PDF to OpenOffice

Best Practices And Tips For Working With PDF To Word, OpenOffice And RTF

One of the most frustrating problems of converting PDF to other digital file formats is compatibility. Ever have one of those moments? You receive a converted file which you can’t open or view, let alone edit? If you have, then you know what we’re talking about.

Converting PDFs to the right format can get more confusing because some word processors can support certain file formats, while others can’t. Then depending on the version of the application, it can get even more complicated.

If you’re trying to figure out which file format to convert to, here are a few general guidelines and some information about each format to help you make the right choice.

Microsoft Word 97, 2000, XP, 2003 (.DOC)

A .DOC file is the number format for creating general documents like essays, brochures and formatted resumes.  The format can handle mixed content very well and can be used to create all different types of printed material such as labels and business cards.

That being said, when your main focus is on sharing and making the textual PDF content editable, a standard PDF to .DOC conversion is all you need.  PDF text, graphics and tables will be transferred over into a multi-purpose document users can easily access. A few tips and notes:

  • .DOC is backwards compatible with all MS Word versions.
  • Mac users can create .DOC files with Word for Mac and work easily with Windows users.
  • Convert to .DOC when you aren’t sure which version of MS Word your recipient is using.
  • In Able2Doc, the Word conversion output is set to the default setting which detects and converts to whichever MS Word version you have installed. Change this via the Options menu
  • Change the default saving format in Word (via Office button>Options>Save) to formats you regularly share and send.

Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013 (.DOCX)

The DOCX file format was released with MS Word 2007. It is now the default format for MS Word 2007, 2010 and 2013. Like the .DOC format, a .DOCX file is used for generating editable documents. The major difference is in the technical specifications of the .DOCX format, which has a hard time playing nice with other applications.

MS Word 2007 DOC

Although more suites are now getting support for the format, double check with your recipient if he or she can open a .DOCX file before you convert. Users with older MS Word versions will need a workaround to interact with the file (uploading it to Google Docs, downloading a plug-in, or converting the file), which can be a huge hassle. When in doubt, convert PDF to .DOC instead. Tips:

  • .DOCX isn’t compatible with older versions of MS Word without a plug-in
  • If you always convert PDF to .DOCX but have earlier versions of Word, you can change the default setting in Able2Doc and always convert to .DOCX (Word 2007) as a default
  • Some MS Word 2013 features might not show up in version 2010 or 2007, and the Word 2013 file will open in Compatibility Mode.
  • iWork Pages on Mac can open .DOCX files
  • You can convert .DOCX to .DOC  for free online.

OpenOffice Writer (.ODT)

As the popularity of open source grows, the .ODT is fast becoming one of the main formats to work with. The vendor neutral .ODT file is OpenOffice’s native word processing format used primarily within open source environments. As such, convert PDF to .ODT when working with open source applications and users. Also, pay attention to how .ODT files interact with MS Word. By doing so, you can side-step any compatibility issues that pop up with the converted file.

A few things to know:

  • Different versions of MS Office have slight differences in support for ODF. Versions 2007 and 2010 can save to ODF 1.1, but can’t open ODF 1.2. MS Office 2013 can’t save to ODF 1.1.
  • Saving .DOCX to ODT in Open Office will have an effect on which features from .DOCX will remain supported in the new .ODT file.
  • Able2Doc converts PDF to both OpenOffice Writer and MS Word. No plug-in needed
  • Starting from MS Word 2007, you can save your documents to .ODT with SP2 installed.
  • .ODT can be imported by most word processors and online productivity suites.

Rich Text (.RTF)

A rich text file is a Microsoft text file that can keep basic formatting elements like bold, underlined or italic fonts.  It can also support formatted content such as text alignment and bulleted lists.

WordPad RTF File

Because .RTF files are easily accessible across different platforms, they make a good conversion output alternative when problem files can’t be opened. Other things to know:

  • .RTF files are generated with WordPad–included free with Windows OS via Accessories.
  • Able2Doc offers PDF to .RTF conversion as a default setting
  • The format can support inserted .JPG and .PNG images
  • Imported and exported by most word processing applications.
  • May lose the more advanced MS Word features (annotations, WordArt, drawing objects) when saving to RTF.

File Format Compatibility At A Glance

Below is a quick glance summary. Included are links for more detailed information about supported file versions, limitations, and downloads.

