There are so many types of file formats out there today: .pdf, .docx, .xlsx, .jpeg, .gif, to name a few.
One of the issues you may have run in to, is when you need to convert a file from one format to another. One of the most common examples of this, is the need to convert a Microsoft Word document (.docx) in to a .pdf file. Most people have the ability to do this on the desktop using the free version of Adobe or some other free pdf tool.
What if you wanted to go the other way and convert a .pdf file back to a Word document and you don’t have the right pdf software subscription? What if you wanted to convert some other less common file format?
I was recently introduced to a site called: https://www.zamzar.com/. Zamzar is an online file conversion utility that you can be used for free, with some limitations.
It’s also easy to use. When you visit the site you’re going to see the screenshot below on the home page.
1) Upload the file you want to convert by clicking the ‘Add Files’ button in green
2) Select the format you want to convert it to
3) Click ‘Convert Now’ and choose how you want the file delivered to you (download or email)
That’s it. I tried it and was able to easily convert a .pdf back to a Word document and maintain the integrity and formatting of the original document.
Since the need to stay secure should be on everyone’s mind today, I did a little research and found that the company is based in England and they advertise themselves as being fully GDPR compliant. So, they take security seriously.
I also combed through a number of online forums, articles and security sites such as Symantec and the overall consensus is that it’s safe to use.
Using the site for free does limit you to a file size of 50MB and two conversions within 24 hours, so if you want to do anything more than that you’re going to have a pick up a paid subscription.
I would also urge you to consider that despite the reviews and my recommendation, this is still a web-based service. Should you choose to use it with an unpaid subscription, I would encourage you not to convert any documents that contain personal, sensitive, confidential or any sort of intellectual property within them, until you have done your own due diligence and are satisfied it meets your security requirements.
