Category: PDF

Having a hard time opening an encrypted PDF?

Data breaches cost an average of $3.86 million worldwide. Thus, businesses must always secure company files.

A secure PDF helps provide extra roadblocks for information theft. However, it can also impact productivity if unbarring it takes a lot of time. Even with the correct password, not all applications have the capability to unlock a PDF.

Do you want to make it easier for you henceforth?

There are several ways to do this, and we’ve compiled the best ones for you. Here are two techniques on how you can pass through the security enforced on any PDF file:

Technique 1: If You Know the Password

Most PDF readers can open a password-protected PDF. Not all, however, will allow you to remove the password after you get through the security check. Without doing so, you’ll have to enter the PDF password every time you open it.

Here’s a method of accessing the PDF and removing the password check altogether:

Unlocking and Removing Password with Adobe Acrobat

Even if you know the password, entering it every time you open a document can be a hassle. You can use Adobe Acrobat to remove the password from an owner-locked PDF.

1. Open the encrypted PDF file using Adobe Acrobat.
2. A window will pop-up asking for the password. Enter the correct password.
3. Once the file is open, locate the padlock icon. It’s on the left side of the window beneath the “Home” tab. Click on the said icon.
4. Click on the Permission Details under the Security Settings.
5. Go to the Security tab and then click on the Security Method. Choose the “No Security” option and then click the OK button.
6. Finally, go to the File menu and hit Save.

Following these steps will open the PDF file and remove the password, as well, for faster access later.

Technique 2: If You Forgot Your Own Password

Don’t you hate it when you forget your own password on your PDF file? Forgotten passwords are a common issue, but there’s hope for your PDF file yet.

Below are two methods you can use to remove protection from your own PDF file. Choosing between these two will depend on which software is available to you:

Using Google Drive

Google Drive is the most accessible tool among the three. You should be able to open it, as long as you have an internet connection. Plus, you can use any browser you’re already accustomed to:

1. Log in to your Google Drive account.
2. On the top right corner, you’ll see a gear button. Click this, and the Settings option will appear.
3. Now click on the Settings and look for Convert Uploads. Click the checkbox with “Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format.”
4. Google Drive will ask you to upload your PDF file.
5. Right-click on the PDF you want to open and choose the option “Open with Google Docs.”
6. After uploading the file, click on “Download As,” then select either Docx or PDF format.

This method will download a copy of the PDF file that you can now open.

Using Google Chrome

If you’re using Google Chrome as your browser, you can use its built-in feature to open a secure PDF. However, this will only work if there are no printing restrictions enforced on the file.

1. Right-click on the encrypted PDF file and choose “Open with Google Chrome.”
2. After it opens on a new tab in Google Chrome, right-click on the PDF and choose the Print option.
3. Then choose Microsoft Print to PDF and click on the print button.
4. A window will pop up, and you can enter a new file name and the path where you want to save the new PDF file.

You’ll now have your own copy of the PDF, but this time it’s no longer password-protected.

Reasons for Locking PDF Files

The extra steps required to unlock a PDF are worth it if you consider the two main reasons for locking it. One is to control who gets to access the document, and the other is to limit who can alter it.

Bank statements sent to you through email are good examples of why encrypting a PDF is crucial. Encryption prevents viewing and alteration of PDF attachments on business emails.

Here are four reasons why it can be critical to lock PDF files:

Limiting Access

Locking a PDF file can create exclusivity. The added security allows access to customers and subscribers only.

You can also control the file’s distribution using digital rights management (DRM) software. Even if users have access to the file, they can’t share it with others who don’t have authorization.

Maintaining Content Integrity

Locking a PDF can help prevent someone else from editing the content. Annotations or approvals on existing owner-locked PDFs cannot be overridden.

Most students prefer PDF when exchanging documents with their classmates and professor. Encrypting it helps them preserve the file from unnecessary edits.

Enforcing Copyright Protection

One of the most common reasons to lock a PDF is to protect the document from copyright infringement. Adding a PDF password prevents unauthorized people from copying or printing the document.

The U.S. is strict in enforcing copyright laws. However, people from other countries can still copy your original work. It’s crucial to protect technical designs and product modifications from competitors.

Even with strong network security, encrypting confidential PDFs adds another level of protection.

Protecting Business Contracts

A digital signature is handy in business contracts. It prevents any of the authorized users from modifying the content. Any changes go always go through the owner for approval.

There are two steps in creating a digital signature to lock a PDF file. The first step is to create a digital ID. Then you need to use the ID and encryption certificate to create the digital signature.

The digital signature also adds another barrier. It prevents someone from copying or altering the document. Your PDF file with your digital signature will always be the original version.

Opening Encrypted PDF Files is Now Easier

As long the owner permits you to do so, you can now open an encrypted PDF.

Do you want more tips and tricks? We recommend reading our other articles in our blog. This tip article about converting SVG to EMF files is popular with our readers.

Looking to convert your PDF files into Google Docs?

PDF, or Portable Document Format, is one of the most common file formats in the digital age. Before PDF, companies were looking for a secure cross-platform format.

Many companies now standardize their documents and files as PDFs. One of the main characteristics of PDF is that it stays original to the source file. This is great for official documents, but what if you need to make changes?

If you’re wondering how to convert a PDF into a Google Doc, you’re at the right place!

Converting a PDF to a Google Doc is easy with this guide. Read on to discover what you need to do to convert PDF files.

What is Google Docs?

Docs is Google’s web-based document application. Google offers Docs as part of their online productivity package. Users with an online connection can create and store files from any device.

