Category: Formatting Tips & Tricks

For whatever reason you go on your computer to look at a file, but then the impossible happens.

It’s blank. For some odd reason you can’t see or open it.

You’re sitting at work ready to edit a file on a team project, but the image won’t load. 

You slam your head in dismay wondering why you can see it on your PC, but not the project application.  

Is it file a GIF file? Luckily for you there’s a simple way to convert gif to mpg when you run into these situations. Keep reading and you can learn how. 

What Is a GIF File?

After the rise of social media like Facebook and Instagram, the people of the internet love to communicate in their own special language. If you keep up with technology you will understand what the humor is in memes and GIFs. They intertwine closely and are created to be visual files. 

Unlike some memes, which are motionless images with words that tell a story, GIFs are images in motion. A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) file is a bitmap image that made its first appearance on PC 30 years ago. As you’ve learned, it’s an animated image.

What you probably don’t know is the finer details. It’s capable of supporting 8 bits per pixel. An image can have as much as 256 various colors in the 24-bit RBG range. The only real let down about GIF files is that their sizes are quite small.

Still, it is very popular today especially for creating logos and sharp images. In these cases, the small size is not a bad thing. In fact, it is preferable. 

GIFs are used in everyday life online, at school, and or work. Even if you do not create files, you see it all the time. The emails you open, the sites you visit and the files you open all may have contained a GIF.

Why Can’t I See a GIF File? 

In the event an image cannot be displayed, it is probably because the file is unreadable, the system or browser is outdated, or you simply don’t have the system requirements.

So long as you can determine the issue, you will be able to see the file. There are also occasions you may need to convert it to a different file to see. 

What Is an MPG File?

An MPG file, also known as a MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) file is different from GIF files. Unlike GIFs, which are image formats, MPG files are video formats. It is very useful online for every person for the same reason a GIF is.

It is used anytime a certain type of compression is needed to download or stream videos to watch. These videos may be as short as a second or two or as long as a boring hour lecture from your professor. 

Depending on how the MPG file will be used upon compression, you will see it as two types: 

• MPEG-1
• MPEG-2

MPEG-1 files are able to compress CD audio and VHS-like videos around 1.5 Mbps. The quality isn’t lost too much and it typically has a resolution of 352×240. It isn’t crystal clear quality but remains popular today. This is because the size so downloading or streaming it will not take very long. 

MPEG-2 files offer higher quality audio and video files for you to see. It is similar to the quality we see today on TV and DVD formats when we watch shows or movies. It can capture about 6 Mbps thus enabling it to offer this enhanced version.

The product is a resolution of 720×480. While you can download and stream this online too, it takes longer as the file is bigger.  

Opening MPG Files 

Most browsers have a built-in video player to stream the file seamlessly. If you are downloading it, you must have a video player yourself. PCs and MACs both come with a default video player. There will be nothing for you to do but click and play if there are no file issues. 

Converting Image Files 

Sometimes we may need to convert an image file to something else for many reasons. Maybe the program we have installed on our PC doesn’t support one but supports the other. Maybe it will make an easier transition to start or finish a file presentation at school or work. 

image files and video files are different yet similar because they both contain images that are in motion. Because of this, it is actually possible to convert an image file into a video file and vise versa. 

Convert GIF to MPG

Converting a gif file to mpg is simple when you do it online without any software. There are no real steps you need to take other than locating the file you want to convert on your computer. 

• Step 1: Locate the file folder on your browser to find the GIF file you need after clicking the “browse” button.
• Step 2: Once you see the file click “open” and the pop-up box will close.
• Step 3: You will see a new button display that says “Convert GIF t MPG”
• Step 4: There will be a download pop-up that will give you the converted file once finished (if there’s no pop-up appearing, do to your downloads setting in your browser). 
• Step 5: Open the download and depending on your settings you will be sent to the file folder to open your MPG file or it will open automatically. 

It’s as simple as that to retrieve your new file in a matter of seconds. The fun doesn’t just stop there. GIF files can also be converted to many other files too. For example, you can also convert GIF to PDF. 

The Need For Images and Video Files 

When you’re online and use your computer your only thoughts are to read, watch, see, and hear, information that is displayed. How that information is shown is a complex technological process you probably don’t care about.

Concern does creep though, doesn’t it? When we experience technical difficulties we are prone to search for a fix. When we can’t see that image sent to us by our friend, loved ones, or boss it can drive us mad.

Sometimes the best solution to open the image we need is to change it. Converting GIF to MPG is easy and can save us from a troubled mind. There’s nothing worse than not being able to see something you want to, even if it’s another cat video.

If you have other converting needs on any file, feel free to use our site and find other tips reading our blog. 

One of the best things we can do with our computers is to organize data. Creating and organizing data leads to limitless possibilities.

Whether you use Windows or Mac, it seems that Microsoft Excel is the go-to software for creating a spreadsheet of our data. If you prefer working in the cloud, Google Sheets seems to be the preferred choice for many.

If you’ve worked with spreadsheets, have you ever considered exporting your data to CSV files?

CSV files are a great format for storing data and one that is sadly, often overlooked.

We’ve put together this guide to learn about CSV files and how to convert your data files to CSV files.

What Are CSV Files?

A Comma Separated Values (CSV) file that contains data. It is formatted in plain text. It is a popular type of file and one of the best ways to organize your data.

It is often used for storing contact information. For example, a CSV could contain four columns with the following information:

• Column 1: The First Name of the Contact
• Column 2: The Last Name of the Contact
• Column 3: The Phone Number of the Contact
• Column 4: The Email Address of the Contact

And of course, there can be additional information such as an address, social media links, etc.

