What are the best ways to convert Mac files for PC?

Question

Level 2

173 points

What are the best ways to convert Mac files for PC?

I know the methods for me to read PC specific files and I have emulators or programs to convert my Mac files for a PC to be able to read them, but is there a file for the PC world to use so they can read my Mac files? I'm tired of having to convert files for them, but they never see to have a way to convert my files at their end. I'd much rather be smug and offer them the means of converting instead of my having to convert for them.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 27″, macOS 15.4

Posted on May 18, 2025 12:45 PM

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Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

24,354 points

May 18, 2025 4:16 PM in response to Paul Tabone1

You could print to PDF and send the PDF to your PC users.

Or suggest that they use one of the cloud services to convert your Pages docs to Word. One example -> Cloudconvert (Note, I have never used it myself, so I cannot comment on how well it works.)

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Answer 2

May 18, 2025 4:14 PM in response to Paul Tabone1

Probably much easier for the file originator to export in a format that the majority can use rather than expect the majority to bow to the wishes of the minority.

Export your Pages docs in Word format and let them meet you half way.

In Pages use File > Export > Word... or export them as PDF or Rich Text files. This can all be done from Pages without any other add in software.

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Answer 3

steve626

Level 6

13,893 points

May 18, 2025 12:58 PM in response to Paul Tabone1

What type of files?

Microsoft files (Office, 365) can be read and opened and written to on either platform, as can image files (jpg) and Adobe files (raw, pdf ...).

If you are using Apple's software like Pages, Numbers, Keynote, those programs can save in Microsoft format.

If you are using an external drive, it should be formatted in PC-compatible format for a PC to read files from it (ExFat for instance).

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Answer 4

Paul Tabone1 Author

Level 2

173 points

May 18, 2025 3:44 PM in response to steve626

I am aware of Microsoft files and their compatibility. I was thinking about Mac specific files like Pages sourced ones. I have a habit of creating files on Pages that occasionally need to be sent to PC users. I am constantly getting complaints about their not being able to read them and I have to do the legwork to convert them. Yes, I CAN start in Office but I choose not to, being an obstinate person! I've been in the Apple world since my first IIe way back when and although I have been forced into the PC world during my work career I am retired and am 100% Apple. I know the percentages are against me and I'm pretty certain that the answer is more or less what you have stated, but I wanted to smugly tell the PC people to convert MY files instead of me having to do it for them.

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