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Using Mac graphics files with other applications
How can MacVector graphics output be used with other applications?
MacVector saves the alignment picture display as a SimpleText picture in PICT format. What other options are available for saving graphics output for use with Illustrator, PowerPoint, Canvas, or other graphics applications?
Several options are available for using MacVector graphics results with other application.
Three graphics formats are available with MacVector: PICT, PostScript, and bitmap.
PICT When a map window or picture display is active and you choose Save As from the File menu, MacVector creates a PICT file on disk. (Using the Edit menu to copy a map and then paste it into another application is equivalent to saving a PICT image and importing that PICT file.) PICTs are Mac-specific graphics. MacVector's PICT files contain additional high-resolution information that is not visible on-screen, but which increases the printed quality. This extra information can sometimes cause problems when other applications read MacVector PICT files.
EPS If you print the map window you will be able to set options in Apple's LaserWriter driver to create an EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) file, instead of physically printing it. EPS files are high-resolution, platform-independent graphics.
Bitmap A final option is to do a "screen grab." On Mac OS 9 and later you can save the contents of a window to a disk file by pressing Shift-Apple-4. The cursor changes to a cross-hair symbol. Now click and drag the cursor to select a rectangular area you want to save. The image will be saved in a bitmap file called Picture n on the top level of your hard disk. There is no high-resolution information in this file: it will print exactly as you see it on screen.
The best method for you depends on your answers to the following questions:
Will the map always be viewed and printed on a Macintosh, or might it be moved to PC or UNIX software?
If you are always working on a Macintosh, PICT files are standard and convenient and usually the best general purpose choice. PICT files can be inserted as picture files into many presentations and documents. If you plan to use the graphic map to a computer other than a Macintosh, avoid using PICT files and copied and pasted maps.
Do you need a high-resolution image or use a PostScript printer?
PostScript files can be opened and edited by graphics applications such as Adobe Illustrator. MacGSView can view PostScript files, print them, and export them in various formats. PostScript files can also be inserted into Microsoft Word documents and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations as picture files. If you have trouble copying and pasting graphics into a particular application, which may happen especially with circular maps because of their complexity, try saving to an EPS file. Use EPS files for high quality. If you don't have a PostScript printer, use a screen-grabbed bitmap and live with the lower quality.
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