A CSV file such as this one can be used to add contact information to an address book application. It can also be added directly to a smartphone, making it a quick and efficient way of updating your phone’s address book.

CSV in a Spreadsheet

The most popular way to view a CSV file is on a spreadsheet as we mentioned in the introduction. If you already have a CSV file on your computer, you can choose to open it in a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or in Google Sheets.

You can also create a CSV file using a spreadsheet program. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets give you the option to save a file in the CSV format. If you have an Excel file, you can also convert it to CSV. 

If you have a spreadsheet and wish to make it into a CSV file, you want to ensure that it is formatted correctly first.

As we mentioned in the previous section, each line of data should be in a separate column. Each column should have a header that indicates the type of data to be found in the column (First Name, Last Name, Phone Number, etc.)

You can add as many columns as you please. If you want to add a note about each contact, you can do so. You should understand that not every application will be able to process every line of data, so make sure the crucial information always comes in the first few columns.

Creating a CSV File from Scratch

So how do you create a CSV file from scratch? This is the method of creating a CSV using a plain text editor.

First, you should always revise the basic rules for creating a CSV file.

The basic rules are as follows:

1. Make sure that you always separate data entry—a comma is the best way to do this (i.e. First Name, Last Name). 
2. New data entry should always start on a new line. For example, write the ‘First Name’ on one line. Then add your comma. Then on a new line, type the ‘Last Name.’
3. Make sure that there are no empty spaces between data entries. An empty space may be counted as data when importing the CSV file into an application.
4. Make sure to add headings before each data entry.

Once this is finished, you can save your plain text document with a .CSV extension. You have now created a CSV file from scratch.

Importing a CSV File into an Application

Next, you will want to know how to import a CSV file into an application. 

If you have created a CSV file with contact information and you wish to add it to your smartphone, here are the steps:

• Import the CSV file to an address book application (i.e. Address Book for Mac users, or Outlook for PC users)
• When syncing your smartphone with your computer, make sure you adjust the settings to gather contacts from your address book application

That’s it! You’ll now see your contacts on your smartphone. If they need to be updated, you can always make changes to your CSV file and re-import this file into your address book application. Make sure to ‘overwrite’ rather than ‘merge’ the new information with the old information.

CSV files are especially great for anyone managing an email newsletter. For example, Mailchimp, among other platforms, allows you to import email subscribers using a CSV file. 

If you are using an email newsletter platform, you want to see what their preset data entry headings are and modify your CSV file accordingly. For example, one platform may include a recipient’s full name in one field, as opposed to having ‘First Name’ and ‘Last Name’ as two separate fields. 

These email newsletter platforms may even have many additional fields. These can include assigning a designation to an email recipient, such as ‘Subscriber’ or ‘Premium Subscriber’ each with their own privileges. Make sure that you incorporate these fields into your CSV file as well if you wish to make use of these designations.

Why Else Do You Need a CSV File?

Apart from organizing contacts, there are a number of data that you can organize with a CSV file.

You can use a CSV file to organize the inventory of products. This CSV file can be imported into external software so that the store is always updated on their stock.

It can also be used for keeping a roster of attendance or of membership in an organization. You can also use a CSV file for creating a digital library of what books, films, music, etc. that you own.

There are numerous ways you can use CSV files. They are an excellent way of organizing data.

Get Organized

Now that you know the advantages of CSV files, it’s time to get organized with your data!

Be sure to read more about how to make the most out of your computer. Be sure to learn about converting PDF’s into different file formats.

If you’ve spent any significant amount of time on the web, you know how many different image types there are. Two of the most popular types are JPG and GIF files, both representing very different ways to view images online. 

But which is the best way to send an image online, and when should each be used? Keep reading for a full guide on when to use a GIF file, and when not.

What Is a GIF File?

A GIF file is one of the most popular ways to save images on a computer, especially for web use.

GIF files are lossless, meaning the original image does not lose any of its quality through editing and repeated saves. While they’re not the best choice for photographs, GIF files are frequently used to save computer-generated images consisting of pixels, like logos and banner images. They’re great at showing off pronounced linework and color in drawn images.

However, GIF files are best used on images with fewer colors. This is why it’s best not to use a GIF file for photographs. The GIF format will often confuse colors, making for a less authentic, messier output.

Using a GIF file format ensures that every pixel is clear without blurring or color loss. This also means that GIF files don’t compress very well. This makes for very large filesizes on larger GIF images, leading most people to use GIFs for smaller, lower-res images.

GIF files have one very special advantage over PNGs, JPGs, and all other file types: GIF images can move. When most people think of GIFs, they think of the moving images of TV shows and movies that you can send over various messengers. This is done by combining multiple frames of a video into a single GIF file.

How Do I Pronounce GIF?

There’s an age-old argument on the internet: Is it pronounced GIF, or JIFF?

According to the person who created the GIF file format, it’s meant to be pronounced JIF with a ‘J’. However, the Oxford English Dictionary claims both are correct, as the terms are used interchangeably. There really is no concrete answer, so however you want to pronounce it, you do you.

What Is a JPG File?

JPG, also known as JPEG, is another of the most popular image files, but with significant differences to GIFs.

JPG files are more commonly used for photographs and large images than GIFs. This is because JPG files are easy to compress into smaller sizes. JPGs, however, are “lossy” files, meaning the image does not preserve itself as well when edited, converted, or saved multiple times.

The smaller you make the file size of a JPG, the more loss you’ll see. However, the smaller the file size the easier it is to share an image across the web. This is why JPG is used so frequently in web design.

While the file will lose quality, it’s often not noticeable enough to make a big difference. It all depends on how large the file was to start with, and how much you’re compressing it.

Which File Type Should I Use?

