Tips to Improve Your Grammar

Grammar can be defined as the systems that a language uses to create rules for written and verbal communication. Poor grammar is the result of not following these rules, and your grammar can have a large impact on how you are perceived when communicating.

Aside from being difficult to understand, someone who has poor grammar may also come across as less educated or less intelligent. This is bad news in social situations, but it can be an even bigger deal in a professional setting.

If you feel like your grammar skills aren’t where they need to be, below are some tips to help you improve your grammar:

Read Various Publications

One of the best ways to improve your grammar is to read a variety of publications. From books to magazines to blog posts on the web, several outlets can provide opportunities to read. By varying your reading schedule and branching out to read text from different authors, you’re more likely to pick up on grammar rules that you can then incorporate into your writing and speech.

Use the Right Software

There are all kinds of free and inexpensive software solutions available to help you improve your grammar as well. Some of these solutions can point out grammatical errors as you type, allowing you to make corrections as you write and learn.

These types of tools can even be helpful when you aren’t the one doing the writing. For instance, if you find a PDF file on the web and want to check its grammar, you can use an online PDF to Word converter to change the file format. When you use an online PDF to Word converter, your new Word document can be opened in several word processing applications, where an automatic grammar check can be run.

Understand Different Standards

Keep in mind that grammatical rules aren’t as rigid as you might think. Even when speaking the same language, people from different areas and backgrounds may inflect words differently or use certain words in place of others. Professional style guides differ on many points of grammar, meaning it’s more important to learn the grammatical rules that make up your writing or speaking environment rather than being so concerned about sticking to one single standard.

Read a similar article about JPG to PDF converter here at this page.

Why You Should Always Turn Your Resume Into a PDF

Sending out your resume is easier than ever these days as most companies now accept and even expect resumes to be sent in digital form. Creating your resume using popular word processing software titles like Microsoft Word is easy. Many word processing apps even come with resume templates to make things even simpler.

Although creating and sending out a resume is convenient using digital technology, you’re cautioned against sticking to only one document file format. You may be doing yourself a big disservice if you don’t convert your resume into a portable document format (PDF) file.

Not Everyone Uses Word

PDF is a format that can be read on several devices using various reader software, but Word documents require Microsoft Word to be installed to be opened in most cases. If you’re sending out your resume as a Word document only, this means that you may be limiting your job search since not all employers will be able to read your resume as not all employers use Word.

As a side note, most PDF document software can convert Word documents to PDF. If you plan to use Word exclusively, consider at least using PDF document software to convert a copy just in case an employer requests a different format.

PDF Files Are Often Smaller

Another reason to turn your resume into a PDF is that PDF files are often smaller in size. This is due to the compression that gets applied to large files.

You may not think this makes a difference, but some email services have hard size limits that can make it impossible to send documents over a certain size. Also, some resume submission applications on the web will limit the size of a resume file that gets uploaded to an employer's internal system.

PDFs Can Be Read on the Go

Lastly, since PDF files can be read by different devices, employers can look over your resume from a smartphone or tablet when you use PDF. This potentially opens up more opportunities for busy employers to read your resume when traveling or in between meetings.

Read a similar article about electronic signature software here at this page.

How to Save One Page of a PDF

There are multiple methods for saving one page of a PDF, but we're focusing on the most general options so that you can do it with minimal hassle, regardless of the device you're using read more

How to Add a Watermark to Your PDF File

PDF files provide an easy and convenient way to share data on web pages and as digital downloads. Many people have dedicated PDF readers on their smartphones and tablets, and PDF files can also be printed out for review offline.

Because PDF files are digital and easily shared through email and download, the issue of copyright can become a concern. If you create a PDF and simply upload it to the web without taking any steps to protect your work, there isn’t much to stop someone from simply downloading the file, copying the text, and then claiming it as their own.

The way to put a stop to this issue is to utilize security tools that password-protect or encrypt your PDF files, but this method may require a bit of technical know-how. On top of that, it puts your content at a disadvantage when it comes to sharing since only people with the password or a way to decrypt the file will have access.

