copy them and open a new sheet. Right-click in your desired cell and pick Paste Special. Select Paste values only to copy all data without the formulas lying underneath.

4. Open the File After Upload

Whether your file is CSV or XLSX, this method converts them using Google Sheets. To do this, upload your file to your Google Drive account. The folder won’t matter.

After that, right-click the file and pick the Open with option. Choose Google Sheets among the options that pop up. It’s easier with CSV files since it opens in the Google Sheets format automatically.

Excel files will remain in the XLSX format when opened on this platform. You’ll see the format displayed at the top beside the name. Click the File menu and select Save as Google Sheets to convert it to the format.

Why Use Google Sheets Instead of Excel?

Now know what Google Sheets is and how to convert Excel files, use them whenever possible. If you want more reasons to use this web-based spreadsheet application, here are some:

Free to Use

Microsoft Excel costs almost a hundred dollars to use. On the other hand, Google Sheets are free. All you need is a stable internet connection and a free Google account.

Collaboration

Google Sheets allow other people to work on the same sheet. It means you can work with teammates in real-time. The changes are instant, making it more efficient.

Automatic Backups

As you work on your Google Sheets, your files get automatic backups. You can access these in your Google Drive account. It ensures you won’t lose data no matter what.

Convert Excel to Google Sheets Today

You have lots of methods if you want to convert Excel to Google Sheets. If you want to switch to Google Sheets, convert Excel files and transfer them to online storage.

Need help converting your other files for school or work? Check out our guide on converting PDF to EPS.

Did you know that 67% of data loss is due to hard disk drive (HDD) crashes?

Even if you have the best computer possible, there’s always the slight chance that one day, its hard drive will randomly crash. And when that happens, you just might lose everything you have on there.

Yes, taking good care of your computer can help prevent data loss. But that isn’t foolproof.

Instead, you should be proactive and back up files online. That way, if your device crashes, all you have to do is go online and pull your files. No harm, no foul.

But how do you even back up files on the internet? We’ll show you how in this article.

Transfer Files to an External Hard Drive

We know this article is on backing files up online, but this is also important. The best plan to have is to have multiple backups in different media. So one of these should be an external hard drive.

There are many affordable external hard drives on the market, so it shouldn’t cost you much to get one. You can even use a USB drive if you’re on a tight budget.

In any case, you’ll want to regularly back up your files by transferring copies onto your external hard drive or USB stick. An external hard drive can still fail, just like your computer’s can, but at least you have 2 (or more) copies of your data to rely on.

Back up on the Cloud

The cloud sounds like some kind of futuristic device, but it’s actually been around since the 1960s. However, it’s only fairly recently that cloud services have become more accessible and affordable for the regular consumer.

Basically, you sign up for a cloud storage service to gain access to the cloud. You can then upload pretty much anything you want and they’ll store it for you.

What’s great about the cloud is that you can transfer things onto the cloud whenever you want, as well as put them back on your original device or transfer them to another one.

However, there are some drawbacks to cloud storage.

For one, they can be hacked. So you want to be mindful of what you put on the cloud. If hackers are successful, they can potentially gain access to things like explicit photos or trade secrets.

Also, if the company goes out of business, you’ll lose access to all your files.

As you can see, backup options all have their pros and cons, which is why it’s so important to use multiple data backups.

Cloud Services Available

When it comes to how to back up files online, you need to choose reliable and trusthworthy service providers. Here are some to consider.

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft is one of the most well-known names in the world, so it makes sense that you can trust them with your data. If you’re already using a PC, as well as Outlook.com, then OneDrive can be a fantastic solution.

Their free service offers 5 GB, but that can be hugely expanded if you pay. You can get up to 6 TB of storage space spread across 30 devices.

Not only that, but by buying OneDrive storage, you can also get Microsoft 365 if you don’t already have it. If you do, then each user gets an additional 1 TB of space.

Naturally, this integrates with pretty much all Microsoft and PC programs. However, it’s also integrated with some non-Microsoft things, such as AutoCAD.

Google Drive

Google is also another trusted name in the industry, so this is definitely a serious contender.

Free accounts get 15 GB of storage space, while paid users can get up to 2 TB across an unlimited number of devices.

Android users benefit most from Google Drive because it’s already integrated into their devices. However, Apple and other OS users can certainly still benefit from this cloud storage provider.

IDrive

You may not have heard of them, but they’re actually a pretty well-established name when it comes to cloud storage.

The free tier gives you 5 GB while paid accounts get up to 5 TB across an unlimited number of devices.

You can get up to 30 older versions of files saved on your account. In addition, if you accidentally delete a file, you can recover it from the cloud.

If you’re backing up photos, then IDrive definitely wins out. This is because they have a facial recognition feature, which means it can automatically reorganize your images and sync them in an order that makes sense.

