ODT files

How ODT Files Can Benefit Text Documents

Considering making the .ODT file your default text extension instead of a .DOCX file?

A file with the .ODT file extension is an Open Document Text Document file. Files like these are usually created by the free to use OpenOffice Writer word processor program.

Open Document files share a lot in common with Microsoft Word files. They’re both document files and feature text, images, objects, and styles. They’re both compatible with lots of programs, too.

Likewise, ODT files are compatible with Microsoft Word and other applications such as OpenOffice and LibreOffice. However, you can expect to see some formatting differences, and some Microsoft Word features aren’t available in ODT files. There are a lot more differences the two file extensions share too.

So why change from the popular Microsoft Word file to the OpenDocument file? Well, ODT files offer a whole host of benefits.

Ready to learn what they are? Read on.

The Benefits of Using ODT Files

So, what are the benefits of using an Open Document format?

1. Creates Well-Presented Documents

Firstly, files using the ODT format can contain rich formatting, clever graphs and tables, high-quality imagery, and other objects too. This means the format is very popular among those who need to create documents like essays, letters, contracts, reports, plus more. Basically, they can be used for a wide variety of different types of writing.

2. Easily Edited

Likewise, ODT files can easily be edited by those receiving them as well as their original authors across a huge range of software, including assistive technology.

3. Versatile

As mentioned, the format is also supported by various other non-open source applications, making Open Document files very versatile. They also work on most operating systems for desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets.

4. Strict Security

Open Document files allow for stricter security checks in comparison to other text files, helping prevent common cyber-attack scenarios. This is an especially attractive quality for big or high-profile businesses whereby keeping important data and personal information safe is crucial.

5. Cost Effective

Open Document files are either low cost or free to use so this allows individuals, businesses, the government, and other organizations to create and share documents without incurring additional costs.

How to Open an ODT File

Now you understand the benefits of using ODT files, it’s time to understand how to use them.

Open Document files are created with OpenOffice Writer, so the best way to open and edit a file is by using the same program. Alternatively, you can opt for LibreOffice Writer, AbiSource AbiWord, Doxillion, or another free document editor.

If you haven’t got any of these programs, don’t panic. As mentioned, Microsoft Word can open ODT files and you can also edit them there too.

Likewise, Google Docs can be used to open ODT files too. If you’re using Google Docs to edit the Open Document file, you’ll need to first upload it to your Google Drive account. Simply click New, then onto the File upload menu.

To open an Open Document file on an Android mobile device, you can install the OpenDocument Reader App.

If you’re using an iPhone or another iOS device, you can open ODT files with OOReader or TOPDOX Documents editor programs.

How to Convert a Text File into an ODT File

Perhaps you have a text file saved into a different format that you’d like converted into an ODT file. Here’s how to convert it.

1. Using Microsoft Word

If you already have Microsoft Word then converting a text file is easy. Simply open your file and choose an ODT file when you save it from the drop-down menu. There are also plenty of other text formats to choose from, such as DOCX.

2. Using Google Docs

Converting using Google Docs is just as easy. To convert your text file into an ODT file, simply click on File, then Download as, and choose Open Document from the options available. Too easy!

3. Using an Online Converter

Alternatively, you can use a free online converter like ours for quick and easy conversion.

Simply rest your browser on Document Conversion at the top of the page. From there, you’ll have a huge choice of text documents to choose from. We can convert DOC, DOCX, HTML, PAGES, PDF, RTF, and TXT to ODT, so no matter the text file type, we’ve got you covered.

Once you’ve selected your text file type, you’ll be taken to a new page. Click on browse and select the correct text file you’d like converted. Then click on ‘I’m not a robot’ to pass our security checks.

Click on the green Convert to ODT button. You’ll be taken to a new processing page where your new document will be converted. Once your conversion is finished, you can then click on Download now.

Your new ODT document will start downloading. Voila!

With our free online converter, you can use it as many times as you like without charge. Go crazy with your conversions!

Ready to Start Using ODT Files?