Add a Watermark

An easier way to protect your files is to edit them by adding a watermark. Adding a watermark to your PDF provides a convenient way to identify it as an original copy, and it can also serve as a warning to would-be copyright infringers.

To add a watermark, you need to know how to edit a PDF file. The actual process of adding a watermark is fairly straightforward once you get into your PDF software. However, knowing how to edit a PDF file in the first place may mean you’ll need to review the documentation that came with your PDF creation app.

Be Careful With Placement

When placing a watermark in your PDF, be careful not to block important text or images. Adding an automated watermark may be convenient, but if you aren’t reviewing every single page to ensure nothing is blocked by the watermark, you run the risk of marring your document.

Instead, place your watermark in an unobtrusive place on each page away from the text. Conversely, place a watermark across the entirety of each page and have its opacity turned down. This will cover each page with a watermark to identify your work, but it will still allow text to clearly show through.

Read a similar article about PDF document solutions here at this page.

What is OCR?

Have you ever heard of OCR? OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It's a must-have part of any PDF solution you have. Chances are, you've already used this technology in the past without knowing what it is.

This blog will explain what OCR is and when you might need to use it.

Understanding OCR

So, what is Optical Character Recognition anyways?

Essentially, this technology is about reaching text inside images. It's been around since the early 1920s. Back then, it was predominantly utilized for converting characters into telegraphic code. However, applications quickly expanded to reading data from microfilm, digitizing old documents, and creating aids for blind people.

OCR technology converts images with written words or numbers into machine-readable text. That means it can pull from photos, handwritten notes, and anything else that's not a product of computer code.

Why Do You Need OCR?

There are many ways to utilize OCR. One of the most common is to digitize documents. Without OCR, the only way to digitize handwritten documents would be to type everything out in a word document. For a while, that was the only choice companies had!

Luckily, OCR came around and became a game-changer. Now, all you have to do is scan the document. OCR processing identifies individual characters and puts them in a digital form you can edit. Many PDF solution software has OCR technology built right in, making it a must for businesses, schools, and even private individuals.

Believe it or not, OCR plays a big part in your daily life, too. Ever wonder how those quick scans of your passport authenticate your identity at the airport? Or what about the car that tells you what the speed limit is on the dash? How about the historical documents you can search for on Google with keywords?

You have OCR to thank for all of it!

OCR is an invaluable tool that's only getting better. It's already pretty accurate, but the introduction of AI and high-resolution scanners make it easier than ever to turn non-digital writing into text that you can manipulate as you please.

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When to Use Each Type of Image File Format

Have you ever wondered what all those extensions mean when creating a new file format? If you're like most people, you probably stick with what you know and don't even consider using the other options.

Several image file formats exist for a reason. If you're looking to learn more about when to utilize them, we have you covered!

JPG or JPEG

JPEGs and JPGs are some of the most famous file formats. The acronym stands for Joint Photographic Experts group. If you're wondering, JPG and JPEG are the same formats! However, JPG was utilized to overcome early character limits on Windows.

The most notable thing about JPEGs is that they have "lossy" compression. That means the quality of the image decreases the more you compress the file to save space.

JPEG files work well for online projects, printed documents, and most digital documents. Just make sure to check the resolution to ensure clarity!

PDF

When most people think of PDFs, they imagine full text-based documents. However, this format is quite versatile. PDF stands for Portable Document Format. Its purpose is to capture rich information that's widely accessible and viewable everywhere.

You can easily create files with a PDF creator online. Anyone you send it to can view and manipulate the image as long as they have a reader. It's super flexible and helps bridge the gap between artists and those without advanced graphic design software.

PNG

PNG stands for Portable Networks Graphics. You're most likely to find PNGs in web projects. The format allows for vibrant colors, crisp graphics, and transparent background. Overall, it's flexible enough for interactive designs.