Many companies rely on Google Docs to collaborate with their teams. Since the pandemic pushed many businesses to remote work, this is a crucial tool. Dealing with PDFs can be a hassle if you’re a remote worker or an online student.

It can be difficult to update your team about changes or new information. However, there is a solution to this. Google Docs offers a feature to help users convert PDF files into editable documents.

Here’s how:

Basic Guideline

Using Google Docs to convert PDF files is easy and straightforward. However, there are some factors to consider to help you get the best results. Because Google Docs is a web-based application, it can only handle a limited file size.

The maximum size for any PDF or image is 2 MB. Ensure that your files don’t exceed this number when you’re converting a PDF. It would also be best if you use standard fonts like Times New Roman and Arial.

Any text in an image of PDF should be at least 10 pixels high to ensure good quality. If you’re converting an image file, choose a sharp image with strong contrasts. Dark or blurry files may not translate well when you convert them into Google Docs.

Document orientations should stay right-side-up and not turned to the left or right. Google Docs may have a harder time converting complicated PDF files. Take note, however, that your new PDF file may not retain tables, lists, or footnotes.

If this isn’t a problem for you, you can proceed with the file conversion. With these simple guidelines, you can ensure a smooth converting process.

Images to Text

To convert files in Google Docs, you need to log into your account through a desktop. Select the folder icon under the templates section of Google Docs. Select Upload and choose a file from your device, or drag and drop the file onto the window.

When it’s finished uploading, right-click on the PDF file. Select Open With and choose Google Docs in the options. Google Docs will then convert your PDF file into editable text.

Note that your file will still retain the PDF extension. However, it will show a different icon from the original PDF file. You can use Google Docs to save it as DOCX or into a new PDF file.

Format First With Microsoft Word

If your PDF file contains special formatting, this may not convert well in Docs. You can work around this with Microsoft word. It will require some extra steps, but you won’t have to worry about losing tables and footnotes.

Open Microsoft Word on your desktop. From the main menu, select Open and upload your desired PDF file. MS Word will display a pop-up window asking you to confirm the conversion.

Select OK and wait for the conversion to finish. MS Word does a better job at retaining original formatting. This includes basic formatting like indents and spacing. It also keeps tables, numbered lists, and footnotes from your original document.

Select File > Save As to save the document to your device. You may need to Enable Editing first to do this. You may then open your Google Drive account and open your new DOCX file there.

Complete the file conversion by saving your new file in Docs. Though you may need to work a little harder, this is a great way to keep your original document’s format.

Use PDF Converter Tools on Your Device

You may use present apps on your current device to convert PDF to Google Docs. Applications like Adobe Acrobat have a built-in tool to convert PDF files. If you don’t have an Adobe Acrobat license, there are other third-party apps you can use.

If you need to convert a PDF file on the go, some great mobile apps will try. Here are some of the best file conversion apps.

• PDF Conversion Suite
• PDF to Word
• easyPDF
• PDF to Word Converter, and
• OfficeSuite

If you don’t currently have access to a desktop, this is the best way to do it. You can then copy the converted file into the Google Docs app on your phone.

Use Online Converters

If you don’t want to download additional apps, consider using an online converter. There are plenty of free web-based converters for your PDF files. Some websites may have ads but often will not interfere with the file conversion.

If you’re looking for a good online converter, try our service! We at OffDrive offer everything you need for your file conversion needs.

We not only convert PDF files to Docs but also other file formats. OffDrive covers your spreadsheets and presentation files.

How to Convert a PDF Into a Google Doc In a Few Simple Steps

Now you know how to convert a PDF into a Google Doc. With these steps, you can start making changes to your files. Whether you need it for an online module or work document, this will help you get the Docs file you need.

Want to start converting your files today? We got you! Check out our free file conversion service today.

The PDF format remains popular in the modern workplace, holding a 52% share of all Internet traffic files.

First created in 1993 by Adobe, the file format has become a standard for printable digital documents. Billions of PDFs contain essential information like government reports and statistical data.

But what are the top benefits of PDFs for your business?

This article breaks down seven essential advantages of PDFs and how they can help your company.

Learn how their ubiquitous nature means you can share PDFs with anyone yet still retain their formatting. Then discover how to keep your documents safe through password protection.

Read on to see how simple it is to convert your existing documents to PDF format and how the format will live on forever.

1. PDF Files Work on Any Platform

The biggest advantage of converting your documents to PDF format is that they look the same on every device.

Regardless if you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, a PDF will appear identically on all three operating systems. Unlike HTML or a Word document, PDFs retain their formatting. That means no more shifting of charts or missing words when you open a report.

All you need is a PDF viewer.

They’re free and always produce the same results. Even web browsers embed the files so you can view them online anywhere in the world.

2. Password Protected

Many business owners stick with Microsoft Word because it has a password protection feature. But did you know that PDFs offer that functionality too?

It’s simple to add a password to a PDF document. Your important files are then kept safe and can only be opened by those users you share the password with.

However, if you’re worried that others can edit your PDFs after opening them then consider this.

All PDFs are read-only. That means you can’t simply alter them like a Word document. It provides an additional layer of security that other formats don’t have.

3. Small File Size

PDFs that contain simple text content often result in far smaller file sizes compared to office docs.

The reason for this is PDF files are automatically compressed. You can add multiple PDFs as email attachments without a problem or save them to your cloud drive. It’s one of the reasons larger organizations like banks store millions of customer records as PDF files.

PDFs can also be created on-the-fly.

You can combine them with information from a database and serve them via your website. And all at a small file size. 

4. Easy to Convert to PDF

You may be wondering how difficult it is to convert your existing Word and Excel documents to PDF format. Well, there’s great news as Offdrive is here to make that process a breeze.