Now you’ve learned of the benefits of using ODT files and understand how to open and convert them, we hope we’ve given you the inspiration to make that move from using other text files!

Want to learn how to convert a text file to a PDF file? Check out our guide ‘5 Quick Ways To Convert Your TXT To PDF Files In Minutes’.

difference between DOC and DOCX

The Crucial Difference Between DOC and DOCX Word Files

Microsoft Word was first released in 1985, and there are currently over 1 billion people all over the world who use Microsoft Office to help them accomplish their daily tasks.

If you’ve ever used Word, then you’re probably no stranger to what a Word document looks like.

However, you might also know that when you go to save the document, you’re presented with more than a few options as to your preference of file format.

If this has left you feeling confused, then here’s everything you need to know about the difference between DOC and DOCX Microsoft Word files.

A Brief History of Word Documents

When Microsoft first released Word for MS-DOS, it started by using the DOC format. This quickly became the most popular file format and its popularity lasted for nearly 30 years.

Until 2006, Word was also the only program that officially supported DOC files. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, other programs could finally support the DOC file format, but the full range of capabilities and functions wouldn’t work.

It was in 2006 that Microsoft decided to open the specification and then the file was reverse-engineered. In 2008, the file format became available on other programs and platforms.

This is part of the reason why you can download a file from Google Docs as a Microsoft Word file. However, you’ll notice that you’re only able to save as a DOCX file. Why?

Microsoft had a lot of competition in word processing and finally decided to release an office publisher that used Extensible Markup Language rather than the binary-based format.

This led to the creation of the XML-based DOCX file that we’re so familiar with today. We’ll explore the differences between the two different file formats below, but first, we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s really no difference at all.

The DOCX file became pretty standard for business and personal use in 2008 when Microsoft Word 2007 became fully implemented and widely-used.

What you’ll find is that some users have trouble opening certain files. This is the biggest difference.

Understanding the Difference Between DOC and DOCX Files

The easiest way to understand the difference between DOC and DOCX files is to understand first that they’re both word processing files from Word. 

The biggest and really only difference is the year of the program that created them.

If you’re using Word 2003, then it’s likely that your processor will automatically save documents as DOC files. If you’re using Word 2007 or a newer version of the software, then the program will save your documents as DOCX files.

This really means that there’s not much of a difference. There is, however, a problem that arises when most people try to switch back and forth between a DOC and a DOCX file.

If a client, colleague, or friend sends you a DOCX file and your use Word 2003 or an earlier version, you’ll find that you can’t open the file.

To be able to open the file, you’ll either need to:

  • Upgrade your current version of Word. All you need is at least Word 2007 to ensure that you can open a DOCX file.
  • Purchase Microsoft Office! If you’re working off a bootleg version of Word, then you won’t be able to upgrade it. This is the problem, unfortunately, that most people run into.
  • Purchase Microsoft’s “compatibility pack.” If you don’t want to upgrade your current version of Word, then you can get the compatibility pack that should allow an older version of Word to open a DOCX file.

However, one of the easiest ways to open a DOCX file is to simply use an online file converter. It’s fast, easy, free, and it doesn’t require you to download any software to your computer.

How XML-Based Files Changed Word Documents 

Once Microsoft made the shift from MS-DOS files to the XML-based DOCX format, it caused a bit of a rift in the entire word processing industry.

The files themselves don’t look any different, and the word processor doesn’t provide you with any sort of additional functions.

What happened was that the DOC file was proprietary to Microsoft. This meant that other software and word processors couldn’t read the file.

Obviously, Microsoft wanted its users to be able to transfer files back and forth to other people who might not be using Microsoft products.

This, as mentioned, led to the creation of DOCX. They were able to add a few new features that weren’t possible when Microsoft was using the older coding. This benefitted users! 

However, the problem remained that people couldn’t easily switch back and forth between DOC and DOCX from computer to computer unless they were running the same version of Microsoft Word.

Over time, as more and more users switch over to more updated versions of the word processor, it seems likely that Microsoft 2003 (the version that supports the original DOC file) will also phase itself out.