File Format and Word Processor Compatibility
Word Processor Being Used: File Format Supported?
DOC DOCX ODT RTF
Older versions of Microsoft Word (2000, XP, 20003) Yes Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel and PowerPoint required ODF add-in for MS Office required Yes
Microsoft Word 2007 Yes Yes Yes, with MS Office suite 2007 SP2 installed Yes
Microsoft Word (2010, 2013) Yes Yes Yes Yes
iWork  Pages Yes Yes No Yes
Microsoft Word for Mac (2008, 2011) Yes Yes No Yes
Apache OpenOffice Writer Yes Yes.  Version 3.0 and later. Yes Yes
LibreOffice Writer Yes Yes Yes Yes

This table shows compatibility of MS Word, OpenOffice and RTF formats with different Word processors.

There are many other applications out there, so let us know which ones we’ve missed and if you have any other best practice advice or tips yourself.

How To Install Able2Extract 8 On Ubuntu

Right now, open source is on the rise, and adding to the already growing list of Ubuntu supporters is China. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, has been collaborating with the Chinese government to develop a standardized operating system known as Ubuntu Kylin, which will be released later this week on Thursday.

Ubuntu already offers a Chinese Edition of the OS, but Ubuntu Kylin will be a new version significantly aimed at supporting how Chinese people work on computers. Among other things, it will integrate pre-installed localized tools, offering easy access to web services and software they commonly use right from the Dash.

This is great news for the open source community and Chinese users looking for alternatives they can start using effortlessly.  If this latest development has you wanting to find out more about Ubuntu before the big day arrives, this is certainly a perfect time to test it out.

Able2Extract 8 For Ubuntu Users

Well, for all you Able2Extract users wanting to switch over—or for those who need a PDF converter on Ubuntu, we have just the thing. We put together a quick tutorial on how to install Able2Extract 8 on the open source system.  With Able2Extract 8 you can convert PDF to Open Document Formats and more.

This tutorial was written using Ubuntu 12.10. For instructions on installing the latest version, visit Ubuntu’s Installation Help page.  Once you have it installed and all set up, follow these steps.

1. Go to the Investintech.com site and download the latest version of Able2Extract 8 for Ubuntu.

2. Click on Open with Ubuntu Software Center.

Download installation file

3. Access the installation file through your dashboard. Click on Install.

Installing Able2Extract

If you have a password for administrative purposes, enter it in and authenticate the installation to continue.

Authorizing Able2Extract Installation

4.  When the installation is complete, accept the terms of the End-User License Agreement to get started with Able2Extract 8 on your computer.

Accept Able2Extract EULA

And that’s all there is to it!

Converting PDF on Ubuntu

Will you make the switch to Ubuntu or try Ubuntu Kylin?  Jump in on our Google Plus discussion on this topic and let us know your take on the latest development.

The Basic 411 On Linux, PDF Utilities And Able2Extract 8

For the past couple of months, Linux related news has been popping up in one form or another. For instance, Facebook  launched Pages Manager, an app for managing Facebook Pages on your Android, which is based on the Linux kernel.  In addition, one of the biggest buzzes at CES 2013 this year is centered upon  Ubuntu for mobile phones.

Even gamers who are subscribed to Steam, Valve’s software management and community platform for gaming, are now able to beta test the newly released Linux-based client.  And let’s not forget that we just released Able2Extract for Linux, ourselves!

The platform is certainly building up an appeal to developers, manufacturers and users alike.  If you’re an Investintech user starting to get curious about Linux or looking to make the switch yourself, we’ve put together a quick basic overview on the Linux platform, the nature of PDF tools in the industry, and how Able2Extract 8 fits in.

Let’s Back Up A Bit: What Is Linux And What Are Distributions?

Like Windows, Linux is an operating system that first started out in 1991 as a terminal emulator by Linus Torvalds, who wrote the initial program to access UNIX servers of his university independent of an operating system. What eventually emerged was the beginning of the Linux platform.

Linux Logo

Because Linux was released and licensed as an open source project, developers are able to build different UNIX-like operating systems on top of its kernel (the Linux core). Each newly built operating system includes a collection of software applications, supporting utilities and libraries, the Linux kernel and an installer. Together the package is called a “distribution”  and are free to download and use.

These distributions have the same Linux kernel at heart, but are different in software, desktop, commands, and admin tasks. These elements vary from distribution to distribution. Today, you can find many different communities collaborating, maintaining, and developing tools to drive their favourite Linux distribution forward.