You can also use them with standard digital files. For example, they are suitable options when using a PDF creator online. Plus, PNGs are lossless. That means that you can edit them without losing quality.

Additional File Formats

JPEGs, PDFs, and PNGs are the most common file formats you'll see out there. However, they're certainly not the only ones. You might encounter GIF files for animations, TIFF files for lossless compression, PSD files for modifiable graphical layers, EPS files for vector formatting, and much more!

The world of graphic design is complex. Having a basic understanding of what each format does can make a world of difference.

Read a similar article about convert a PDF file here at this page.

Document Formats You Should Use for Your Images

Most websites utilize visualization because humans are visual creatures. However, not all file formats are supported by browsers and image viewers. In addition, choosing the wrong picture file format can slow down a site’s loading speed. We'll take a look at the variety of file formats you can use, the best ones to use and how to convert all of these to find the right solution for your project.

Raster Image File Formats

JPG, GIF and PNG files are types of raster image files. These files use static images. This means that every pixel is fixed by position, proportion and color. This makes it difficult to resize these images as each pixel simply gets stretched out, which can distort the image.

Vector Image File Formats

PDF, AI, SVG and AI are types of vector image files. These types of files create images that are more flexible as they use a cartesian plane, which utilizes lines and curves to provide scale. This prevents distortion.

Let's Take a Closer Look at Each Type of File Format

JPG images are the most commonly used format because of their ability to compress, low file size and for their nearly universal browser and operating system support. These files are good for articles and blogs, but they are not good for screenshots with text. You can always convert JPG to PDF if you need to.

PNG allows for lossless compression, and it provides greater readability than JPG. However, these can slow down your website if you use too many of them. It’s supported by major browsers.

GIF also offers lossless compression, but it is limited by colors and its eight-bit per pixel size. This keeps its file size low and is why it’s typically used for animated images. However, this is why its quality can be poor too.

WebP offers compression and low usage of server disk space, but it’s not supported by all image editors or browsers.

TIFF is mostly used for editing and storing images that can be later used for print. It allows for compression, but it’s typically used for larger images as the applications it’s used for do not allow for compression.

BMP does not offer compression and is mostly outdated. However, it’s supported by major browsers.

HEIF was created to compete with JPG. However, its ability to compress is twice as good as JPG. Because it also uses pixel mapping, HEIF images cannot be made larger without compromising their quality.

SVG image files rely on XML so they can be made larger without suffering loss of quality. SVG image files are supported by major browsers.

EPS is a type of vector image, which is particularly useful for print advertisements, logos and brand images. It allows for compression, but it isn’t supported by browsers.

PDF image files are based upon the PostScript language. It is useful for illustrations and images for later printing. It is suitable for in-depth infographics and reports and allows for compression. PDF files can include CTA buttons, links and other interactive features.

PSD works with Adobe Photoshop. It’s not supported by browsers, standard image editors or standard image viewers. It can be used for large files and allows for compression.

AI was also made by Adobe. It isn’t supported by most image viewers or browsers. AI doesn’t lose image quality when it is rescaled.

XCF is similar to PSD. XCF stands for eXperimental Computing Facility, and it supports saving paths, guides, channels, layers and transparency, but it doesn’t save the undo history. It isn’t supported by image viewers or browsers. However, it doesn’t suffer from image quality.

INDD is a file used for Adobe InDesign. It saves project files, swatches, styles, page content and more, but isn’t supported by image viewers or browsers. You can use it to store multiple page design projects for pamphlets, magazines, flyers, posters and more.

Digital cameras use raw image formats that can utilize an extensive amount of colors (upwards of 16 thousand colors). However, they aren’t supported by image viewers or major browsers.

Which Should You Choose?

The most common types of image files used are JPG, PNG and SVG. If you have different needs according to your project, you might want to try a different file from above. The good news is that you can convert JPG to PDF and other files to PDF (and vice versa) to accomplish whatever you need. Contact Foxit to get additional help for your projects.

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