This means that over time, the DOC file extension will cease to exist and the entire world can go back to easily sharing word documents back and forth.

Only this time they’ll be using DOCX files. 

Easily Convert Files to DOCX

So, now you understand the difference between DOC and DOCX, right? Great!

If you’re still having trouble getting DOCX files to open on your computer, then there’s a pretty simple fix. Using our online file converter will help you convert any kind of word document into the document you desire.

Need to convert DOCX to DOC or vice versa? We’ve got you covered!

Need to convert a DOCX or DOC file to a PDF? We can do that for you too!

The best part? Our online file conversion tool is totally free to use. All you need to do to get started is to select the type of file you want to convert “from” and then the format you’d like to convert “to.”

It really is that simple.

html to docx

Why Converting HTML to Docx Can Make Researching Easier

With over 114 million scholarly documents available online, using the Web for research makes sense these days. This is true whether you’re writing a college paper or focusing on a work project.

All of those Web pages, though, are in HTML, and that’s not always the ideal format for collecting and using your research. Many times, you’re better off converting the HTML to DOCX.

That may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be, and it offers many benefits. Here’s what you need to know about making that switch.

What is HTML?

First, though, it helps to understand what HTML is.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the standard used to write information designed for display on the web. A web server passes an HTML file to your web browser, and the browser translates that into what you see on the screen.

HTML includes information on how to format the page, such as font, spacing, paragraph breaks, images, etc. It uses tags and special codes to indicate how everything should look.

Trying to read this as straight text is difficult since it’s hard to distinguish the information from the formatting. Luckily the browser does the work for you, so by the end, you only see the relevant information.

What is DOCX?

Before you convert your HTML to DOCX, it helps to also understand DOCX.

If you’ve seen or received a document written in Microsoft Word, the chances are good that it has a .docx extension, although it wasn’t always that way. Before the 2007 edition of Word, the default was to save as .doc.

The change came to support open-source standards. This allows the files to be read by other word processing programs, such as Google Docs. The DOCX files are also smaller and easier to transfer, making them a better choice all around than DOC files. 

7 Reasons to Convert HTML to DOCX for Research

As you can see, HTML and DOCX are very different. HTML files are meant for web browsers, while DOCX files are meant for people to read. This leads to the reasons why you would move a file from HTML to DOCX when doing research.

#1 – No Ads

When you’re looking up information online, ads can be very distracting. You’re trying to focus on the details of your work, but you keep seeing information about interesting products and events.

If you convert that information to Word, though, you can get rid of the ads. This helps you stay focused and on-task.

#2 – No Paywalls

Additionally, if you need to go back to your research information again, once it’s saved in Word, you don’t need to worry about possible paywalls. While some online information is free, not all of it is, and you may only be able to access information once or twice for free.

#3 – Readability

You can certainly get past ads and firewalls by saving the website information as an HTML file, but it’s not very readable. Most people aren’t going to want to wade through the tags used in HTML to find the relevant information – including you.

Word, on the other hand, is much easier to read because it’s designed for people. You won’t need to look at all the details of how it’s formatted and can focus on the information.

#4 – Formatting

Another challenge with HTML is that even if you open the file in a browser, where it’s easier to read, it can look different depending on what browser you use. You might notice this yourself if you visit a site in Google Chrome and then again in Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer.

This happens because browsers interpret incoming information differently. For example, you might have different default fonts and slight differences in formatting. This is especially true if you have an older version of the browser.

This doesn’t cause huge problems when doing research, but it can be confusing if someone reading your paper gets a different view of the information when looking at the HTML file from a different browser.

#5 – Editing

One of the biggest benefits to using Word, though, is that it allows editing. Not that you want to edit your sources for research, but you might want to highlight things, or make comments. You can easily do that in Word, but you can’t in the HTML file.

#6 – Compile Information

You may also find that it’s easiest to have all your research materials in one place. This isn’t very easy to do with HTML, but it’s easy with Microsoft Word.

Using Word, you can put all your reference materials together, separating them by section and headings as needed. This will make it much easier for you to refer back to when working on your paper or project.

