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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.

When Should Jobseekers Use A PDF Resume?

Classic Job Resume

Image Credit: ABCNewsRadioOnline

Finding the perfect job is never easy. You go through the same process of scouting job openings, applying for positions, and interviewing for them.

Whether it’s to help pay for college or part of a career change, you will eventually face the age-old debate about which format to use for your resume.

Oftentimes, you may find a perfect job opening with directions on how to apply. Other times, the only instructions you get are to email your resume in. Should you send in a PDF or Word document?

To help you make an informed decision on when to use the PDF format, here are 5 things you should keep in mind.

MS Word Resumes Don’t Always Turn Out Right

With Word documents that can be opened in compatible applications, you can be sure that your resume will be opened by anyone with a word processor. However, depending on the software used on the other end, your resume can actually turn out differently than planned.

Recruiter Twitter Comment

Source: @DmitriESAH

All the formatting and fonts you carefully set up in MS Word can be completely useless in Open Office, for instance.  Moreover, if your resume’s appearance is important for positions like graphic design, you can’t afford to have your content compromised.

In such situations, using the PDF format will be a good option. It will faithfully preserve your formatting and layout. You want to stand out from the rest of the applicants, but not for the wrong reasons.

You Should Always Have A Backup

In this day and age there are tons of ways to get your resume online and visible. Moreover, improving a resume with media and graphics is now a growing trend.  Thus, people may tell you that there isn’t any need to keep an offline copy.

Well, as a general rule of thumb, you should always have a PDF back up on hand.  Should anything go wrong with your online portfolio or media based submission, employers will certainly come back and ask for a resume.

This is one instance where the PDF will be a good format to send in. It will cut down on any other additional issues the employer may have in reviewing your basic work history and resume.

Recruiters May Decide The Resume Format For You

If you decide to work with a recruiter, he or she may actually have a preference for certain file formats that make it easier to add comments to your resume during the screening process. Recruiter Donna Svei over at AdviceCareerist explains the reasoning behind this:

As a recruiter, when I read a resume, I might want to add a piece of missing information. I might see a question that your resume raises but doesn’t answer. I might want to add a comment about something I particularly like.

In other words, you may be advised against using the PDF, which prevents a recruiter from interacting with your resume. But having someone add comments to your resume you don’t know about might not sit well with you.

Thus, if you decide to switch gears and apply for jobs on your own, the PDF format will be the best way to go. It will give you control over your resume and protect it from unwanted edits

HR Hiring Workflows Can Be Automated

Big companies will often have a human resource (HR) department working for them with their own systems in place. They may be using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which can screen, sort, and handle all the resume data being submitted. Usually these work with databases that are key-word searchable, which might not take to the PDF format too easily.

So if you’ve sent in a PDF, “[t]his means the chance of your resume being seen has been lost,” Toni Bowers of the Career Management blog pointed out in a post. “Newer applicant tracking systems are doing a much better job at reading PDF conversions, but you have no way of knowing if the company you’re applying to is using a new version.”

That being said, an MS Word document may be called for when dealing with bigger companies. Yet note that with smaller companies the situation may be different. It’s more than likely that resumes for small- to medium-sized businesses will be screened and reviewed by humans. In those cases, sending a PDF resume can be a safe bet.

LinkedIn Profiles Aren’t Enough

Joining LinkedIn is one of the first things anyone should do when job hunting. It lets you set up a profile, connect with others in the same field, and research available positions. As such, a LinkedIn profile may be the only form of a resume you have.

Joining LinkedIn

However, when employers are hiring for highly specific positions, you may need a more formal application submission than a link.  In this case, you can convert your LinkedIn profile to a PDF resume and submit it. Having a standard PDF version of your profile is a convenient alternative to send in. Just make sure you update the PDF when you update your profile.

So if you’re torn between submitting an MS Word file or creating a PDF resume, consider the above points. Find out what HR professionals are saying, and think of who, what, and how your resume content will be used.

Bonus Resume Tips:

  • Keep your resume file name simple
  • Use numbers in your resume to showcase measureable accomplishments
  • Plan out your resume content carefully; be selective with the details you share
  • Don’t forget to include a well-written cover letter

Do you use a PDF file for sending around your resume? Share your thoughts below!

How To Download And View Wikipedia Offline

The Internet is a great resource. There are tons of ways to find the information you’re searching for. One example, the popular go-to resource: Wikipedia. When you search the Internet for anything, a Wikipedia article is probably one of the first Google results you click on.

But what if you’re in an Internet black hole and need to do some preliminary research? We’re always looking up quick details on vacation destinations, historical events, celebrities, word definitions, and perhaps even PDF conversion.

You’d be hard pressed to find a research source as accessible as Wikipedia without the Internet. Or would you?