Now that you know the differences between the GIF file format and JPGs, which should you use?

Whether you use a GIF or a JPG really depends on what you’re trying to do. If you’re trying to send a small image over the web (through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc.) then a compressed JPG is your best option. If you’re trying to send a moving image in the same way, or upload a computer-generated graphic to a webpage, a GIF file is often the best choice.

In web design, both image types are often used. A GIF might be used for a static logo, banner images, or throughout the site to display other computer-generated images. Any photographs on your site will do better in the JPG file format as they’ll speed up the website’s loading time, and look better in general.

GIFs should be relegated for smaller, computer-generated images of lower resolution due to the large file sizes. JPGs are a lot more flexible and can be used in almost any other circumstance.

Can I Convert GIF to JPG?

If you have a GIF file you’d rather be a JPG file, or vice-versa, you can easily convert one to the other.

The easiest way to do this is probably through an online conversion tool. By simply Googling “convert GIF to JPG” (or the other way around, JPG to GIF) you’ll find dozens of tools that do exactly that. Many of them will show you previews before the conversion, let you pick the quality you want, and even let you make some basic edits.

You can convert GIF files, JPGs, and plenty more file types at Offdrive.com. We’re completely free, and take all the hassle out of file conversion.

You can also open a JPG or GIF file saved to your computer using Paint or another editing program and re-save it as a GIF or JPG. Note, you’ll probably see some quality loss when going from JPG to GIF. GIF to JPG will turn out a lot better, as GIF is a lossless format.

The Wide World of Internet Images

Whether you’re a web designer or a casual browser, you’re bound to see a lot of GIFs and JPGs on your journey across the web. Now that you know the difference between a GIF file and a JPG, you’re better equipped to deal with each. If you need to convert any of these files real quick, you know where to go.

Visit our website to convert any filetype you’ve got, from PDF to GIF to JPEG and more. It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s easy.

Adding images to text improves the retention of information from 10% to 65%. Pictures often tell a story better than words. Your website needs images that will communicate to your intended users even before they read your copy.

Investing in high-resolution pictures for your site isn’t debatable. Yet, you have to be willing to invest in optimizable photos. Typically, pictures have a large file size, which can affect your page loading speed.

The pictures on your site can determine how you rank on Google. You need to know how to optimize your web development images for better website performance. Keep reading to learn the best ways to optimize your website photos.

1. Assign Descriptive Names to Your Site Images

The name you give to your images matters in optimization. Don’t use the default name assigned by your camera. Use keywords for your pictures to help in image SEO.

Key-word rich and descriptive file names are essential for image optimization. Search engines also assess your image file names when ranking. When naming your file, consider the plausible naming patterns that your customers are likely to use.

While at it, remember your alt attributes, which also require optimization. The alt attributes are simply the description for your image. These attributes have an impact on SEO, and you need to be well-conversant on their utilization.

2. Choose the Desired Image File Type

The file types commonly used for web images include PNGs, JPEGs, and GIFs. Once you create an image, you have the option of saving it into either of the formats. These file types have pros and cons, and it’s essential to understand each before deciding on which one to apply.

PNGs are ideal when you have an image with fewer color tons. It also works best if you want a transparent background, which is often necessary when making logos. If you want high-quality PNG images, opt for PNG-24 but be ready to deal with the large file size.

Most web developers use JPGs file format as they are perfect for complex images and colors. If your photo has tons of colors, gradients, patterns, and shadows, JPG will help. Their vast color palette gives you unlimited options. 

You can convert HTML to JPG or from any other format, such as word document. With this file type, you won’t have to worry about having large files. The features of JPG ensure that you get the best image resolution for the web.  

GIF is another common option when thinking of optimizing web development images. This file type has 256 colors, which makes it limiting. It is mostly used for animated images. 

3. Resize Your Images

Did you know that half of the people visiting your site will jump ship when the loading speed exceeds three seconds? In fact, a loading speed difference of half a second can reduce or increase sales by 10% for eCommerce sites. When adding images to your website, compromising on load speed is a grave mistake.

Large files on your website can affect the loading speed. Fortunately, you have several image compression apps at your disposal. These tools remove unnecessary data such as geolocation and color profiles from your photos. 

While resizing your images, you need to balance between resolution and size. However, higher resolutions come with large size files. Consequently, these images will slow down your site’s speed, which will harm user experience and ranking.

To have a balance between quality and size, consider a medium compression rate. For your eCommerce sites, the web development images should be 70 kb or lower. With large files, achieving this size can be difficult, but you need to compress the pictures as much as possible.  

4. Image Optimization 

You need to compare and contrast the image file formats to determine the tools to use for image optimization. Adobe Photoshop is arguably the most popular tool. Other tools, such as FileOptimizer and JPEG Mini, are equally useful.

Optimized photos will grow your traffic significantly.  

If you’re already feeling like image optimization is overwhelming, you can automate the process. A WordPress plugin will automatically compress and reduce the image size once you upload it on WordPress. You’ll save time and still have a better website performance. 

You can use plugins such as Imagify or EWWW Image Optimizer Cloud. There are several other plugins, and each operates differently. It would help if you researched widely before settling for one over the other.  

When using thumbnails, you need to optimize them as they can potentially reduce your loading speed. The file size for your thumbnails should be small enough. You might want to have an alt attribute text that varies from the bigger version of the image.

5. Test Your Web Development Images

Testing your images is a great way to assess whether they are converting. You might realize that fewer images are increasing click through rates. Conversely, more images are likely to improve the experience of users leading to increased sales. 

You can further test some of the angles that potential customers prefer. A survey of your site visitors will guide you in providing a view that resonates with most users. The only way to know the type of shot that customers prefer is interacting with all the prospective clients landing on your website. 

