By Jeff Steele
Continued from Page 2...
...there are a few other minor issues to watch out for when crossing the great platform divide.
File format is an issue that can drive crazy men sane. When it comes to most applications, remember that, for the most part, file formats are proprietary which means that the only way to view the file is with that application. Some applications, like QuarkXPress, create documents that are completely cross platform compatible but can still only be opened by QuarkXPress. Some are a little more platform specific in that if it was created on a PC it will remain on a PC.
And then, there are the standard file formats that work on both platforms. The most common is plain ASCII text. No formatting, no fancy layout, just text. You may also be familiar with some of the more common graphic formats like .tif, .jpg, and the ever-popular .eps. Since these common formats are cross-platform compatible, they are commonly used in the graphics industry. To avoid any kind of confusion, you should always use standard file formats, especially TIFF, EPS. and JPEG. If you stick to those three formats for all of your graphics, you will be the recipient of far fewer migraines brought on by stressed-induced yelling matches with your deadline-happy boss.
If you are forced to use other file formats, there are two that are absolute no-no's when attempting the dangerous "crossing of the platforms" (look Ma! No hands!). On the Windows side, it is the forbidden WMF and all of it's evil relations. On the Mac side, PICT is the master of the dark files. These two formats are native to their respective platforms and have no tolerance for "the other platform".
Well, now that you are a highly educated cross-platform Houdini and general practitioner of the format arts, you are ready to strike out into the unforgiving world of file transfers. Go, my children, but keep these nuggets of wisdom in mind as you travel the dusty roads.
1. Always give your files a three digit extension. This is a good idea even if you don't plan to move them off of your machine.
2. Use standard file formats whenever possible. Remember, TIFF, EPS, and JPEG are you friends and guardians.
3. Never attempt to use the WMF or PICT files outside of their native environments. Somebody tried that one time and the result of that catastrophic day is now known as the Grand Canyon.
Fly, my children and be free of all your platform burdens!
| Jeff Steele is a freelance designer, writer and overall web junkie. He has an Associates degree in Computer Graphics and Animation and teaches at a local college. After spending nearly 13 years in the printing industry, he now works in the software industry and is the owner and developer of InternetKnow-How.com. |
Related Information 
- Cross-Platform Tips & Tricks
- Converting Images
- Cross-Platform File Naming
- Mac-Windows Integration
- Graphics File Formats
- Macintosh Cross-Platform Software
- PC and Windows Cross-Platform Software