#7 – Citations

Referencing online information is becoming very common. You can even find instructions on the best way to cite online resources.

While you would still want to point to the online link, it may also be helpful to provide the information as a Word document, especially if you have multiple citations. That allows you to reference a page number to more specifically indicate where you got the information.

What About DOCX to HTML?

You may also be wondering, would you ever go the opposite direction and convert DOCX to HTML?

You might, but from a research perspective, it wouldn’t be the best approach. This conversion is mostly used if you’re working on a page for a website and prefer to draft it in Word, then get it online.

Moving from HTML to DOCX

Doing research for school or work often happens online, but the research doesn’t need to stay there.

Changing the information from HTML to DOCX has many benefits. You can more easily comment on relevant sections and compile your information together, without worrying about formatting differences, ads, or paywalls.

Even better, doing the conversion is very simple. You can easily find tools to turn that HTML text into a Word document with just a couple of clicks.

Are you doing some research now and want to get the HTML information into Word? Check out our free HTML to DOCX converter.

PNG vs. JPG

PNG vs. JPG: How to Know Which Is Best for Your Image

In the world of digital images, you’ve likely come to know two formats: PNG and JPG.

If you compare the two photo formats next to each other, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between the two

However, upon further inspection, they’re pretty different, and they both serve different purposes.

So, what’s the difference between PNG vs. JPG and when should you use each file format? We’ve got the answers for you below.

What is a JPG Image?

JPG stands for Joint Photographics Expert Group. Images that use the JPG format generally feature a nice balance of image quality and file size, meaning that during the compression process, the file isn’t affected too much.

It’s important to know that JPG images usually feature a 10:1 compression ratio.

For example, if you start with an image that is 100MB and then you try to export it as a JPG, the image will end up being around 10MB.

How does this type of picture format accomplish that kind of compression? It looks for similar pixels and merges them together in tiles.

While this is pretty efficient for a basic photo editor, it does cause photos to lose their quality. This means that if you’re trying to save an archival photo as a base to work off, it’s best not to save it in the JPG photo format.

What is a PNG Image?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics, and it’s a lossless file format. 

What does lossless mean in this context? Well, it means that you won’t lose any quality each time you edit, open, or save the photo.

Unlike a JPG image, PNG images use something called LZW compression. Instead of creating tiles by merging similar pixels together, LZW compression takes strings of bits and matches them to longer sequences.

While the actual science behind it all is pretty complicated, all you need to know is that the file stores these sequences in something called a codebook. Then, it stores the codebook within the image file itself.

This means that a PNG image will have a higher quality resolution within a smaller file.

Instead of compressing the file by grouping pixels together, a PNG file preserves the image pixel-by-pixel.

Here it’s important to note that while PNG is a lossless file format, it is better for use on the web. When shooting raw photos, you’ll want to stick with RAW photo formats or even DNG or TIFF.

When to Use a JPG Photo Format

Think you’ve got a solid understanding of the difference between PNG vs. JPG? Now you’ll need to figure out when it’s best to use each one.

For simple photo sharing and uploading images to social media platforms online, you’ll probably want to stick with a JPG photo. 

It’s a widely accepted photo format and the file is a bit smaller than PNG images. Oftentimes, you’ll find that online applications won’t let you upload PNG photos, which means that you’ll have to convert the file to a JPG anyway.

If you’re not dealing with a photo that has a lot of text or lines, then a JPG will do just fine.

Photos with defined lines tend to look a little blurry when you’re dealing with a JPG, which is why experts suggest exporting logos and other illustrated images as a PNG.

JPG also supports both RBG and CMYK color spaces in 24-bit, but the RBG color spectrum looks best for this photo format.

It’s best to avoid using JPG as your file format if you’re looking to print in grayscale. The color offerings and compression issues look better in RGB than they do in grayscale.

When to Use a PNG Photo Format

For any kind of professional graphic design or high-quality photo sharing, PNG is the clear way to go.

First of all, it’s a file format that supports transparency. If you’ve ever worked with images in any design software, you’ll know that you need to import a PNG to ensure that they’re no white background on the text or photo.