In the past, we showed you how to create a PDF file of Wikpedia articles you could take with you. Well, we came across yet another neat solution where you can actually create your own offline version using WikiTaxi.

What is WikiTaxi?

WikiTaxi is an app that lets you download Wikipedia’s database to your computer which you can view, search, and browse offline. According to the project page, it’s a “single-file application” that “does not require a database engine or HTML browser.”

So how does WikiTaxi do it? The app uses Wikipedia’s original database dumps. Data dumps, in general, are outputs of data that are used as a backup. But it can also be used to replicate the database. This is essentially what you’ll be doing with WikiTaxi.

How To Download Your Own Wikipedia

To start getting your own offline Wikipedia, you’ll be downloading a Wikipedia database file and the WikiTaxi application from the Internet. The application has the offline Wikipedia viewer and importer you need. Then you’ll be importing the database file into a WikiTaxi database you can use.

Let’s get started.

*A word of warning: you’ll be dealing with large file sizes. So download times may be slow.

1. Download one of the Wiki backups. Some of the ones recommended on the project’s site:

You can also check the main Wikipedia database download list for yourself. It is updated on a regular basis. So you’ll want to look for the latest version, though you can choose any dated data dump you wish (we used the August 23 version for this tutorial).

It may look complicated, but don’t be intimidated. Zero in on the –pages-articles.xml.bz2 file. Download this file type only.

Wikipedia Database File Selection

2. Once that’s done, download the WikiTaxi app.  You can find the latest download in the upper left hand corner of the project page

3. Extract the WikiTaxi zipped application file to a folder of your choice

4. Once extracted, click on the WikiTaxi_Importer.exe file

5. In the XML dump file to import section, click on Browse and select the database file you downloaded in step one

6. For the WikiTaxi database file section, click on Browse and select where you want the folder installed. Type in a name for the database to be created, and click on Save

Naming your WikiTaxi Database

7. Click on Import Now!  

Importing a Wikipedia Database

8. Once the import is finished, click on the WikiTaxi.exe in the application file folder. This is your viewer. Click on Options> Open *.taxi Database…

Accessing WikiTaxi Options

Opening the WikiTaxi Database

9.  Browse for and select the database file you created (our “Wikipedia.taxi” from step 7). The application will then start at a random page, but you can easily start browsing away from it to other articles.

Viewing Wikipedia Offline

Aside from viewing Wikipedia pages, the application will also let you perform searches, find words in the page you’re viewing, select fonts for better reading, and create a desktop shortcut for quick access.

We always talk about how working on the cloud and over the internet offers a lot of convenience. But WikiTaxi just goes to show that there are ways you can make working without the internet just as convenient too!

Trim Down Large PDF Files With These 5 Simple Tips

Trim Down Large PDF Files

One of the biggest pet peeves of dealing with a PDF file is the large file size.  There’s nothing worse than an email stuck in your outbox because of a large PDF attachment—unless, of course, it’s a slow PDF download from the web.

How can you slim down the size of your PDF document? While this heavily depends from PDF to PDF and the type of content it contains, there are a few general PDF creation options in particular which you should pay close attention to.  Some fine-tuning here and there will go a long way to shave the megabytes off of your file.

Use The “Save As” Command

This is a good place to start to cutting down the bloat.  Every time you hit Save in an application, you end up with a usually bigger file size. This is because the function saves the changes and appends them to the file. The same goes for PDF files.

Saving PDF files

Instead, use the “Save As” command. By doing this, you overwrite the entire file, eliminating unused objects and accumulated changes. The result is a smaller PDF file you can manage. So go for the “Save As” option once you’ve added everything you need to your PDF.

Compress And Downsample PDF Images

Given the visual nature of digital content today, images are a big part of PDF files. However, if your PDF isn’t intended for high resolution needs, you can keep your file under control by downsampling and compressing your images. When you downsample bitmap images you basically decrease the amount of pixels in it which reduces the overall resolution and hence, the size of the PDF.

Compressing PDF Images

Downsampling options will tell your PDF program know how you want to delete those pixels. You’ll be able to choose mainly between bicubic, subsample, and average downsampling methods. Each has its own advantages, so choose wisely. As well,  you can  usually set the desired resolutions and decide if you want to compress your images using popular compression algorithms such as  ZIP, LZW, or JPEG.

Choose The Right Colour Space

You may have heard of RGB and CMYK colour spaces before. Each one has different methods of handling colour. In general, CMYK is ideal for print purposes, while RGB caters to on screen viewing.

If your PDF is mainly going to be viewed on the web or on a computer screen, choose the RGB colour space for your PDF images.  In some PDF creators, you can choose to convert CMYK images to RGB if needed. It requires less data than CMYK. And one less data channel means a smaller file size. 

