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, and 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 split the content into chapters during the conversion.
You can convert almost any format into a PDF. See below for the ideal layout in each format and the steps to save it as a PDF.
The ideal layout before saving as a PDF
Documents and presentations
This applies to Google Docs, Google Slides, Microsoft Word, and 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).
Text kept as vector text, not rasterized. Rasterized text can confuse the conversion.
Complex shadows on images rasterized, so they are easier for Turtl to process. See how to rasterize complex elements.
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).
For a good example, see this Turtl blog post.
Save documents and presentations as a PDF
Google Docs
Go to "File" -> "Download" and select "PDF Document (.pdf)".
Microsoft Word on Mac
1. 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. Select "Best for electronic distribution and accessibility", give your file a name if it doesn't already have one, then select "Export".
Microsoft Word on Windows
Select "File" -> "Save As".
Choose where you want to save the file.
In the "Save as type" drop-down list, select "PDF".
Select "Save".
For more information, see Microsoft's instructions.
Google Slides
Note: Presentations are not fully supported, and we may not be able to convert them into Turtl Docs. If you're struggling to convert your content, contact professional-services@turtl.co to commission a manual conversion.
Go to "File" -> "Download" and select "PDF Document (.pdf)".
PowerPoint on Mac
1. Go to "File" -> "Save As".
2. Choose 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".
PowerPoint on Windows
Select the "File" tab, then "Save As". In PowerPoint 2013 and 2016, you need to choose a location and folder before the "Save As" dialog box appears.
In the "File name" box, enter a name for the file if it doesn't already have one.
In the "Save as type" list, select "PDF (*.pdf)".
Select the "Open file after publishing" check box.
Select "Save".
For more information, see Microsoft's instructions.
Save webpages as a PDF
Chrome
Open the webpage -> select the three-dot menu -> "Print" -> "Save as PDF".
Safari
Open the webpage -> "File" -> "Export as PDF".
Firefox
Open the webpage -> select the hamburger menu -> "Print" -> change the destination to "Save to PDF".
Edge
Open the webpage -> select the three-dot menu -> "Print" -> select "Save as PDF" from the "Printer" drop-down list.
Tip: When converting a PDF created from a webpage, review the chapter split and hierarchy carefully. See the checklist for refining your converted Turtl Doc.
Next step
Once you have your PDF, go to "Create", select "Import", then "Convert PDF into Turtl Doc". See Converting your PDF into Turtl content for the full walkthrough.