It would also help to test the product listing that’s ideal for your category pages. Visitors’ activities on your site will give you significant insights to establish preferable product listing categories. 

Optimized Web Development Images Are a Resource for Your Website 

If you’re a website owner, high ranking is likely one of your goals. It would be best if you focused not only on the text on your site but also on the pictures. Web development images can have negative or positive impacts depending on how you present them. 

It is crucial to think about the image size for the website while still maintaining the quality. With the right tools and strategies, image optimization is less daunting. However, you can consult with professional web developers for the optimization of web images.

Do you want to convert your files for better optimization? Check our site for free jpg to pdf conversion.

You can never be too careful on the internet these days. There’s been a massive rise in hackers lately, making it important to take extra precautions to keep your data safe. This includes everything from personal messages to work documents and emails.

If you need to know how to send documents securely over the web, follow the tips below.

1. Enroll in Two-Factor Authentication

The first thing you should do is enable two-factor authentication on your email account, and anything else that gives you the option.

Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security to the login process. With two-factor enabled, you’ll be prompted to put in a PIN code every time you input your email password. This PIN code is texted to your phone, ensuring you’re the only one who gets it.

With two-factor enabled, a hacker can’t get into your account even if they know your password.

You can set up two-factor authentication on Gmail, on the sign-in page for most PCs, and even for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. It may not be as convenient as using a password only, but it’s a lot safer.

2. Password Protect Your Documents

If you send a lot of files back and forth, consider password protecting them first.

You can easily password-protect PDFs and Word documents with a few simple clicks. If you want to password protect a Word document, all you need to do is:

1. Open your document in Word and navigate to ‘File’
2. Click ‘File’, then ‘Info’, and finally ‘Protect Document’
3. From the drop-down menu, select ‘Encrypt with Password’
4. In the pop-up window, type the desired password and hit ‘OK’
5. Save the file as you normally would

To make sure the password protection worked, double-click on the file. You should be prompted to input the desired password. Communicate the password to anyone who might need access, and rest assured knowing nobody else can access the document.

You can also password protect a PDF file. To do this, you need to:

1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat
2. Click ‘File’, then ‘Protect Using Password’
3. Type your password, then confirm it
4. Click ‘Apply’ and save your document

You can also do this through most Adobe Acrobat alternatives.

Both of these methods require you to share the password with anyone you want to have access. Make sure you share the password in a secure way, such as through an encrypted or expiring email (as detailed later in this article).

3. Use Email Infrequently

More than ever, individuals and companies alike are moving away from email as the be-all-end-all of online communication.

Applications like Slack, WhatsApp, and Discord have become reliable and safe ways for large groups of people to talk and share files. These applications allow you to bypass email entirely in favor of more open-ended communication. Slack, for example, is like a big chat-room with multiple rooms, file-sharing capabilities, and security features.

To join a Slack or WhatsApp group, you need to be invited specifically. This ensures another level of privacy between you and hackers. While there are restrictions to file sizes you can send over Slack and WhatsApp, they’re not usually much different than the restrictions set by email clients.

4. Encrypt Your Emails

“Encrypt” is a bit of an intimidating word for internet casuals. However, from a workspace perspective, it’s not as hard as it seems.

Microsoft offers its own email encryption software called Microsoft 365 Message Encryption. This replaces the ‘permissions’ button in OUtlook to an ‘Encrypt’ button. By clicking this, your emails become encrypted, meaning nobody can access them except for who’s intended.

You can encrypt all your emails, a single email, or just the files attached — it’s up to you. There are plenty of encryption services out there available for companies. However, this isn’t a very convenient option for individuals as it can get a bit technical and expensive.

5. Set an Expiration Date for Emails

Most people don’t know that you can set emails to expire after a set amount of time.

But it’s true! One of the easiest ways to keep your emails more secure is to set an expiration date. You can do this through Gmail, Outlook, and most other email clients you may use.

To set an expiry date in Gmail, all you need to do is:

1. Compose your email, then navigate to the ‘Turn confidential mode on/off’ prompt at the bottom of the composition window (it’s to the right of the ‘Insert photo’ icon)
2. Click ‘Turn confidential mod on/off’ and a ‘Confidential mode’ window will pop up
3. Under the ‘SET EXPIRY’ text, click the dropdown menu, and select a time. You have a range of options, from one day to a week to five years
4. Click ‘Save’ and send your message. It will expire and become unavailable after the set date

When you send a confidential email like this, the recipient will not be able to forward, copy, download, or print the email.

You can also set a passcode for your emails through the same ‘Confidential mode’ window, just under the expiry date. This password protects the email. The recipient will need a passcode, which is texted to them, to access the email and its contents.

6. Encrypt Attachments

Easier than encrypting an email itself is encrypting an attachment. Usually these are the most important parts of your emails, especially for work, so this will typically get the job done.

The best way to do this is to turn your attachment into a .zip file before attaching. Zip files can be password-protected and opened by anyone with the same .zip unpacking software. To do this easily use 7-Zip, a free .zip program.

1. With 7-Zip installed, right-click on the folder or file you want to convert
2. From the menu click ‘7-Zip’, then ‘Add to archive’. Name the archive, choose zip format, and change the encryption method to AES-256.
3. Enter a password above the encryption method, reenter it, then click ‘OK’

Now, anyone with a password and 7-Zip can access your file!

Send Documents Securely With These Tips

Using the tips above you can now send documents securely and without worries. Whether you’re sending files for work or for personal use, you need to stay safe on the internet. The more of these security measures you use, the safer you’ll be.

If you’re looking for a way to convert DOC to PDF, or do any number of other easy file conversions, see what Offdrive can do for you.