The best part of IDrive is their IDrive Express service. If you experience data loss, then they’ll actually mail you a hard drive with your backed up files on it. As a result, you’ll be able to promptly recover the files you lost.

For business owners, you should also know that they offer IDrive Business. This gives you priority support and unlimited users, as well as up to 12.5 TB of storage space.

Know How to Back up Files Online

Your computer or laptop will inevitably break down one day, which you can remedy by buying a new device. However, if the crash is bad enough, you’ll lose everything on it and won’t be able to recover data from your hard drive.

To mitigate your losses, you should always back up files online. By doing so, you can recover quickly not only from HDD crashes, but also from loss or theft of your device, as well as cyberattacks.

Backing up your files is vital for anyone, regardless of if the files are company secrets or treasured family photos. So make sure you put the information in this article to good use and keep your data safe!

Need to convert your files to back them up? Then start converting your images to PDF now.

Do you have an Instagram feed for your business? Do you want to make sure your pictures fit your feed and capture the attention of your audience?

Because Instagram is a photo-focused social media website, you need to make sure your photographs look as good as they possibly can if you hope to keep your clients engaged. But with a ton of filters and amateur influencers with professional-level editing skills, how do you keep up?

Instagram images often require their own formatting. How do you do this? Below, we’ll go into everything you need to know.

Keep reading to learn more!

Keep Pixels in Mind

When you go through the process of posting Instagram images, you should first keep your pixels in mind. 

What are pixels? Put simply, a pixel is the smallest unit in a photograph. The more pixels a photograph has, the larger it is and the clearer it will be.

The ideal size of an Instagram image is 1080 pixels wide. At a minimum, your photo should be 150 x 150 pixels, although 1080 pixels is more ideal.

This may negatively impact your client’s perception of your company. People expect companies to use nice-looking pictures, and they might associate unprofessional-appearing photos with an unprofessional business. As such, you should do your best to post images with many pixels.

Use a Portrait Photo as Opposed to Landscape Images

Do you want to capture your audience’s attention? Use vertical pictures (also known as portrait photos)!

While Instagram gives you the option to post horizontal photos (also known as landscape pictures), they don’t take up as much space on screens, especially phone screens. This might reduce the number of people who take notice of the picture if they happen to scroll quickly.

If you must use a landscape photo, we recommend making it as eye-catching as possible by using artist pops of color. Consider hiring a graphic designer to help you design engaging photos that complement your brand well.

Choosing Your File Format

Do you know the difference between JPEG and JPG when it comes to using Instagram?

As it turns out, while many file types work well for Instagram photos, not all are created equally. JPGs are the best choice since they allow you to use a high-quality picture without taking up much storage space. JPEGs should be your second choice, as they have slightly larger files but still give you high-quality pictures.

Instagram supports other image formats, such as non-animated GIFs, PNGs, and BMPs. Yet, you should try to use JPGs and JPEGs as often as possible. 

Instagram does not allow users to post animated GIF files, however.

What is the difference between animated and non-animated GIFs? Think of an animated GIF as a quick, moving image file. It contains multiple frames that the image then flips between once it is posted. A non-animated GIF does not move. 

Click here to convert files to the proper Instagram image format!

Pay Attention to Aspect Ratios

When it comes to posting photos, it helps to know Instagram’s ideal aspect ratio proportions. For square Instagram photos, the aspect ratio is 1:1, while portraits should be 4:5 through 1.9:1.

Do you want to feature some Instagram stories? If so, make sure they are 16:9.

In aspect ratios, the first number indicates the width of the image, while the second demonstrates the height. So, if you’re in portrait mode, your height will be greater than your width. In landscapes, the width is greater than the height. For squares, the ratio is simply 1 to 1, as both sides are the same size.

What If You Have Photos That Aren’t the Right Size or Ratio

Do you already have photos that you want to post, even if they feature different aspect ratios or sizes? 

Instagram still allows you to post these photos, but the system automatically alters your photo to fit within its sizes and ratios. It does its best to keep the quality of the images intact, but since the transformation occurs automatically, it may not turn out perfectly.

As a result, you should assign one of your employees to oversee your Instagram account and the photos uploaded to it. They can ensure the photos retain the correct quality and ratio and make edits to them if they do not. 

Use the Grid to Your Advantage

Want to know another secret to formatting your photos even after you post them?

When you post on Instagram, all of your followers will see your photos in full on their feed. Yet, you also want to make certain your profile grid looks incredible as well.

How do you find your profile grid? Go onto instagram.com, log into your account, and then click on the circle in the upper-righthand corner with your company’s logo on it. This should take you to your main profile page. Your grid will be displayed under your basic information and include all of the posts you have made. 