Our Document Conversion tools let you transform any type of document into a PDF.

That includes the likes of PowerPoint files. Slides appear as pages and all the formatting and template colors get kept in place.

The process works in reverse too.

If you need to edit PDFs, simply convert them into a Microsoft Word document. Make your changes, save the file, then convert it back to PDF. Easy!

5. Designed to Last

PDFs are designed to retain their data and format while in transit.

When you send a PDF report to your business partner or customers you can be certain it won’t get tampered with. Neither will it get corrupted or stop working for no reason.

Think of a PDF as an image that you can’t touch-up.

Unlike a painting or artwork, PDF files cannot get torn or damaged. They remain exactly the same and preserve their formatting as intended.

6. PDF Files Are Interactive

You might not know this but PDFs allow you to fully interact with them if you allow it.

Adobe Indesign enables you to create a PDF workspace where you can add links and interactive elements. You can embed bookmarks into pages and link to them from a contents page.

Like a web site, you can also insert:

• actionable buttons
• videos
• audio files
• animated GIFs
• visual links

It doesn’t stop there as you can also embed Office documents like Word and Excel spreadsheets. Interactive PDF services like bit.ai even let you create quizzes and polls and place them within your PDFs! 

7. PDFs Will Be Around Forever

PDFs are universal.

Millions of businesses incorporate the format into their working-day lives. Manufacturers let customers access instruction manuals on their website by downloading PDF files. Information is sent using PDFs around the globe every day.

PDF is now a recognized ISO international standard.

In July 2008, Adobe’s most productive application received ISO 32000-1 status. The PDF ISO standard covers:

• PDF/X – digital materials now mirror their printed counterparts
• PDF/A – a standardized way to preserve and archive information
• PDF/E – for engineering and technical documents
• PDF/VT – variable and transactional printing
• PDF/UA – universal access for users with a disability

This transition to an open-standard means other developers can improve the software. PDFs will become more secure and interactive. And they won’t fall by the wayside like other formats including Flash or the .swf extension.

All of this means that the format will continue to prosper for years to come. You can convert your files to PDF and they’ll be accessible forever. 

Convert PDF Files From Any Format With Offdrive

This article has highlighted the benefits of PDFs.

Not only do they work on any platform or device but they offer smaller file sizes compared to other documents. You can password protect your PDF files and make them interactive, just like a web page.

One of the biggest advantages of PDFs is how easy it is to convert files into that format.

Microsoft Word to PDF is a snap using Offdrive’s free conversion tool. You can also convert Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and image formats like JPEG.

And don’t forget that the process works the other way too.

Convert your PDFs to the Epub ebook reader format using our free online service. There are no limits and we have dozens of formats to choose from

Whether you are a student, professional, or just everyday citizen—there’s a strong chance you have needed to convert a file to a PDF before.

This may sound simple, but it can grow more intimidating with various file types. One of the most commonly-converted yet sometimes feared examples of this is with PowerPoint files. But with a free online tool, you can take a PowerPoint and convert to PDF file easily.

This carries several important benefits that can save precious time and effort.

Especially for files that are to be exported or shared among other parties, learning how to convert a file from PowerPoint to PDF is essential. Keep reading for more information on the benefits and procedure for converting PowerPoints to PDF files.

What Is a PDF?

A portable document format (PDF) file is one of the most commonly-used file types today. It is easy to identify, with .pdf attached to the end of the file name.

These file types are often used to distribute read-only documents, like user manuals, books, and forms. They also find frequent use with scanned documents.

PDF vs. PowerPoint 

A PDF file allows users to send and receive read-only copies of various files. This is different than an image file, though many times you can convert PDF to JPG file fairly easily.

In contrast, a PowerPoint file will send the other party a workable copy of your slide deck. For the most part, these files will only open within the PowerPoint software.

This is the key difference between PDF and PowerPoint files. If you send the item as a PPT or PPTX file, the other party will typically have access to edit the item to their liking.

When exporting a PowerPoint file or sharing to another party, users may be tempted to send the file as a basic PowerPoint file. For older versions of the software, this would present with a .ppt tag on the end. For newer versions, .pptx is listed as the file type.

Sending a PPTX file may seem like the logical solution when sharing a set of slides. But in reality, there are important benefits of a PDF file that may better serve your goals.

Benefits of a PDF File

PDF files carry many benefits to all types of computer users. But in relation to PowerPoint files, they are particularly useful when disseminating information to other parties.

First and foremost, using a PDF file provides the best chance of accessibility for the other party. There is no guarantee that the person recieving the file has access to the PowerPoint software. Without this, they will likely find themselves unable to open your PPT or PPTX file.

Instead, almost all computers and mobile devices are equipped to open PDF files. In fact, they sometimes do not even require a download. Most PDF documents can be opened right in the web browser.

This way, you do not have to inconvenience the recipient of the file when sending it out, in the event that they do not have the PowerPoint software. Plus, it helps reduce clutter and the potential for risky downloads.

To that point, there are also increased security options with PDF files. These can be protected with a password, so that only authorized users may gain access.

Furthermore, PDFs are designed to protect the information you have inputted. Sending a PDF file rather than a PPT or PPTX file ensures no unwanted changes can occur by other parties.

Formatting is protected, as well.

If the other party opens your file with an outdated or alternative program relative to your system, they may experience formatting inconsistencies. With a PDF file, you can rest assured that your slide deck will remain perfectly formatted.

But, if you are sending a work-in-progress file, it may be best to send in PPT or PPTX form rather than a PDF. This way, other parties can make changes and return the file to you without running into trouble with locked features.