This makes PNG photos a great option for overlaying content on top of other images or even on websites and other design materials. 

When you’re looking to render a high-quality image like a logo or text, you’ll want to render it in the PNG format. It will allow you to preserve the quality of the fine lines and text better than a JPG file would.

And, you’ll find that opening, altering, and saving the file during the design process doesn’t affect the quality of the image.

Who Wins in the PNG vs. JPG Debate?

So, who’s the winner when it comes to PNG vs. JPG? It really depends on what you’re going to do with the photo file!

It’s easy to say that PNG is the clear winner, as the image quality is usually higher. However, certain online platforms and photo sharing apps don’t allow you to upload PNGs.

This means that for basic photography needs and online photo sharing, you’ll probably be better off with a JPG photo.

For web graphics like logos and design elements, stick with a PNG photo. They’ll offer you the benefit of the transparent background and the quality will be much higher than that of another kind of file.

If you take a lot of screenshots online, then you’ll definitely want to save them as a PNG.

College students, for example, who take screenshots of online material to then annotate later will notice that a PNG doesn’t lose its quality each time they edit it.

Converting Your Files with Ease

Do you think you have a preference when it comes to PNG vs. JPG? Maybe you do, but now you need to convert that file to another kind of file.

This is normal, as many different industries require different kinds of file formats.

If your client, teacher, or somebody else needs a PDF file but you’ve saved all of your photos as PNGs, then don’t worry!

You can easily convert your files into PDFs using our free file conversion tool.

how to convert powerpoint to pdf

PPT Conversion: How to Convert Powerpoint to PDF

PDF files have become necessary for the most basic transactions, and rightly so. Tasks that once involved stacks of papers and hours of copying and collating are nearly obsolete due to the mighty PDF. Most widely-used applications can produce PDF files with little effort, and a reader is available to anyone with a computer.

Nearly every type of business document can convert, but this article is about how to convert Powerpoint to PDF.

Understanding PDF Files

So what’s so great about PDF files anyway? A lot. They started as a low-resolution, not-very-fancy way for some applications to access the same information. If you can imagine a bridge file format, something that several operating systems can understand.

Adobe then gave users control over image resolution, page formats, and many other characteristics that revolutionized the advertising and printing industries more than 25 years ago.

These industries had been using photographic processes to make printing film from which to image printing plates. The text was set with machines that imaged it onto photo paper. The larger the font, the softer the edges were. Photos were screened and separated with a filtered lamp, and the text and photos were taped together to form an image that covered the paper.

It was a complex and time-consuming process that led to costly reworks and time expenditures.

Desktop Publishing and PDF Files

To get beyond the photographic printing process, some innovative typesetting companies developed a way to “print” color separations and text onto printing film. The idea was to eliminate the process of building press flats by hand. 

Companies called service bureaus created pages and imaged film (filmsetting) for the printing companies for several years. They had methods for proofing from the imaged film, and this process was the norm until the filmsetting companies made machines that imaged larger pieces of film.

Around this time the printers started buying the larger machines and imaged their film in-house. Alongside this innovation, other companies decided to cut the film out altogether and image printing plates to mount straight on to the press.

Platesetters are now the industry standard for commercial offset printing, and they are fed by front-end workflows that use PDF files exclusively as their file format.

PDFs are a combination of text and images. Unless the contents of the file are scanned or created from a single image, the text is generally live, typeset text and the images are continuous-tone photographs or vector drawings.

These files translate perfectly to film and platesetting not only through their contents but through the “page boxes” that are invisible to the eye but define the exact size of the page. Print workflows can read this information and layout pages for a press in seconds because of it.

Why Convert Powerpoint to PDF?

There are good reasons to convert your Powerpoint presentation to a PDF. One reason is to reduce your file size. Powerpoint embeds all your images, and that file size can grow huge very quickly. This file size can result in slow loading and transition times and defeat the purpose of an excellent presentation.