This information has already become public, and anyone who visits your page will see these photos. As such, you should do your best to make sure they are displayed well and that no image looks bad once it has been resized into the grid’s squares.

You should also consider using the grid to create a jaw-dropping visual effect. Most Instagram influencers and companies select a color palette or theme for their grid. So, when you take pictures for your Instagram, make sure they are all edited to fit within the theme of your grid.

Ready to Start Using Instagram Images?

If you have an account, you’re likely eager to start posting Instagram images and furthering your brand on this social media platform.

When you pursue the use of the best image format Instagram accepts, you should take into consideration several different factors. First, you need to make sure your image has the correct number of pixels. Then, use portrait photos when possible, and use aspect ratios to keep the system from resizing your pictures. Finally, arrange your grid to appear the most attractive.

Do you want to get more file conversions done? Learn more about converting files today!

With the effects of the pandemic rippling across the globe, it’s no surprise that our work and school environments have changed dramatically. Our Zoom usage is skyrocketing, our team meetings are happening on Slack, and even our casual chats with friends have gone digital.

This, of course, can make Gmail’s standard 15MB attachment size seem pretty laughable.

Whether you’re working on a video together or you’re trying to share photos of your last in-person outing, it’s hard to know how to send big files to friends online. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to help you get around the traditional email limits. Here’s what you need to know to get those big files safely to your friend’s computer.

1. Use Your Cloud Storage

If you have access to a free cloud storage service, you may already have your files stored in the cloud. If this is the case, you can simply go into the sharing settings to give your friend access.

Of course, most cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer limited storage, often ranging from just 2GB to 15GB of data. This means you may not have the space you need to save or upload your files to the cloud.

If this is the case, you’d need to pay for a premium tier, which can cost you a pretty penny. That said, most services offer monthly plans in the $10-15 dollar range, which could allow you to subscribe, upload your files, and then cancel the service if the files are time-sensitive.

2. Change the File Type

One of the easiest and most obvious ways to send a big file to a friend is to make it smaller. This can be the most straightforward option if you’re sending a large volume of files that are a single file type.

For example, if you’re sending over bulky spreadsheet data, CSV files will almost always be smaller than their XLSX cousins. When you need to share images, a PNG can sometimes be larger than a PDF. PDFs, in turn, can often be larger than JPEGs, which are an ideal choice because they’re so easy to compress, as long as you don’t mind a loss in image quality!

In other words, sending large files gets much easier if you know what to expect in terms of size, on average, from the file types you’re working with. When you need an easy conversion to send big files for free, a conversion tool that works with common file types can help.

Once you’ve changed the file type, you may be able to simply send the smaller files to your friend via email.

3. Compress Your Files

If you’re sending an uncommon file type, if you don’t want to convert hundreds of files, or if your converted files are still too large to send, you may need another option. That’s where file compression comes in.

Most file compression tools allow you to shrink a file size in seconds to minutes. One popular and free option is 7-Zip, which works across multiple platforms. Though you’ll need to download it to compress your files, your friend should be able to open and access them without downloading additional software.

One perk of using a compression tool is an extra layer of safety: with many of these tools, you can require a password to open the compressed folder. This ensures that only your friend can access any sensitive content you send over.

4. Use a File Transfer Site

Third-party file transfer sites can be an efficient way of sending a larger file online, especially when the data is too large for a simple email. With this type of service, the website will store the file online on your behalf, sending a download link to your friend so they can access the files at their convenience.

Of course, this option requires payment—though the price will depend on which site you work with and the size of your files. Most will charge you a subscription fee of a few dollars per month for around 10GB of storage, though you can pay upwards of $20 for 25GB or more.

5. Send or Bring Them a Physical Drive

If you don’t mind doing a delivery yourself, or if you’re willing to pay for mailing services, you may want to consider sending a physical storage system to your friend. This can range from a small 16GB flash drive to a hefty 2 TB hard drive.

One obvious perk of this option is that you may already have these storage systems on hand, meaning you won’t have to put down any extra money to send the file. In addition, using a USB or drive to store larger files you’re working on can extend your computer’s data storage, which can help it run faster and ease its strain.

The disadvantage, of course, is that you’ll have to physically transfer the files to your friend. This can be an issue if you’re worried about the device traveling across long distances, or if you’ll need to send it back and forth multiple times.

Share Big Files With Your Friends and Beyond

Whether you’re sharing photos with a friend or sending a huge presentation to a coworker, knowing how to share big files is key. Getting around the standard email attachment size limit doesn’t have to be hard, as long as you know your way around a few common file types and transfer methods.

If you’re ready to share your precious data online, make sure you have access to an easy file converter! Offdrive is the perfect free resource for converting all of your common files, so get started today to share more of your files with friends.