How to Convert a File From PowerPoint to PDF

To convert a file from PowerPoint to PDF, simply follow the below steps.

1. Visit our homepage
2. Select PPT to PDF or PPTX to PDF, depending on your original file
3. Upload your PPT or PPTX file to the site, and select “Convert PPT/PPTX to PDF”
4. Once the file has processed, it will be ready to download—click “Download Now”

From there, you should find the converted PDF file in your downloads folder.

Other Conversions

After converting your PowerPoint to a PDF file, it can easily be exported and shared to other parties. From there, you will not have to worry about formatting issues or other concerns that may come with sharing a typical PowerPoint file.

But in the future, you may find yourself wishing to further modify this file. Perhaps you wish to convert the PDF to EPS online—just one of the many conversion options for a PDF.

Luckily, there are online services that allow you to perform a variety of file conversions—for free!

OffDrive allows users to perform conversions including:

• Images (PNG, JPG, GIF) to PDF
• PDF to images (PNG, JPG)
• PDF to documents/presentations (HTML, DOC, DOCX, TXT, EPUB)
• Presentations (old PowerPoint PPT files or newer PowerPoint PPTX files) to PDF, JPG, HTML
• Apple Keynote to PDF, PPT, PPTX, JPG, HTML
• Newer Excel XLSX to XLS, CSV, ODS, PDF
• Older Excel XLS files to XLSX, CSV, ODS, PDF
• Newer Word DOCX files to DOC, PDF, ODT, HTML, RTF
• Older Word DOC files to DOCX, PDF, ODT, HTML, RTF

These services make it simple to quickly change file types without losing any data.

Try It for Yourself

While it may seem complicated on the surface, there is no need to be intimidated by the thought of converting a PowerPoint to a PDF file. The same holds true when looking to convert PDF to Word file, convert a file to SVG, or any other file format change.

To see how easy PowerPoint to PDF and other conversions can be, try it for yourself today!

Many companies require you to send PDF files instead of regular Word docs, and this can become frustrating if you don’t know why. Oftentimes, converting to a PDF may seem like a waste of your time–especially if you don’t know how! However, PDF conversion is an important aspect to smooth operations.

You may find that even a well-formatted document in Word looks completely different on other computers. For instance, if you’ve worked for hours to create a one-page resume with multiple columns, you may find that uploading it to a company website changes all its formatting and breaks it into three pages.

PDF files can help avoid this problem. When you convert a document to a PDF, what you see is what everyone else gets. There are also many more benefits to enjoy. 

Read on to learn why converting to PDF is an important aspect of sharing files with coworkers and clients! 

1. File Preservation

One of the main benefits of PDF conversion is the ability to maintain the integrity of your files. As you share Word documents from one computer to another, the format can change if people don’t have Word installed on their computers or a different version of Microsoft Word. If you use a special font or images, they may not look the same on other computers. 

In worst-case scenarios, if your document has complicated formatting, the document may become illegible because of the shifting elements. This can appear unprofessional and waste precious time if your document is a deliverable for clients or you need feedback before proceeding further. 

Online free PDF conversion can eliminate all these issues. Your document will continue to look the same regardless of the computer it’s being viewed on. 

2. Small File Size

If you need to share large files that contain images, videos, presentations, and more, the file size can become an issue. Clients don’t want to wait for downloads that take several minutes long, especially if they’re struggling with slow Internet speeds. Large file sizes can also be an issue if you’re delivering multiple files and have limited storage space. 

PDF files make this process easier because of your ability to compress information without impacting the quality. Regardless of how small you compress the PDF, it can still contain images, hypertext, and more. Even better, your formatting will remain the same regardless of how small you compressed the file. 

3. Data Encryption

Often times you may need to pass along sensitive information that may contain addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and more. In these cases, it’s important that there is some level of encryption so that the data remains protected. PDF files make this easy because they’re able to be password protected.

You can also change the level of encryption on your PDF in Adobe Acrobat. You can set it so that only the attachments of your PDF are encrypted, giving you greater flexibility if you want to add an instructional sheet. 

4. Ubiquitous Format

If you haven’t made a practice of converting your files to PDF, you may be wondering if the benefits of PDF files matter. Technologies rise and fall over the years, and you don’t want to be stuck with files that no one is able to open. However, PDF technology is here to stay.  

First created in 1993 by Adobe Acrobat, PDF files are still widely used today. Even people who aren’t computer literate are typically aware of what PDFs are and understand what to do when a company requests a PDF file. This makes it unlikely to fade away in the near future–you won’t have to worry about investing your time or money in a dying technology. 

5. Searchable

A feature that many people forget is that all PDF files are searchable, even if they contain images, videos, and hyperlinks. This makes it easy for people to find what they’re looking for if they’re sorting through dozens or hundreds of pages. When it comes to legal documents, this is feature is especially important in order to quickly and precisely locate areas where you need to sign. 

On your Mac, searching a PDF file is as easy as opening it in Preview and clicking Command + F. You can also navigate to the upper-right of the window and click on the search bar. 

In Windows, you’ll need to have Adobe Acrobat reader in order to search PDF files. 

Converting to PDF: It Only Takes a Second

When you consider all the benefits of converting to PDF, you’ll understand why it’s worth the few seconds it takes. Not only will your file’s integrity be saved, but you’ll also be able to enjoy other features. You can easily add links to your PDF documents that anyone can click on as well as videos, text, and more.

You’ll find that overall, sharing PDF files makes everyone’s lives easier. PDFs don’t require any special technology in order to be opened and viewed. Even better, it shows a level of professionalism and detail on your part if you ensure that your clients are receiving compressed, well-formatted files each time.  

