Subject: Re: [PCI] OS X screen shots From: Bruce Johnson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> In-Reply-To:
> On Sunday, July 4, 2004, at 05:18 PM, David Elmo wrote: > >> A friend is frustrated by the way OS X puts screen shots in PDF format. Is >> there a setting in OS X to change the way this is done? So you auto end up >> with a PICT? >> >> I can do it by opening the PDF in Illustrator and exporting as a PICT (and >> lots else) but my friend is a poor schmuck in spite of being a very clever >> engineer and would not do things in two steps, this is for lesser beings like >> me... >> >> I must say, it does not look very sensible of Apple to have done this given >> the huge file size of PDFs. Why rip the past up so violently? PICTs are >> things all older Mac software understand and they are easy to convert to jpg >> etc. >> > Well, for one, PDFs are to Quartz what Pict files were to Quickdraw. The > reason that pict files were standard is that they were the standard image > format of the screen...anything you saw on the mac screen was, in essence a > pict file drawn by the Quickdraw routines in the OS. (note this is hugely > simplified.) > > OSX's interface is based on Display PDF, meaning PDF files are the native > format. > > Also PDF files are far more cross-platform than Pict files. > > Bruce Johnson > Well, fine Bruce, perhaps it was a bit harsh of me to say Apple did not seem sensible etc... You point out the deep seated nature of the decision. Anyway, on the practical issue I just worked out these last few minutes what to do. For anyone interested: I wondered whether you can copy the picture from a pdf as you can text. Could not see how? There's a text button (to select text). So I had this brilliant thought: look at the help menu in Acrobat Reader (/Reader Guide) and yes, it contained the clue: if you look at the standard buttons and hold your mouse down on the text button, there are other buttons, one a graphics selection one! I tried it with a screen shot my friend with the OS X sent me. I was able to copy the picture (and paste straight into SuperPaint .... it is the particular thing he wanted to be able to do). So copying from PDF to the clipboard is the way to go, it will paste then to most apps. Tip (also one from the help files I had to use), if you cannot copy the graphic, shut your Reader down and increase memory to the app, I had to give mine much more than the recommended for it to work (I gave it over 50 MB. (Why quite so much? Because I can, I have RAM to spare and enjoy throwing it around OK? :) David Elmo -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Sonnet & PowerLogix Upgrades - start at $169 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/pci-powermacs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