The dynamics of media files is a massive web of tiny details. Understanding all the details can be frustrating when you only want to play your video or upload a picture. 

The good news is that converting media from one file type to another can be simple and easy! In fact, we can show you everything you need to know in as little as 9 easy steps! 

Let’s dive down the media rabbit hole and turn you into a media converting master!

Tips and Tricks to Converting Media of Any Kind

As technology integrates into every facet of our lives, details that once were the domain of the IT department are now an everyday concern.

PDF documents are almost mandatory in business and different picture formats load better in different types of software. These are now items that we all should learn.

So let’s break down what it means and what you can do. 

1. Understand the Document Types

When we say converting media, we don’t mean a magical process that can turn any file into whatever you need. You can’t type up a story and convert it into a movie.

When you need to convert a file, you need to understand which document type you are working with.

There are 5 major document types, images, spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and videos. The types are rather self-explanatory.

You can convert media files within a document type. In rare instances can you put one document type into another.

For example, any of these can be an image, but they lose any other property they may have had. An image of a video is a single frame while an image of a document loses its ability to edit text. 

2. Identify What File Formats You Need

Within the document types, there are many different file formats to choose from. Using images as an example, you have PNG, JPG, and even GIF. All of these have pros and cons.

Not all document types have the same number of file formats and many file formats have such a tiny difference between each other that they aren’t worth considering. 

The major file formats for each type will often be all you need. 

3. Understand What Differences Each File Format Has

Some programs only use a certain kind of file format. Other formats are easier to edit. These differences will often be the reason you need to convert the file. 

If you need to make a document easier to edit and you only have Microsoft Office or an equivalent, shifting it from a PDF to a DOC file can help. 

Consult the program you intend to use the file with. If you know what you want to do with a file, research which file format has the best differences to help you. 

4. Make Sure You Can Open the New File Formats

If you are uncertain whether a specific file format will work, search for a test file in that format first. What this file has on it doesn’t matter, you are only looking for whether your program can interact with it well. 

If the file has no issue, you are ready to go. 

5. Create Backup Copies

Before making any major edits to a file, always make a backup of the document. This can save you hours of frustration if something goes wrong. 

6. Find the Best File Converter

There are many file converters out on the internet. We here at OffDrive have a host of excellent ones for all the major file formats. 

While not all services are free, be careful paying for a file converter unless it has a host of other editing tools and options. Even then, consider what you require for your uses. 

They are also simple and easy to use, often with a few simple clicks. 

7. Follow File Converter Instructions

Once you have your file, your backup, and your file converter of choice, follow the instructions on how to begin the conversion. 

If the file converter does not have good instructions or the conversion process is not working, look toward the many others to replace them. 

8. Rename New Files

One of the biggest mistakes to make is to create a new file and then name it the same thing or something very similar. Even if the files are in different places, it makes searching for them a nightmare.

For some people, the different file tag at the end is enough. For others, simple additions to the name can work wonders. 

9. Double-Check File Integrity

When you have the new file and the conversion and renaming are complete, test it out! Boot up your program and try to open the file. Everything should work, but the potential for file corruption can happen.

When you have a corrupted file, it may have been due to the converter itself or a simple error. Delete the corrupted file and try another file conversion.

If you are still having issues, contact the support staff of the file converter or switch to a different file converter. 

This will also b a strong test of whether you chose the best file format. If your new file can now do what you needed, such as having a higher resolution or editability, then your conversion project was a success. 

Delving Deeper Into File Formats

When working with converting media and the multitude of file formats, you might be wondering why there are so many of them. The answer to that question can get complex.

The basics of it come from fine-tuning file storage methods. When someone modifies the basics of what a file is trying to do, when they save it in that exact method, a new file format is born.

For example, the difference between a PNG and a JPEG comes from a number of pixels, the scope of color, and even how the picture reacts to alteration. 

Often these changes can be so small that most people accept whichever file format works for them at the time.

If you are curious, though, there is always much to learn. Even with only images, there is a lot of information you can learn.

Becoming a File Format Master

With this simple, step by step guide into converting media, and why you should do it, you should be able to get the right file format you need, every time. 

We here at OffDrive have a lot of little tips and tricks that can help you master the digital world.

What else do you want to learn? Need some motivation for starting a blog? We have what you need, so check out our website to learn more! 

Did you know that over 1 billion devices run Windows 10?

With so many devices running this operating system, it’s easy to use Microsoft Office and its word processing program, Microsoft Word. But if you’re making presentations and other visual media, you’ll want to convert DOCX to JPG to present it as an image. It can get difficult to convert it if you don’t know the available methods.

Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this guide, you’ll learn how to convert files from DOCX to JPG. Read on and find out how our free online converter works.

Use Our Website’s Free Converter

Before, converting files to various formats was complex, involving the installation of new software made for that purpose.

With the development of technology, however, you can do the same using your web browser. To start, go to our website’s main page.

Step 1: Convert the DOCX File to PDF

Once you’re there, you’ll see various file conversion options. Here, you’ll first need to make your DOCX file more compatible for later conversions. Under the “Convert Documents” section, click the DOCX to PDF option.

This takes you to the conversion page, where you’ll see a green button labeled “Browse…”. Click on the button to open a window. Here, you’ll find your desired file and click on the Open button once done.

You’ll see your file displayed on the bar beside the Browse button. Complete the Captcha test to ensure you’re not a robot. After that, you can now click the button to convert your DOCX to PDF.

Wait for a few seconds for the conversion to complete. Once finished, you can download the resulting PDF file to your computer. This will set the stage for the second phase of your conversion process.

What Is the Captcha Test?