If you’re wondering how to use PDF files, it’s important to remember that you need to have Adobe Acrobat installed in order to edit documents. However, you don’t need it to view documents!

Are you ready to quickly convert your files into PDFs? Our free online document conversion tools take only a matter of seconds, and you can convert as many files as you like without added costs. Upload your documents today to get started! 

Do you need to convert PDF to EPS online? Try it our way — it’s fast, easy, secure, and the best of all, it’s 100% free.

You can convert different types of files to EPS using our online converter. It uses advanced encryption methods to protect your files. After using our easy-to-use service, you’ll have an EPS file you can then use for whatever purpose.

You can open it in Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Autodesk AutoCAD, or in the later versions of Adobe Photoshop. You can also convert it yet again to traditional bitmap formats like PNG and JPG using the said programs.

But first, you need to convert PDF to EPS; we’ll teach you how below.

1. Visit Our Home Page First

Our home page is where our different conversion processes are. Here, you can choose all kinds of conversions to and from all kinds of file types. You can convert PDF, XLS, DOC, and TXT to PNG, JPG, HTML, DOC, PPTX, and more.

Right on our home page, you’ll find numerous PDF conversions. You’ll find PDF to HTML, TXT, EPUB, PNG, and JPG here among others.

If you look at the top, you’ll find tabs named “Archive Conversion,” “Image Conversion,” “Spreadsheet Conversion,” “Document Conversion,” and “Presentation Conversion.”

In the first tab, you’ll find conversions for 7Z, RAR, and ZIP files. In the second one, you can convert file types like JPG, PNG, PSD, and GIF. The one you need is under the fourth tab, “Document Conversion.”

Under it, look for “PDF conversion.” Here, you’ll see all the different conversions not available on the home page shortcuts. Look through the list to find PDF to EPS, and then click it.

2. Upload Your PDF File

Once you click it, a new web page will load. You’ll see the tabs are still on top of the page, so if you clicked the wrong one, you don’t have to go back to the home page to look for the right one.

When you’re sure you’re on the right page, begin uploading your PDF file by clicking the green button named “Browse…”

Click it; the page will prompt you to look for your file on your computer. Once you find it, click it and then press the “Open” button. You can only convert one file at a time.

On the text box is the name of the file you want to upload. Ensure it’s the correct file before proceeding to the next step.

3. Go Through the reCAPTCHA Step

For the next step, you only need to click the checkbox next to “I’m not a robot.” Don’t worry, it’s only to ensure you’re an actual human.

Wait for a few seconds to let it do its thing, and if all goes well, a green check will appear. If boxes of images pop up, it’s only an extra verification step. You only need to click the boxes with the object described by the CAPTCHA to complete this step.

4. Convert PDF to EPS Online

The CAPTCHA box will turn into a button that says “Convert PDF to EPS.” Click it and wait for the process to start.

Our website converts the file automatically and depending on the size of your file, it may take more than a few seconds for the EPS file to be ready for download.

You’ll get a “Processing, please wait.” message while we’re converting your file. A loading bar will also appear, showing you the progress.

Don’t worry, we’ll tell you when the file is ready.

5. Download Now

When the “please wait” message and progress bar disappear, a “Your conversion’s done!” message and two buttons will replace them.

One of which is the green “Download Now” button. Click it to get your EPS file. A pop up will appear, prompting you to name your file and choose a wise save location. You’ll also see the file format here.

Sometimes, you’ll get a ZIP file instead of an EPS file. This happens when your uploaded file has multiple pages. 

Open the ZIP File

The ZIP file contains your converted files. Open it using your desired program and you’ll find more than one EPS file.

You can use apps like WinZip and 7Zip on Windows. Mac has a built-in zip program called The Unarchiver, which also works on zip files. These options are free, but you can use any program you have on your computer.

6. Got More Files to Convert?

Right next to the “Download Now” button is the “Convert More Files” one. It will take you back to the home page, wherein you can choose another conversion.

You can choose to convert another file without clicking this button, though. The tabs on top of the page are still present here, which means you can convert files without going through the home page again.

What if you want to convert PDF to EPS online one more time? The hard way is to look through the tabs to find this option again. An easy way is to go to the previous page by clicking the back button on your browser.

This takes you to step #2, so you can upload another PDF for conversion to EPS.

7. Worried About Security?

Note that when you exit the download page, you can’t access your converted file again. You can go back to it, but nothing will happen when you click the “Download Now” button again.

When you go back a page, click the “Convert More Files” button, close the window, choose another conversion from our tabs, or whatever you do that will take you to another page, both your uploaded and converted file will disappear from our servers.

This is safe for you, as no one aside from you will be able to access your files through our website.

Convert More Files on Our Website

Got more files to convert? Need to do more than convert PDF to EPS online? Feel free to use our services; they’re always free. They’re fast and safe to boot.

If you want a secure way to convert your files, our website is the place to go. You can also learn some tips here, like creating amazing PowerPoint presentations.

Have you ever stayed up all night finishing a big essay only to watch your formatting get jumbled when you uploaded it?

Chances are you submitted a Word Doc instead of a PDF. Do you know the difference between them? 

Colleges are now offering more virtual and hybrid classes than ever before. Higher education is changing fast and so is the technology being used. 

Are you about to start taking classes? Keep reading this article to understand the difference between these two file formats and which one is better for college students to be using.

What is the Difference Between PDFs and Word Docs?

Everyone has heard the terms “PDF” and “Word Doc” thrown around on campus or in class, but what do they mean exactly? 

A Word Doc is a document that can be read and stored in the Microsoft Office environment. These files have an extension of DOC or DOCX.

