Sometimes we need to convert our own files for software that we already own but no longer works on our newer hardware or OS. Look into VMware, SheepShaver, and Wine for free methods to keep legacy systems and apps working on your newer hardware. You may not need to mess with a document conversion (often a rebuild) for a simple update on a vintage document.
If you're not in a terrible hurry (I know who isn't?), try zamzar.com. You can upload a file for free and get it converted. I've done PPT to PDF and DOCX to DOC. It may take an hour to get the return file, but it's cheap and hassle-free.
Working for a commercial printer, we tend to get all different types of files. I thought this was a great article that addressed many of the problems we run into.
James Wamser
Submitted by James Wamser on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 13:20.
I'm not sure how to reply ... you haven't stated a problem. ;-)
They sent you a PPT with low-res images, and...? What do you need to do with the PPT file or the content inside it that you can't do/don't know how to do? Do you have Powerpoint?
Was sent an .xis file and did not even know what that was and tried to open on Leonard with TextEdit and it flagged it as not in right format or as corrupted. However, with Default Folder I was able to use its preview to at least see file. Then realized that Quick Look will do the same. At least one can then see what you are dealing with.
When I clicked on the email link for this article my browser (Safari, Mac OSX) just quit.
Same when I tried to open webpage . Had to open page using Firefox.
So much for details of how to open old files when current browsers crash using the links!
FWIW I'm able to reach the article and use the Email link at the bottom with Safari/OS X without a problem. I tried it with Safari 3.04/Tiger 10.4.11 and Safari 3.1.1/Leopard 10.5.2, both times it brought me to the email page.
Concurring with triadcom -- Zamzar has been good. There is an option to establish an inexpensive monthly subscription to accelerate your file conversions.
I have successfully used Windows fonts on my Mac many times (but not the other way around). I'm not sure why you needed to convert them. In the OS 9 days you had to convert but not any more.
Critter, it's true that you can use Windows True Type fonts in a Mac (Mac OS X) without a problem, just copy/paste them over to a Fonts folder and you're good to go.
But the situation I talked about in the article was about Type 1 Postscript fonts. Those do not travel between platforms. You need a platform-specific version or you need to convert the fonts with a utility like TransType.
The same would be true if you're on Windows and need to use Mac TrueType fonts, I believe.
Designers should also be careful with system conversions
Sometimes we need to convert our own files for software that we already own but no longer works on our newer hardware or OS. Look into VMware, SheepShaver, and Wine for free methods to keep legacy systems and apps working on your newer hardware. You may not need to mess with a document conversion (often a rebuild) for a simple update on a vintage document.
Zamzar.com
If you're not in a terrible hurry (I know who isn't?), try zamzar.com. You can upload a file for free and get it converted. I've done PPT to PDF and DOCX to DOC. It may take an hour to get the return file, but it's cheap and hassle-free.
Great Article
Working for a commercial printer, we tend to get all different types of files. I thought this was a great article that addressed many of the problems we run into.
James Wamser
HOw about convert a PPT file
Hi, thanks, we get this all the time, But just recently I had a client that send me a PPt file, with low res, images.. Any suggestions?
the low-res ppt file
I'm not sure how to reply ... you haven't stated a problem. ;-)
They sent you a PPT with low-res images, and...? What do you need to do with the PPT file or the content inside it that you can't do/don't know how to do? Do you have Powerpoint?
AM
Another conversion tool
Just came across this company, who appears to sell lots of document conversion apps, Windows-only though.
http://www.softinterface.com/Convert-File-Programs/Convert-File-Program....
In a pinch
Was sent an .xis file and did not even know what that was and tried to open on Leonard with TextEdit and it flagged it as not in right format or as corrupted. However, with Default Folder I was able to use its preview to at least see file. Then realized that Quick Look will do the same. At least one can then see what you are dealing with.
Convert a File etc
When I clicked on the email link for this article my browser (Safari, Mac OSX) just quit.. Had to open page using Firefox.
Same when I tried to open webpage
So much for details of how to open old files when current browsers crash using the links!
re: Email link
hah! Yes, that's almost painfully ironic. ;-)
FWIW I'm able to reach the article and use the Email link at the bottom with Safari/OS X without a problem. I tried it with Safari 3.04/Tiger 10.4.11 and Safari 3.1.1/Leopard 10.5.2, both times it brought me to the email page.
Maybe there's something else going on?
2nd for Zamzar
Concurring with triadcom -- Zamzar has been good. There is an option to establish an inexpensive monthly subscription to accelerate your file conversions.
Windows fonts on Mac
I have successfully used Windows fonts on my Mac many times (but not the other way around). I'm not sure why you needed to convert them. In the OS 9 days you had to convert but not any more.
converting fonts
Critter, it's true that you can use Windows True Type fonts in a Mac (Mac OS X) without a problem, just copy/paste them over to a Fonts folder and you're good to go.
But the situation I talked about in the article was about Type 1 Postscript fonts. Those do not travel between platforms. You need a platform-specific version or you need to convert the fonts with a utility like TransType.
The same would be true if you're on Windows and need to use Mac TrueType fonts, I believe.
AM
Docx Converter
I use a docx to pdf converter and I really like it! I've never been good at conversions and I find the docx converter quite helpful...