CAPTCHA determines whether the user is a real person or a bot used for spamming. This is a great method since all it needs is to stretch and warp letters and numbers that only humans can read.

reCAPTCHA is one of the most popular Captcha tests used by most websites. Among the top 1 million websites in the world, 97% use this Captcha variant. It’s unsurprising since it’s a Google-developed test, attesting to its quality and ease of use.

Step 2: Convert the PDF File to JPG

After the download finishes, you’ll see a button that says “Convert More Files”. Click on the button since it will take you back to our website’s main page. This time, look for the section for converting PDF to images.

Once found, click on the button to convert PDF to JPG. You’ll get the same resulting interface, only now it’s for converting the file to a JPG image. From here, use the same steps as before and you’ll have your JPG image, finishing the process of converting a DOCX to JPG file.

What Is a JPEG File?

This image file type saves an image using a compressed image format. It’s a standard made by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). Its most common use is for digital photos, mostly by digital cameras.

Advantages of JPEG Files

This image file type is the most popular raster image format in the world. It has lots of great features that even when it first came out in 1986, it continues to be important in today’s world. The primary reason for its popularity is its high degree of compression.

With a JPEG file, you can pick the ratio between file size and quality. It means it’s up to you how to find the balance between these qualities. It’s also well-known for its small file size, making it ideal if you’re storing lots of pictures on your devices.

If you’re designing websites, JPEG should be your go-to image since it’s compatible with almost any browser. It means it will display correctly, whether it’s in Google Chrome or Opera. This compatibility also extends to most gadgets, meaning it’s viewable whether you’re using a computer, mobile device, or a tablet.

JPEGs are best for full-color realistic photos with lots of transitions in contrast and color. The format does this without losing its quality while maintaining a small compression degree.

Disadvantages of JPEG Files

Like anything in this world, JPEG files have some drawbacks. First of all, images can fall apart into their individual squares when squeezing it. This happens since its compression algorithm analyzes the adjacent pixels, meaning it can fall into 8×8 pixel blocks.

Also, since JPEG files have smooth color, transitions can either be harsh or outright disappear. That makes the format less ideal when depicting text and monochrome graphics. It’s especially apparent if the image has clear boundaries.

If you’re drawing templates, logos, and buttons, JPEG isn’t the best choice. It’s because this image format lacks transparency support, which is vital for the abovementioned graphics. The fact that its quality also degrades whenever it gets compressed won’t help.

Uses of JPEG Files

The ideal use of the JPEG file format is processing and storing full-color images. These pictures should have realistic elements with color transitions and brightness. It means photos and scanned copies of digital pictures get the most out of this format.

JPEG is the most convenient method of showing compressed pictures on the World Wide Web. Its small file size makes it ideal compared to other image formats. If you have a large website with thousands of images, you have no other option but to use JPEG files to save on precious space.

Convert DOCX to JPG Today

These are some considerations when you convert DOCX to JPG. While a direct conversion is impossible, a little ingenuity can get the task done. Use this guide whenever you’re weighing the pros and cons of converting files to JPG.

Did this article help with your conversion needs? If so, check out our guide about converting PDF files into other file formats like DOCX.

Looking for a safe and easy way to convert your TXT files to JPG? You’ve come to the right place.

In the days where data breaches are prevalent, we understand how important it is to have your data protected. But with us, you don’t need to worry about your files going to the wrong hands. Our services use secure data encryption processes to ensure your data stays with you alone.

Ready to get started? Follow our instructions below to begin converting TXT to JPG.

1. Check Our Home Page

Whatever type of conversion you’re trying to do, you can find it on our web page. The most popular conversions, like JPG to PDF and Keynote to PPT, are on a single page. When you look at the top, however, you’ll see more conversion options.

Under the Archive Conversion tab, for example, you’ll see options for 7Z, RAR, and ZIP; you can convert these files to formats like RAR, TAR, and so on.

You’ll also see options for image conversion, involving files like PSD, GIF, and JPG. Then we have Spreadsheet Conversion, Document Conversion, and Presentation Conversion.

2. Pick TXT to JPG

The TXT to JPG option, you’ll find under the Document Conversion tab, between Spreadsheet and Presentation. Select the TXT option from the drop-down menu, and then look for TXT to JPG.

3. Upload Your TXT file

In the new web page, you’ll get an option to browse for your TXT file. Click the button and locate it on your computer. Once you find it, click it and then click the “Open” button.

In the text box next to the button, confirm if it’s the correct file name. You can click the “Browse…” button again to choose another file.

4. Go Through the Captcha Test

Prove you’re not a robot. We know you’re not, but you must prove it to our servers first. Don’t worry. It’s as simple as clicking “I’m not a robot.”

If it suspects something, you may also have to go through some images and click the ones requested. It’s that easy, but it may not be that easy in the future.

Once we’ve confirmed you’re human, the captcha area will transform into a button that says, “Convert TXT to JPG.” Click it and wait for the process to start.

5. Wait for the Result

Depending on the size of your file, it may take more than a few seconds for our servers to convert it. Most of the time, though, it will only take a couple of seconds to get the JPG file ready for download.

Once it’s ready, a new web page will load. It will present you two options; choose how you want to proceed.

Download Now 

When you click the “Download Now” button, the browser will prompt you to name the file and choose a save location. The JPG file will download into your computer once you proceed to the next step.

Congratulations, you now have your converted file. It should show the contents of the TXT file in an image form.

What If It’s a ZIP File?

Don’t get alarmed if it shows that it’s a ZIP file. This happens when your TXT file has more than one page; our servers have converted your TXT file into two or more JPG files. It’s the best way to download multiple files at once, but you do have to use a program to get your files.