They are both Word Docs. DOC is an older version of the software while the DOCX extension is used on files after Office 2007.

The Portable Document Format or PDF is an Adobe Acrobat Reader file. It opens easily in most operating systems and is compressed to save space. These files are opened like images on your computer. 

Both formats can be used to create documents that include text, pictures, audio, and graphics.

One significant difference between the two is that a saved PDF is locked so recipients can’t make any changes to text or formatting. More people are choosing PDFs for this very reason.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is also a free program, unlike the Microsoft Office Suite. There are paid versions of Adobe Acrobat for people who want more advanced features, but you don’t need to get special software to read a PDF.

There are also alternatives to Adobe Acrobat you can use for free, including Foxit Reader, Slim PDF, Nitro Reader, Expert PDF Reader, and Google Drive. 

PDFs or Word Docs: Choosing the Best Format for the Job

In general, PDFs are best for printing, combining multiple formats into one document, and sending files. This doesn’t mean you should discount Word Docs. They are very useful for word processing and editing. 

The PDF format is very popular right now but it’s important to note that the Adobe program is not a word processor. You’ll still need Word to create a document. 

When deciding on how to submit an assignment, always defer to your professor’s instructions. 

By saving reports, essays, syllabi, or even job resumes as PDFs, students can protect their documents from being inadvertently altered during an upload. PDFs will also open no matter what software the recipient is using. 

In 2018, an estimated 250 billion PDFs were opened. This file format is becoming the standard for many industries.  

PDFs are especially popular in the business and legal communities because of the security they offer and their ability to do digital signatures.

Here are five advantages to using a PDF: 

1. Your documents are more secure and they can even be password protected
2. PDFs are read like images so the file will open on all computers
3. Convenient for everyone to use, especially those without Microsoft Word 
4. PDF compression ensures you aren’t emailing or uploading giant attachments
5. Images, graphics, or videos can be added to a PDF easier than a Word Doc

College students in many classes are required to follow strict style guidelines like MLA, APA, or the Chicago Manual of Style. Part of their grade is calculated on how well they format the document. 

PDFs are helpful for students who want to preserve their documents while sharing them with a professor or classmates. 

What File Formats Professors Like for Submissions

As we mentioned above, always defer to what your professor says and follow their instructions regarding online submissions. Some may ask for Word Docs, others may want a PDF.

We’ve found that more professors are now requiring their students to submit PDFs.

Even before social distancing was in place, professors discovered that PDFs were easier to work with. The formatting was always locked and they rarely encountered corrupt files. 

The recent shift to online teaching means more professors are going to be using PDFs. They will use this format to upload course content into Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Canvas or Blackboard. 

Instructors and students nationwide are currently using Google Docs to send and receive assignments. The advantage of this program is that a student can house their document in the cloud and export as a Word Doc or PDF when needed.

PDF use has also increased at colleges and universities because of its accessibility functions. With a few technical adjustments, documents saved as a PDF can be used by students who are blind or visually impaired. 

Assistive technology tools called screen readers can dictate for students with disabilities. Visuals within the PDF can also be tagged with alt text to describe what information is in the picture or graphic. 

Did you know you can purchase or rent a digital textbook in PDF format rather than paying hundreds of dollars for a hardcopy?

Students are saving money and finding it’s easier to annotate or take notes with a digital textbook.  

Need Help Converting Files?

Remember the points we made in this article when deciding between PDFs or Word Docs.

The good news is converting documents between these two formats is free, quick, and easy.  

At Offdrive we offer many options for you to convert important files into multiple formats. Our most popular is DOCX to PDF, but our service allows you to change files to JPG, PNG, HTML, PPT, CSV, and more. 

Select what conversion you want on our website, upload your document, and we’ll provide you with a secure downloadable file in seconds. It’s that simple! 

Offdrive is a solution for college students who need to convert files on a tight deadline but don’t have the right software. Our blog also provides useful tech tips to help get you through classes.  

As a student in an increasingly digital world, you likely deal with a lot of different files every week. From PDF to Word to TXT and DOCX, it can be hard to decide what’s the best file format to hand into your professor.

Well, worry no longer, because we’re here to help.

If you’re having trouble deciding whether to hand in a Word vs PDF file, keep on reading.

Word vs PDF: What’s the Difference?

For those who aren’t aware, let’s go over the main differences between Word and PDF documents.

A Word document (usually .docx or DOC) is a raw, default file created by Microsoft Word. When you open a Word document you’re given full reign to edit the document as it is. You can write in new content, delete content, highlight things, and make any changes you see fit.

A PDF document is a file format used to display Word and other text documents in a more efficient way. You cannot edit the contents of a PDF like you can a Word document, except with certain PDF editing software. You can highlight text and write notes on the document depending on the software you open it with, but otherwise have no control over the final product.

PDF is the perfect format for image-heavy documents. It displays the images cleanly and clearly, and locks them in place. Accidentally moving an image can ruin the formatting of a whole document, so PDF removes that worry.

A PDF file is essentially the more complete after-product of a Word document. By saving your Word document as a PDF, you ensure that the formatting doesn’t get messed up by human or computer error. It’s a way to finalize your document and send it in a high-quality format.

An example of this can be seen with font choices. If you write your Word doc in a font that the professor’s computer doesn’t have, and hand it in as a Word doc, their computer will automatically assign a new font. This can mess up the readability and format of the document, making it look sloppy.

Considering this, it seems like a no-brainer to use the PDF file format. However, this isn’t always the case.

Should I Hand a PDF or Word Document in to My Professors?

There isn’t necessarily a correct answer to this question.