Making The Switch: Where To Go From Here?

As you can imagine, trying to migrate to Linux might be intimidating. Hearing about its filing system and about executing commands can easily scare anyone off. It takes know-how and a lot of time and effort to be familiar with the programmer-like nature of certain distributions.

Tux Linux Distros
Image Courtesy: The-linux-road.blogspot.ca

Fortunately, for new users, there are distributions that do away with such a high learning curve.  Some Linux distributions you’ll want to check out include Ubuntu (Canonical Ltd.), Fedora (Redhat), and Kubuntu (Debian).  They offer an easy introduction and transition to the Linux OS.   By visiting DistroWatch, you can get a good idea about just how many different Linux distributions there are.

Keeping Your Daily Tasks In Check: Software Alternatives

As a new user, you’d probably be looking to make an easy transition with software you’re already familiar with. Well, you’ll be happy to know that GUI based alternatives do exist for Linux. Free open source alternatives like Thunderbird (Outlook), GIMPShop (Photoshop) or OpenOffice.org (Microsoft Office), for example, can give you the same functionalities you need on a daily basis. commercial vendors have also been able to develop propriety licensed software for the platform despite Linux’s open source roots.

A Brief Overview About PDF Utilities

With PDF converters, it may be a different story. Although there are many PDF utilities for Linux, most use a command line interface or  only perform one or a limited number of functions such as creating PDFs, splitting and merging, converting to one format, comparing PDF, or annotating and editing PDFs. In most cases, command line utilities like those will require a bit of technical know-how to get set up.  Full featured PDF applications you’re familiar with, like Adobe Acrobat, won’t be found on Linux.

Some workarounds with open source word processing suites like OpenOffice.org will let you modify PDF content to some or little extent with their importing (via extension) and exporting functionalities.  Yet, as full featured converters, they fall short.

Yes, We Have Able2Extract For Linux

This is was one of the main driving forces of why we developed Able2Extract for Linux—to fill that gap.  For a long time, Able2Extract has been only available to Windows users, but many non-Windows users wanted to take advantage of the PDF software too.

Well, we were listening.  Now the PDF converter is compatible with the most popular desktop oriented distributions, Ubuntu and Fedora.

Able2Extract Linux Version

Able2Extract can perform different PDF conversions, allowing you to convert to formats like HTML, Text, AutoCAD, and Open Document Formats native to Open Office—Writer, Calc and Impress.

No extra utilities are needed for batch conversions, selective conversions, or viewing your PDF files. Those functions come included and are all built-in, making it that much easier to get things done.

The Linux platform has a lot to offer, and no doubt we’ll be seeing more developments in the industry.  So next time you decide to take a serious look at a Linux distribution, you can rest assure that not everything about the switch has to be difficult!

Introducing The First Universal PDF Converter On The Market: Able2Extract 8

We are excited to announce the release of Able2Extract  8! This latest version is a landmark release in the PDF industry today.   In a first for Windows, Mac and Linux, Able2Extract 8 is the first cross platform PDF converter that is compatible on all three major operating systems.

Cross Platform Compatibility

Our developers have worked hard the past year to ensure that every user, regardless of platform or hardware, can enjoy the same quick, accurate conversions that, up until now, only Windows users have been able to enjoy.

And it’s paid off.

Not only can Able2Extract 8 operate on different platforms, it can run even better than ever with a few new features and some powerful tweaks.

Cross Platform Compatibility with Mac and Linux for the First Time

Thus far, Able2Extract has been available exclusively on the Windows platform. Not anymore.  Able2Extract PDF Converter 8 is now available on the Mac OS X platform.  Mac users on the latest Mountain Lion operating system can take full advantage of the same conversion options and features that are offered in the Windows version.

Able2Extract 8 Mac version

And this goes for the Linux platform as well. Users on the Ubuntu and Redhat distributions can finally convert files without any command line tools or complicated scripts. Conversions are now straightforward and simpler through a graphical user interface.

Able2Extract Linux Version

Intuitive PDF to Excel Custom Conversion Interface

Following this same straightforward simplicity is our newly redesigned PDF to Excel custom conversion interface.  You can now customize your rows, columns, tables and footers in a more direct way with single click customization options.

PDF To Excel

Also new to our PDF to Excel custom conversion is the Show Preview option. It allows you to see your conversion results before you hit the Convert button.

Able2Extract Show Preview Feature

 Give the new features a try on your most complicated PDF tables!