Once it’s downloaded, unzip the file using your chosen software. WinZip and 7-Zip are the most popular programs for Windows. These are free, as well, so no need to shell out some money to get your files.

macOS has a built-in software named The Unarchiver, but you can also choose a third-party program like Entropy to do this process. Note that Entropy is a paid software, though. WinZip has also released a Mac version, so check that out, as well.

In any case, you have to double click the file to start the unzipping process. You can also right-click, choose “Open with…,” and select your zip program.

Either way, you will get a folder with the JPG files once it’s complete. Click the folder to view the files you have converted.

Convert More Files

Whether or not you click the “Download Now” button, this option will stay. This will take you to our home page, wherein you can choose to convert other files.

You can convert TXT to PNG, for instance, or PDF to Word, PDF to TXT, and other file formats. Our site gives you more options to convert another file format to JPG, such as GIF, PNG, XLS, PPT, and HTML, among others.

How do we do that? Don’t worry. We got that covered.

If you want to convert another TXT file to JPG format, repeat step # 1 or follow our tip below for a shortcut.

6. Go Back the Previous Page

If you have another TXT file to convert to JPG, click the back button on your browser. By going back, you can upload another file by repeating the process from step # 3. You upload the file, pass the captcha test, and click “Download Now” when prompted.

This way, you don’t need to look for the TXT to JPG option again on our home page.

7. Rest Assured Your Files are Safe

Note that when you exit the download page by clicking any links, your converted file is gone from our system. We don’t save it and your uploaded file on our servers. No one else can access them (even us) once you’ve exited the page.

That means that when you fail to download your file before going to another page, you’ll have to repeat the process.

Convert TXT to JPG Now

Our website provides a fast and secure way to convert files of various formats to another file type. The best thing about it is it’s free. You don’t need to download special software to use any of our services.

Need more help? Check out more tips with our other posts like this one showcasing how to convert Google Docs to Word.

File management often is overlooked as a key driver of productivity. When you consider that the typical office worker can spend around one-quarter of the workday simply searching for information, it shouldn’t be.

In the following article, we’ll be discussing some tips that should help with your file management efforts if you’re a busy student heading steadily towards the workforce. Before we go there, however, let’s take a look at why this is so important. In other words, what can happen without proper file management? 

Difficulty Finding Documents When Needed

Not paying attention to how you file documents (i.e., the file names, the folders, subfolders, etc.) can create a reckoning at the worst times. The time you take at the front to create memorable file names and structures will keep you from having to click through every single file later on during a time crunch.

Accidentally Deleting Necessary Files

Inevitably, computers can become bogged down with random and unnecessary files. Mixing these in with your important documents is a disaster waiting to happen, especially when you set out to make space on your hard drive. As a result, you could end up deleting important files that you’ll need later.

Risk of Being Unable to Back Up Important Files

At some point in the life of a computer owner, there is going to come a dreaded hard drive crash. In fact, some hard drives can fail at a rate of as much as 2 percent. That may not seem like a significant number until you start localizing the math.

Between work and home life, you come into contact with at least 100 people every week. How would you like to be the person in that group that loses all your important files before you can back them up? Proper naming and organizational practices will prevent it.

Now that you know the dangers of poor file management, let’s look at how you can safeguard your data and productivity. Let’s continue!

1. Keep Documents to a Single Root

Learning how to organize files should start with the thought process of avoiding complications. For that reason alone, you should avoid creating several root files for each document. 

Channel most of your documents to a single file, such as the MyDocuments folder for Windows users and the Documents folder for Apple. The single root will serve you well until you start getting documents that can be more easily classified together.

2. Choose Descriptive Terms for Naming

It’s great if you’re in touch with your creative side on most things, but leave that at the door when the goal should be to organize files with clarity and accessibility in mind. Naming something 2019 Tax Filing is much better than 2019 Fleecing from the Federal Government, for instance. 

Keep names simple. Call things exactly what they are instead of trying to flex your metaphorical muscles, and you won’t have any issues.

3. Create Filing Cabinets

At a certain point, computer filing systems can be upgraded to follow a more logical hierarchy. For instance, when you have several items that belong together, then it’s time to create an additional folder to track them.

In keeping with the tax filing examples, for instance, consider creating a basic folder called “Taxes,” followed with year-by-year subfolders for nesting the final documents. This will ensure you always know where to look for each item, and that there will be a sensible subfolder in case you have to keep track of more than one file per year.

4. Know the Score

Cross-platform compatibility is becoming more important now that the Cloud reigns supreme. For that reason, you need a digital filing system that stays uniform from one operating system to another.

Therefore, choose the use of underscores when naming files. These are universally accepted over dots and spaces and will ensure that your files are called the same thing no matter where and how you’re accessing them.

5. Incorporate Dates When You Can

Placing dates into the names of your files will give you a more effective way to distinguish your files and lead to a stronger file organization. This especially is true when you have similar types of assignments or recurring projects that are due. Simply “Save As,” overwriting the date, and then make your changes.

6. Act Quickly

When filing, it’s always best to put in the extra time and effort it takes to be organized on the front end so you don’t have to think about it later on. It may seem annoying at first to slow down and carefully arrange your files, but it will end up saving you hours and hours on the back end. 

7. Make Your Most Used Files Easily Accessible

You can do this by leaving them clearly visible on your Desktop. This goes back to not creating too many root files. The fewer clicks you have to make, the easier it will be to get into the programs and documents that you need without breaking workflow. 

8. Do Not Create New Folders for Program Installations

Program installations should never have their own files. It creates an unnecessary extra step, and that can be particularly annoying when you have to run updates. 