Most of the time, the file format you hand your paper in as is determined by your professor. Sometimes they’ll request a Word document, sometimes a PDF, and sometimes another format entirely. You should always hand your assignments in using whatever file format is requested to get full marks.

If your professor has no preference, though, a PDF could be the right call.

PDFs are cleaner, the format is locked, and they’re exactly as readable and interactive as a Word document. You can still click on hyperlinks that might be used for citations, and you can open PDFs using a myriad of free programs. Even if you don’t have Adobe Reader, you can view a PDF file through most web browsers and cellphones!

Why Do Professors Sometimes Request Word Docs?

The main reason a professor might request a Word document is for track changes.

Word documents allow you to make substantial edits to the document without actually changing the doc. These can be viewed within Word as highlights accompanied by comments. This is a good way to mark a student’s work and let the student see these edits without having their document physically changed.

Some professors may also think this is easier, or more convenient for them. They may not understand how PDFs work. The reasons a professor might not want a PDF format are varied, and it’s best to go with what the professor requests.

If you’re adamant on one vs the other, try talking to your professor about it. Educate them on the ups and downs of each format, and why PDF might work better for them. You never know what might come of it!

How Do I Convert a Word Doc to PDF (and a PDF to a Word Doc)?

Now that you know the difference between PDFs and Word docs, let’s go over how to convert them. Depending on what file type your professor wants, this can be considered a crucial skill to know.

Converting Word to PDF

The easiest way to turn a Word document into a PDF is through Word itself.

When you’ve finished with your Word document, navigate to ‘file’ and hit ‘save as.’ Under the document name bar, there’s a drop-down menu that lists available file formats. All you have to do is select PDF from the drop-down and your file will save as a PDF.

You can also use an online document converter like the one on Offdrive to convert Word to PDF, PDF to Word, and perform many other file type conversions. This is the best option if you have older files that need converted, as sometimes these files have trouble opening in the newest versions of Word.

Converting PDF to Word

Converting PDF to Word works in much the same way, although the results are sometimes messier than Word to PDF.

The main issue with PDF to Word lies in image-heavy documents. Images may come out blurry or misplaced, and sometimes don’t convert at all. This can mess up the formatting of the whole document, meaning you’ll need to go into Word for some serious fix-ups.

Conversion of PDF to DOC is always better with text-only documents as opposed to image-heavy ones, but either way, you’ll probably need to make some formatting changes before handing in.

You can use the online conversion tools at Offdrive to complete this, or convert PDF to Word using Acrobat Reader. Click ‘Export PDF’ in the right-hand pane, select ‘Word Document,’ then select ‘Export.’

Choosing Word Vs PDF

When it comes to Word vs PDF for students, it’s ultimately the professor’s choice. However, if you can get away with it, you should probably use a PDF. Not only will it keep your formatting pristine, but it’ll look better, too.

Click here to learn more about how to convert PDF to Word, and how Offdrive’s services can help you.

PDF files are commonly used across nearly every industry. They’re even able to be created by scanning documents with your phone or tablet.

There are often times, though, where you’ll need to reduce the size of this file. 

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how to compress PDFs.

What’s The Point in Reducing the Size of a PDF?

This is a question many that users may be asking themselves. The answer, though, is relatively straightforward.

As you may expect, reducing the size of a file will cause it to take up less storage space on your computer. For those with machines that have limited storage, a large number of PDF files, or both, this practice is easily worth the time.

Additionally, smaller files are also easier to transfer to other parties.

Google’s Gmail service, for instance, only allows a maximum file size of 25 MB to be attached to an email. Otherwise, it must be sent as a Google Drive link.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with Google Drive as a service, it adds multiple extra steps for the other party to download the file.

Listed below are a few of the most notable ways you can reduce the total size of a PDF.

Use Microsoft Word to Reduce The Size

Although it may seem slightly unconventional, you’re able to reduce the total size of a PDF file simply by opening it up in Word and making a few minor changes.

It’s important to note, though, that this option is only able to be used for creating a PDF from a Word document— not for reducing the size of a PDF file that already exists.

First, open the document that you wish to convert to a PDF. Navigate to File > Save As and select PDF as your preferred file type. Underneath this dropdown menu is an option called ‘minimum size.’

By selecting this, you’ll reduce the size of the PDF as much as possible while still preserving its quality. Even if you don’t need to transfer the file to someone else, this is a worthwhile method to save extra space on your machine.

If you happen to need to convert a PDF file to a Word document to take advantage of this method, you’re able to do so with this tool.

Use a Print-to-PDF Application

This method is just as unconventional but also just as effective.

By opening a PDF file in Adobe Reader and selecting Adobe PDF Printer as the printing option, you’ll be able to significantly reduce the size of the entire file.

This method works due to some form of automatic compression that Adobe Reader utilizes when preparing the document for this type of printing. After you select ‘OK’, you’ll find that the document’s size has been reduced to a small percentage of what it was. 

Remove Unwanted Objects

Fortunately for those who need smaller files, Adobe Acrobat has built-in optimization utility that can help reduce the amount of space your PDF takes up without affecting its quality.

By clicking on the ‘Advanced’ tab, you’ll be able to navigate to an option called ‘PDF Optimizer.’ This will bring up a separate window where you’re able to configure how the software manipulates your PDF file. 

In the top-right corner, there’s a button called ‘Audit Space Usage’ that will display what components of the PDF’s content are contributing most to its file size. Most commonly, you’ll find that this includes fonts and images.

Under ‘Image Settings,’ you’re able to downsample the size of your PDFs images to save extra space. In the ‘pixels’ field, inputting a value of 72 will allow the images to still display correctly on computer screens despite their size reduction.