Subset Your Fonts

By embedding fonts, you are essentially attaching the entire character set within the PDF, which can puff up the file significantly. Try to subset the fonts instead. It will keep the PDF size to a minimum.

Embedding PDF Fonts Options

When you subset a font, you attach only the font characters that are used in the PDF. If a special character like “#” isn’t used in the file, the character won’t be included. In most cases, you can choose to automatically subset fonts if the character usage is less than a certain amount. Take advantage of this feature if you have it. Your PDF fonts are just as equally important as your images.

Remove Unnecessary Frills

Depending on who and what your PDF content is intended for, you can scale down the bloat considerably. Applications that create PDFs for specific needs, like Adobe’s Photoshop for instance, will allow you to save PDFs with advance settings such as Preserve Photoshop Editing Capabilities.

But if your PDFs won’t be exclusively opened in Photoshop for editing, then there’s no need to prep the file for it. Thus, before you save a PDF with all the bells and whistles, get a good idea of how your PDF will be used and you can easily reduce the size accordingly.

PDFs are supposed to be high in quality, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be reflected in the file size. You can get a manageable PDF file with just a few adjustment s. And as an added bonus, you can accomplish most of these tweaks with Sonic PDF Creator. Just go to View>Options for Creation…. and you can access them through the dialog.

How To Make The Modern Day Office Work For You

Computer desktop workspace setup

Image source: Hongkiat.com

As businesses strive to keep up with technology, they’re allowing more and more flexibility in how an employee works. And thanks to developments in technology and the internet, the modern day office now comes in all different kinds of shapes and sizes.

Naturally, one office space is never as effective as another. Each one generates a different atmosphere and environment that directly affects how you work. Fortunately, there are many ways to optimize your workspace no matter where it is.

We decided to take a look at 3 common types of the modern day office with a few basic tips on how you can improve your productivity at each one.

Personalize And Fine-Tune Your Desk

This standard office space is slowly being traded in for alternative working methods. It’s no mystery that your environment has a direct impact on your well-being. In most cases, we’re used to sitting an average of up to 8 hours in front of the desktop, which can take a toll on your health. From incorrect body posture and eye strain to carpel tunnel syndrome and back aches, the computer desk can be full of health risks over the long run.

Ergonomic office desk setup

Image Source: Lifehacker.com

But, you can improve them. While your office space might not be able to equal those of Google’s,  whose creative workspaces are geared to keeping their staff inspired, you can still try to get it suited to your own comfort level.  Try changing and practicing a few small things to improve your overall productivity like:

  • ergonomically adjusting your chair, desk and monitor
  • using bright and natural lighting
  • ensuring adequate temperatures and space around your desk
  • adding a personal touch like pictures, plants, and knick knacks
  • taking frequent breaks away from the computer
  • reducing stress while on your computer

Create A Distraction Free Home Office

This is usually the office space for freelancers, outsourced or online workers, work at home moms, pro bloggers, and employees who live too far to commute. This type of office comes with great benefits. You save on gas, traveling time, money spent on lunch, and you can easily fit in personal appointments or schedule home deliveries.

Unfortunately, a ton of distractions exist. Working from the comfort of your own home doesn’t give you the same busy feeling of a productive business office.  Instead, you have easy access to your entertainment system, a cozy bed, and your spacious backyard.

Home office computer station

Image Credit: Nico Kaiser

How do you keep your worker hat on? For starters, try to:

  • separate your work area from your relaxation areas  like your living room or bedroom
  • work in a place where you’ll be the least distracted
  • set up times for taking breaks around the house and follow them
  • keep the TV and other entertainment units off
  • set up your workstation just as you would have it set up in a regular office
  • keep your desk minimalistic and neat

Get A Tailored Set Up For Your Mobile Device

In a post-PC world that’s focused on mobile gadgets, the concept of the “mobile office” is now more widely accepted. Many companies in fact are turning to a mobile workforce, which makes sense as it saves time, increases productivity and reduces overhead costs. And you can get your work done from wherever you are.

Mobile smartphone keyboard

Image Credit: Johan Larsson

Despite this, working on a mobile device does have some drawbacks. You’re restricted to a small screen size, a touch-screen keyboard, and limited hardware resources.  Under those conditions, you need to find the right set up and the perfect balance to working effectively on a single device.

As a mobile worker, consider a few adjustments like:

  • getting a separate keyboard for your device
  • using a device with an adequate screen size
  • working on your device to get the small things done
  • getting mobile versions of desktop tools you use daily
  • backing up your work and data to one central location (desktop, online or removable storage)

There are a dozen of little tweaks you can make to keep your productivity levels up.  These are just a few. So start taking careful stock of your workspace and figure out if your current set up is helping or hindering your work.