New Easy PDF Navigation & Viewing Features

Once you open a PDF in Able2Extract 8, you’ll also notice a Preview Pane on the left hand side. This new side bar gives you better navigational control and a quick overview of your PDF’s pages, bookmarks and attachments. Multiple PDFs are now visually within reach and easy to work with.

Able2Extract Navigation sidebar

Improved OCR Technology

Even the OCR engine in our Professional version has been improved.  Scanned PDFs are usually poor in quality with broken, grainy text. Able2Extract Professional’s OCR technology was tweaked to generate image-based conversions more accurately and smoothly. Trust us.  You’ll feel the difference.  

Able2Extract Professional 8

 

To test these features out for yourself,  download an Able2Extract 8 free  trial from the download page.   Once you’re on the page, just select your platform and click on the download button.

Download Able2Extract 8

Don’t forget to let us know what you think of this latest version!

5 Great Able2Extract Tips for College Students

There are tons of college hacks that can make your academic life easier. From saving money to improving your study routine, building up efficient habits is key to surviving the year.  But have you ever considered developing a few PDF hacks to survive through an assignment?

For instance, take stock. How do you manage? Do you print up PDF files for taking notes and highlighting or do you read them off of your computer screen? How do you use PDF notes and research? Could you use a few PDF workarounds yourself?

Able2Extract has a few features that can do wonders on a PDF when you’re looking for a quick way to get things done. Here are some simple tips for some effective features.

1. Take Only the PDF Content You Need

As you know, professors oftentimes use the PDF format for handouts that can contain anything from related articles to lecture notes that can help you with your projects or research. Problem is you’ll usually need only certain sections, not the whole document.

Needing to take advantage of the material though, you’ll probably think of converting the entire file and deleting the chunks you don’t need.   With Able2Extract you don’t need to do that.  Use the mouse to highlight and select the content to convert. You can choose which pages, lines, or paragraphs you need while eliminating what you don’t want at the same time.

2. Work with PDFs AND OpenOffice

Not everyone has MS Office. In fact, you may choose to use a free alternative like OpenOffice. So what do you do when every PDF converter you come across only does PDF to MS Office conversions? Able2Extract can help you there, as well. You can get your PDF content in open source formats in just a few clicks.

Able2Extract Licence

Able2Extract can convert from PDF to Writer, Impress and Calc just as easily as it can convert from PDF to Word, PowerPoint and Excel.  The conversion process is the same. Just open, select and choose the PDF to OpenOffice conversion option on the toolbar.

3. Get Social by Creating Publications with PDF content

Involved with a few department clubs or student organizations? Throwing a fundraiser or setting up an information booth?  If so, you’ll probably need to get the word out or advertize your cause effectively. For most users, a DIY solution like Microsoft Publisher is all that’s needed to create high quality publications like newsletters and advertisements.

Well, you’ll be interested in knowing that Able2Extract can convert PDF to MS Publisher (.pub).  This means you can edit and create quality brochures or handbills yourself without having to start from scratch.  It’s a cost effective way to publish finalized advertising proofs in PDF format or quickly updating existing PDF fliers for your next student event.

4. Create PowerPoint Presentations Quickly

There are also the PDF files that are made from PowerPoint presentations conducted in class.  If your professor sets up a bulletin board on the web, he or she will more than likely post those PDFs online for easy access, building up a great resource for your own future presentations and assignments.

PDF to Power Point Tutorial

If you see a chart or slide you can refer to in your own presentation, why not convert the PDF to PowerPoint?  Able2Extract lets you convert either selected content or whole files. For entire PDF conversions, each PDF page you have will convert to a single individual slide. You can then edit and add as much as you need in MS PowerPoint itself.

5. Keep Research, References, and Quotes Digital

There are a lot of torrents and sites where you can find PDF versions of text books and novels for classes. If you find the version you need, you can then easily cut down on your work by keeping your research, references, and quotes digital. You can even convert them without having to actually “convert” anything.

Copy and Paste Method Able2Extract

Instead of re-typing whole sections from the physical book into your essay, you can quickly use Able2Extract to copy and paste the text you need. Select a portion of text by using either the Copy option in the Edit menu or using Ctrl+ C, and paste it into the document you’re working on.

Try a few of these basic tips next time you come across a PDF and see how they work out for you.  If you’re looking for more specific user tips, let us know what you’d like to see. There’s always an easier way to do something with Able2Extract.