How can I convert a Macintosh document to Windows or DOS format?

In many cases, applications in Mac OS and Mac OS X use document formats that are cross-platform. They will work, with little or no conversion, in Mac OS, Mac OS X, Windows, and sometimes other operating systems as well. For example, if you create a document in Microsoft Word 98 or later, you can open it in Word for Windows. PDF, PostScript, and image and text files are largely cross-platform as well.

If you use an application that does have a Mac-specific format, you can try to create documents for other programs. In AppleWorks or Pages, for example, you can export to Word documents and Excel spreadsheets. If your application doesn't have the built-in ability to convert documents into a format available in Windows, consider using a third-party utility such as MacLinkPlus Deluxe (available from DataViz).

If you'd like to transfer your Macintosh documents directly onto a removable PC disk, such as a floppy, Zip, or USB or FireWire disk, it should be formatted as either FAT or, preferrably, FAT32. Also, if you have a very old Macintosh (the Mac II without the FDHD upgrade, Mac 128K, Mac 512K, MacPlus, and the SE), your floppy drive won't support PC disks.

Also see:

• In WordPerfect 6.x, 7, 8, or 9, how can I import and export files from other word processors and file formats?
• In Mac OS or Mac OS X, how do I run .exe files?