Product

Online Conversion Services

SmartCatalog can convert your book to PDF or HTML quickly and efficiently. Web managers love to free themselves of this repetitive task and, in most cases, we can turn around HTML versions in as little as two weeks.

Unlike other conversion services, SmartCatalog sets your file directory with discrete files for each subject area and degree program. Viewers find what they need quickly, and can print the file easily. All conversions are done in Dreamweaver with a linking table of contents. Clients may choose to use their own cascading style sheets or not.

Conversion Q & A

How do you convert files to HTML?
  1. Send us your Quark or PageMaker files. We will extract all the text and create Word files to start the process.
  2. Once the files are in a text format, several pre-conversion modifications take place.
  3. Word documents are divided into discrete files and named according to your preferences or to match existing files.
The number of files to be converted roughly corresponds to the table of contents in the printed catalog. Plan on one file for each degree program. Course descriptions are generally divided by offering department. Admissions, tuition information and staff directories generally do not need to be included in the online document.

How do you work with my IT staff?

We are here to save your IT staff time on an important, but repetitive, task. We take our direction from them.

SmartCatalog conversion services are fundamental. We will not alter or modify your website design. Relative links and graphics are not provided. It's up to your IT staff to post the catalog files to your site.

How long does it take?

Turn around is two weeks for converting Quark or PageMaker files to Word, and two weeks to convert to HTML.
What's Better PDF or HTML?

Both.

A PDF file has value because it retains the catalog's integrity as a document. Although it may be considered clunky and old fashioned, it's an effective method to maintain consistency between printed and online catalogs. It's also the best way to archive several years of catalogs on your website.

An HTML directory is faster and more searchable than a PDF, and website visitors have come to expect HTML files for curriculum information. But because HTML is more fluid, it is often updated and out of synch with your printed book.

How do you resolve the issue of maintaining up-to-date curriculum information online, yet maintain consistency with the printed catalog?

Use both PDF and HTML formats to address this problem. The PDF file is unchanging and can be the "official" online catalog. The HTML files can be used as a current listing of continuously updated curriculum information, and titled as such. In other words, simply refer to your HTML files as Curriculum Information and only refer to the PDF file as your catalog.