Additionally, the ‘Discard Objects,’ Discard User Data,’ and ‘Clean Up’ options should all be selected when using Adobe Optimizer in order to get the smallest size possible. This won’t affect the quality of the file, so you don’t need to be concerned when utilizing these options.

Compress The PDF Itself

This option is ideal for those who simply need to have an easier time sending their PDF file or would like to store it on their computer without it taking up too much space.

On a Windows computer, you’re able to accomplish this by right-clicking the file and choosing Send To > Compressed (zip folder).

On a Mac, the process is nearly identical. Right-click the PDF and navigate to ‘Compress.’

This will instantly reduce the total size of the PDF file and create a compressed version of it adjacent to the original file.

If you’d simply like to store it on your computer, you can delete the original PDF. Opening the compressed file will decompress it and allow you to access it in its original form.

For those who only need to send the file to another party, you’re able to send the compressed version to minimize the amount of time and effort that it takes for them to receive it. 

Understanding How to Compress PDFs Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about how to compress PDFs in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward making this process go as smoothly as possible.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.

Regardless if you’re a newbie or a veteran to file formats, you will likely encounter the portable document format or PDF. With over 250 billion PDF files opened in 2018, there is no doubt that the PDF is the most important file format in the world. 

Businesses and private individuals use PDF to share and store information. Even the biggest sectors that handle sensitive information use PDF software.

But what exactly is behind the PDF meaning? How do you define PDF? How does it work? What are the advantages that make it stand out from other file formats?

Continue reading below to find out the answers.

Understanding the PDF Meaning

When we talk about the real PDF meaning, it is important to go beyond the acronym. Behind those letters are interesting qualities that continue to influence the way people share and manage documents. 

But what does PDF stand for essentially? First, let’s look back at its humble beginnings. The PDF is software created by Adobe back in the early ‘90s. The PDF’s main purpose is to present and share documents. 

What sets the PDF apart from its contemporaries? The PDF allows you to share and store documents independent of any hardware, software, or operating system. 

Furthermore, when you convert your files into PDF, they will look exactly the way you intended them to be. This means that your documents or images will retain all the data coming from the original file you are converting to PDF. 

Even if you combine graphics and texts in one file, the PDF will preserve the original file’s data.

Today, PDF is more dynamic and interactive than ever. It lets you integrate different kinds of content and features to your documents. And the PDF software does all of these securely.

Why Does Everyone Love PDFs?

There are many reasons why students, individuals, and businesses love PDFs. But one of the main reasons why people trust the PDF is the high-level of security it offers. One of the first things you can do to secure your PDF files is to assign passwords. 

Studies reveal that 43% of hacking victims are small businesses. If you stick to your regular DOC files instead of converting them to PDFs, cyber-criminals can easily steal your company’s valuable information. 

The PDF software also lets you set restrictions on the people who can access your PDF files. You can limit your files only to certain people. In turn, only they can view or edit your PDF documents. 

Another reason that makes PDFs appealing is the consistency in formatting. As we mentioned earlier, your files will look the same when you convert them to PDF. This means there will be no changes to your file’s format when you send them from your computer to another.

A perfect example is when you email a Word document to someone and the latter opens it using his mobile device. Sometimes, the formatting of the Word document comes out differently on the screen of a smartphone. This is crucial since it may cause confusion between the sender and the receiver.

But if you convert your DOC files to PDF, the formatting remains the same. 

Flexible and Compact

Also, PDF software offers remarkable flexibility. It lets you integrate different kinds of content to your documents. This means you can add images, videos, animations, and graphics to your PDFs. 

And of course, you can do all these things without altering the original format. 

Aside from flexibility, PDFs are also compact. Compared to the file size of other popular formats, PDFs file size is much smaller. This means it will not eat a lot of space in your hard drive. 

Even if you are working on high-quality files, PDF can compress them into smaller ones. Apart from saving space, having a small file size makes your documents easier to share.

If your business involves sharing and managing all sorts of documents, it is wise to convert them to PDF for better manageability. 

PDF vs HTML

Now, let’s put the PDF head-to-head against other file formats. Against the HTML, the PDF trumps the former in terms of cost and practicality. The cost to produce PDFs is low especially if you already have the files available for printing. 

When it comes to appearance, PDF retains the exact look of the original documents. On the flip side, HTML’s appearance depends on certain factors. These include the browser, the browser settings, the monitor, and the mark-up tags.

PDF vs DOC

Compared to DOC files, the differences in appearance can be night and day. If the PDF offers consistency, the appearance of DOC files may change depending on the device of the receiver. 

This can be problematic for companies who wish to retain consistency in their logos and letterheads.

PDF vs TIFF

If you are working on scanned images, TIFF is the closest competitor of the PDF. They both work on almost all operating systems. You can also open them using different applications. 

But when it comes to performance, PDF edges TIFF by miles. TIFF works by “wrapping” images. This means it can only support simple tags.

On the other hand, PDF accommodates both basic tags and complex metadata. This makes your PDF files fully-searchable. This is an excellent advantage if you want to archive your documents.

You can easily find them at a later date with much ease.

Also, PDF offers more security compared to TIFF. The PDF lets you set passwords and restrictions, whereas TIFF doesn’t come with built-in security features. The best it can offer is allowing and disallowing access.

Convert Your PDF Files and More Today!

Now that you have a better understanding of the PDF meaning, you can appreciate its features and pinpoint the specific areas where it can help your business. And if you rarely use PDFs, it is high time that you converted your documents to one.

Explore our website and convert your files for free. We offer free PDF conversions for Word docs, presentations, images, and spreadsheets.