9. Create Backups

Backing up your data to a cloud-based platform is recommended. There are several out there that can make the job easier: 

• Amazon
• iCloud
• OneDrive
• DropBox
• Box

See which ones most appeal to you before going all in. After all, you may be copying and transferring several gigabytes of files. You only want to do it once. 

10. Purge

Every document management system needs to be revisited on a regular basis to ensure the files maintained are necessary and valuable. Make sure you’re scheduling time each month to go back through your documents and see what you need. Delete as you go, and your files will be easier to organize.

Effective File Management Adds to Your Productivity

We hope you’ve found this look at the importance of proper file management enlightening. Moreover, we hope you’re able to fix the holes in your game before a data disaster strikes!

Best of luck. If you have any document or file conversions that you need to perform to make your filing go more smoothly, click here. 

A staggering 750 million — that’s how many people still use Microsoft Excel today.

Unless you use macOS Numbers, it’s very likely that you’re one of these millions of users.

MS Excel, by the way, is more than just a spreadsheet program — artists use it to create their masterpieces too! A perfect example is Tatsuo Horiuchi, who uses this program to create stunning digital art.

In any case, MS Excel is the spreadsheet program that gave birth to the XLS file extension name. That makes it a document format proprietary to Microsoft Excel.

The question now is, what exactly does “XLS” stand for? Is it the default format for all Excel files? Which situations does it make sense to convert .xls files?

Stick around and read on as we’ll give you all the answers you’re looking for in this post!

Decoding an XLS File

An XLS file is a file that you create using Microsoft Excel. In fact, the “XL” in the acronym XLS is an initialism of the word “Excel”. The S there stands for “Spreadsheet”.

XLS, however, has evolved into “XLSX” — the extension used by more recent versions of Microsoft Excel. XLS is the extension used by Excel 2003 (and earlier), while XLSX is for Excel 2007 and later.

Regardless of the version though, all files you save using Excel will have an “XLS” in their file extension. By default, files saved on Excel 2003 and earlier will have the .xls extension.

Digging a Little Deeper Into Excel 

MS Excel files are spreadsheets often used to create tabulated data, usually numbers. Not only can they store financial data — they have the ability to automate calculations too! This is why many people use them to construct mathematical models.

It’s also because of this that many employers prefer talents who have Excel skills. In fact, studies found that up to 80% of online recruiters require applicants to have such skills! So, if you want to up your employment game, it’s best to polish your Excel prowess.

In any case, MS Excel being a spreadsheet app means it can create grids of text and numbers. It can formulate content into specific calculations, from addition to division. It can also gather and then store data from external sources.

At the very least, you can create a .xls file to track your personal finances or household budget. You can also use it as a simple way to organize data, such as timelines or schedules.

The Difference Between XLS and XLSX File Extensions

Aside from their “age”, XLS and XLSX also differ from each other in terms of the file format they use. XLS uses a proprietary binary format known as “Binary Interchange File Format” (BIFF). Whereas XLSX uses the format called “Open XML”, hence the last X in the acronym.

When (And Why) Should You Convert XLS to XLSX?

Just as you can convert Pages, as well as PDF and DOC files to DOCX, you can do the same with XLS to XLSX. The big question is, when and why exactly should you do that?

Here are a few instances — and reasons — to convert files with a .xls extension into .xlsx.

To Save Excel Files In a Compressed Format

By switching from XLS to XLSX, the file compression process becomes automated. Since your files get automatically compressed, you get to save hard drive space.

To Make Data Recovery Somewhat Easier

In 2018, almost two-thirds of surveyed consumers experienced the pain of data loss. A lot of these were due to accidental deletions, but many also resulted from data corruption.

That said, one reason you’d want to convert your XLS files into XLSX is for easier data recovery. With XLS, you won’t be able to view anything once you get that message about a workbook having corrupted data. XLSX, on the other hand, still lets you view undamaged sections of the file.

That’s because XML saves file information in separate containers. So, even if one container gets damaged, it won’t automatically damage the rest of the file.

Keep Malicious Macros at Bay

As awesome as MS Office is, it has become one of the most common malware delivery methods. In fact, in August 2018, MS Office docs were the leading malware loader throughout the world. They accounted for 45% of all analyzed malware delivery mechanisms.

Older versions of MS Office docs are the powerhouse of such malware loaders. That’s because .doc and .xls files can run macros, whereas .docx and .xlsx can’t.

Macros are scripts that can automate tasks, so they can be quite useful. Cybercriminals, however, can easily exploit them to deliver malware and launch attacks.

So, if you want to better protect your files — especially if you’ll send them online — it’s best to go with .xlsx.

Converting XLS to Other File Types

Aside from .xlsx, you can also convert .xls files into PDF, CSV, and many other file formats.

It’s a good idea to convert XLS into PDF to make your files easier to share across the web. PDF, which stands for Portable Document Format, is compatible with all devices. Meaning, regardless of the device used to open the file, the PDF version will look just like the XLS one.

In addition, PDF is among the most common online file format — there are over 2.2 billion PDF files on the public web alone. The popular cloud storage service, Dropbox, also houses another 20 billion.

You may also want to convert .xls files into .csv files if you need to import and export large amounts of data. CSV, which stands for “Comma-Separated Values”, will render the XLS file into plain text. This removes the format, and instead, separates the values by commas.

Get Started on Converting Excel Files Now

There you have it, your ultimate guide on what an XLS file is, and when it’s best to convert such a file. Now that you know about .xls alternatives, it’s best to make the switch, whether to XLSX or PDF. The sooner you do, the more space you’ll have in your hard disk drive, and the safer you will be from malicious macros.

Ready to convert your XLS files to smaller, safer .xlsx versions? Our secure online XLS to XLSX file converter can make things easier for you!