Introduction: Convert .doc to .jpeg With Office for Mac 2008

By

This 'ible is on how to take a Word document and convert it to photo files on an ancient Mac using ancient software. The system I am using is a black MacBook c.2006 running Snow Leopard (10.6.8) using Office for Mac 2008 and iPhoto '11 (9.2.3).

Why did I want to do this? Well, I had been printing my recipe cards on photo paper using an HP Photosmart printer. The printer died. In looking for alternatives, I wondered if I could just send the recipe card to an on-line photo lab (like Walmart or Walgreens). The biggest stumbling block was converting Word's .doc file to a photo .jpg. I know the modern versions of Word have an export feature which creates photos from documents. However, I am not about to spend $140 on the latest Office (and who know how much on a new computer running Windows 8) or $100 on another printer plus 25¢ for each photo sheet plus ink plus jams when I can spend 15¢ per photo at Walmart.

While googling the how-to's on the conversion, I came across a feature in Word 2008 that I didn't know existed; and I can now, with only a few extra clicks, convert my document to pictures. Here's how . . .

Step 1: Determine Document Size

The first thing you need to do is determine what your document size is going to be. To do this, you have to select a photo processor. For example, Walmart offers 2x3, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10; so the document has to be one of those sizes. (They also offer a lot of other things you can put your photo on, so use those sizes if that is what you are looking for. The instructions are the same.)

To set document size in Word for Mac 2008, you have to open the File menu and choose Page Setup. In the dialogue box that opens, click on Paper Size. If you scroll up, you may find some presets for some of the sizes. My HP has presets for all the Walmart photo sizes except 2x3. Choose the proper photo size for your project.

If no proper size exists, choose Manage Custom Sizes instead. A new dialog box will open. There is a + sign in the bottom left corner. Click on this to add a size. Double click on the word "Untitled" to name the setup; I called mine Recipe Card. Next, put your chosen photo size in width and height fields, i.e., 4 and 6, 5 and 7, 7 and 5, etc. Open the Non-Printable Area drop-down menu and select User Defined. Underneath that, change all the measurements to 0, as you are printing a photo and may want it to go to the edge of the page. Click OK.

Your Paper Size should now read the name you gave your custom setup or the name of the preset you chose. Click OK again.

You should now have a document displaying in Word that is the size of your desired photo.

Step 2: Create the Document

This is pretty simple. Create your document using all the tools available in Word.

For my recipe cards, I create a 0.25 margin and then insert a 2-column table. I use the first column to list ingredients and equipment and the second column for instructions.

For my exercise cards, I create a table and insert pictures of that exercise into the cells, leaving the last one empty. In this last empty cell, I insert a table to keep track of things, such as weight, reps, etc. I then type the exercise instructions outside and underneath the first table.

Please be aware, each page of the document will save as a separate photo file, so only use multiple pages if you want multiple prints. For example, one of my documents contains an entire exercise routine, with each exercise on a different page so each exercise gets its own photo card.

Step 3: Print the .pdf File

When your document is finished to your satisfaction, save it as a Word .doc or .docx file! This way, you will be able to edit it later if needed.

Once saved, submit the document for printing. You can do this by either clicking open the File menu and choosing Print or pressing the Apple key and P at the same time. Either method opens the Printer dialog box.

In the lower left corner of the Printer dialog box, there is a PDF button. Click on this to open the PDF menu. Select Save PDF to iPhoto. Name your document and select a file location, the same way you would if you were doing a Save As in Word. I usually just put it on my desktop as I will be deleting the .pdf when the process is complete.

Step 4: Import .pdf Into IPhoto

This is the easiest step of them all. Open iPhoto. It should (at least mine does) automatically import the .pdf document and divide it into individual photos for each page. You now have a .jpeg file for each page of your .doc file.

If iPhoto does not open automatically, you may have more updated software than mine, so these instructions may not work.

Step 5: Get Photos Processed

Most photo processors require file uploads, so your photos need to be in your file system somewhere and not stuck in iPhoto. The easiest thing to do is to drag each photo you wish to get processed to your desktop. Upload these desktop photos to your processor of choice using their instructions. Your photos are now ready to print, again using your photo processor's instructions. You can put the desktop photos in the trash if you wish, as they are still safe in iPhoto and at your processor.

And that is how you use Office/Word for Mac 2008 to make a photo.

I am thinking of using this process to do self-printed business cards and/or product labels.