To convert your content into an interactive Turtl Doc, it needs to be a PDF file. For the best results, we recommend working with PDFs that have a clear structure of headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and a clean overall design. It's even better if your PDF includes a table of contents, as this makes it simpler for us to slice the content into chapters during the conversion process.
However, you can easily convert any format into a PDF. See below for steps on how to convert other formats into a PDF and the ideal layout in each format for a smooth conversion into a Turtl Doc.
The ideal layout before saving as a PDF
Google Docs, MS Word document, Google slide or PowerPoint
A contents page clearly titled "Table of contents" or "Contents".
Clear, hierarchical headings and subheadings.
As little design as possible (no layering, broken-up images, or complex layouts).
Don’t rasterize* text, keep it as a vector (rasterized text could confuse the system when converting).
If you have any complex shadows on images, rather rasterize all of that so it's easier for Adobe to pick up. See our instructions for rasterizing here.
No double-page spreads or facing pages.
Note: Font rasterization is the process of converting text from a vector description (as found in scalable fonts such as TrueType fonts) to a raster or bitmap description (source: Wikipedia).
Webpages
Clear, hierarchical headings and subheadings.
As little design as possible (no layering, broken-up images, or complex layouts).
See an example here.
Google Docs
To convert your Google Doc into a PDF, go to "File" -> "Download" and select "PDF Document (.pdf)".
MS Word on Mac
1. To convert your Word Document into a PDF if you are using a Mac, go to "File" -> "Save As".
2. Select the drop-down list next to "Where" to choose where you want to save the file.
3. In the "File format" drop-down list, select "PDF".
4. Then click on "Best for electronic distribution and accessibility". Give your file a name, if it doesn't already have one, then select "Export".
MS Word on Windows
1. To convert your Word Document into a PDF if you're using MS Word on Windows, select "File" -> "Save As".
2. Choose the location where you want to save the file.
3. In the "Save as type" drop-down list, select "PDF".
4. Save.
Please see the original instructions for more information.
Google Slides
Note: Presentations are not fully supported currently and we may not be able to successfully convert them into Turtl Docs. If you are struggling to convert your content, reach out to professional-services@turtl.co to commission the team for manual conversion.
To convert your Google slide, go to "File" -> "Download" and select "PDF Document (.pdf)".
MS PowerPoint on Mac
1. To convert your PowerPoint document into a PDF, go to "File" -> "Save as".
2. Next, choose the location on your computer where you want to save the file.
3. In the "File Format" drop-down list select "PDF". Give your file a name, if it doesn't already have one, then select "Save".
MS PowerPoint on Windows
Click on the "File" tab and select "Save As".
Note: To see the Save As dialog box in PowerPoint 2013 or PowerPoint 2016, you have to choose a location and folder.In the 2"File Name" box, enter a name for the file, if you haven't already.
In the Save as type" list, select PDF (*.pdf).
Select the "Open file after publishing" check box.
Give your file a name, if it doesn't already have one, then select Save.
Please see the original instructions for more information.
Note: As detailed above, presentations are not fully supported currently and we may not be able to successfully convert them into Turtl Docs. If you are struggling to convert your content, reach out to professional-services@turtl.co to commission the team for manual conversion.
Webpages
The ideal webpage to convert has:
Clear, hierarchical headings and subheadings.
As little design as possible.
See an example here.
Chrome
Open the webpage -> Click on the three dots menu -> "Print" -> "Save as PDF".
Safari
Open the webpage -> "File" -> "Export as PDF".
Firefox
Open the webpage -> Click on the hamburger menu -> "Print" -> Change the destination to "Save to PDF".
Edge
Open the webpage -> Click on the three dots menu -> "Print" -> Select "Microsoft Print to PDF" from the "Printer" drop-down list.
Tip: It is important to review the chapter split and hierarchy when converting a PDF that has been created from a webpage. Take a look at this article to learn more.