PDF files can reduce your presentation file sizes up to 75% through the use of compression and image calls, making for a much more nimble file to use. It also makes your presentation far more email-friendly, as some companies have email attachment size limits.

Another reason is to protect your presentation content. It is far more difficult to copy text and images from a PDF file, and both could be unusable if anyone tried. 

How To Convert Powerpoint to PDF

This is why we’re here. You can convert your file to a full-page slide presentation or a handout with notes, or combine your slides on each PDF page.

Powerpoint contains live text and images, so converting a powerpoint presentation to a pdf generally works well. There are some caveats you need to pay attention to achieve the result you want.

Modern PDFs can contain rich media and serve up some snazzy transitions, but those will need to be embedded after the PDF is made if the file is intended to be a presentation. Hyperlinks can translate from the presentation file.

Animations in Powerpoint disappear upon conversion to PDF. For instance, if you used an “appear” animation for a bulleted list, the pdf will contain all the list items on one page. Any content residing off the presentation page will be lost as well. 

Knowing these issues, if you’d like to convert your presentation to a PDF, you have some choices.

How to Save a Powerpoint as a PDF

Very simple. File>Save as, choose your file destination, rename it if you like, and change the file type to PDF. This method saves your work to a single slide per page format.

Print to PDF With Speaker Notes

If you’d like to save your PDF with any speaker notes you have, your method is through the print dialog instead of a simple “Save as” menu selection. Choose File>print, and in the print layout, select the “Notes Pages” icon. Click print and choose a location, rename if you like, and click “Save.”

Print to PDF as a Handout

Using the print-to-PDF method, you can make a handout that has multiple slides per page. In the print settings, choose the “Handout Style” and pick which one you want. Then click print and choose a location, rename if you like, and click “Save.”

One Last Method 

The Internet contains much more information on how to convert powerpoint to PDF. This is a quick guide to get you through. There are easier ways to accomplish this, and one of those is to use a free file online conversion site. These services are quick and easy and can give you a PDF to work with a short period of time.

Why not check it out and test it with other documents? You never know when you need a PDF in a hurry.

how to remove metadata from word

How to Remove Metadata from Word and Why You Should

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

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

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

1. What is Metadata in Word?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Why You Should Remove Metadata from Word Documents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. How to Remove Metadata from Word

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Now Know How to Remove Metadata from Document Files

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

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

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

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

eps file

What is EPS File Format and How Do I Use it?

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

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

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

What is PostScript?

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

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

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

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

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

What Is an EPS File?

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

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

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

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

Protect Yourself from EPS Malware

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

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

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

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

How to Use EPS

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

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

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

Operating Systems

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

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

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

EPS or JPEG?

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

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

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

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

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

Conversion

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

Use EPS for Big and Small Projects

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

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

image file formats

Comparing and Contrasting Image File Formats

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

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

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

Image File Format Terms

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

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

Lossy and Lossless Compression

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

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

8-Bit and 24-Bit color

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

Indexed Color and Direct Color

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

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

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

Bitmap and Vector Images

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

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

Common Image File Formats

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

PNG

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

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

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

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

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

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

JPEG

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

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

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

GIF

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

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

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

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

SVG

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

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

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

Image Formats Made Easy

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

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

best online file converter

The Benefits of the Best Online File Converter

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

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

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

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

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

1. No Unnecessary App Installations

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

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

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

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

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

2. Ease in Sharing Files

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

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

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

3. File Protection

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

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

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

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

4. A Cost-Effective Measure

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

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

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

5. Ease of Use

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

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

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

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

6. File Consistency for Work Purposes

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

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

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

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

Use the Best Online File Converter Today

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

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

excel to html table

Tutorial Made Easy: Converting Excel to HTML Table:

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

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

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

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

Converting Excel to HTML Table

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

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

The “Save As Web Page” Option

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

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

Open the Workbook

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

Saving as Web Page Options

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

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

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

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

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

Publish

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

Items to Publish

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

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

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

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

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

Choose Where to Save Your Web Page

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

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

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

Ready to Publish

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

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

Looking to Convert Your Files?

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

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

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