Graphic Conversion Capability of Excel 4.0 for Windows and Mac

Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
Article ID: Q89137
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 4.0
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 4.0

SUMMARY

The following information summarizes the graphics conversion ability of version 4.0 of Microsoft Excel.

The ability to convert pictures from one format to another is an integral part of transferring worksheets between Excel for the Macintosh and Excel for Windows. However, not all picture formats convert perfectly. Understanding the limitations of this process will help avoid problems when transferring worksheets that contain pictures.

The possible conversions, along with their limitations, are:

Macintosh PICT (including Macintosh Bitmap) to Windows Metafile

Limitations:

  • Macintosh PICT files that represent non-rectangular regions, don't convert very well.

    Regions represent areas of arbitrary shape. Windows doesn't translate regions more complex than a single connected loop.

  • Font and font effects don't translate exactly.
  • Windows translates only Macintosh Bitmap files that use 1, 4 or 8 bits per pixel.

    As a result, some System 7 and four color (2 bits per pixel) pictures won't translate correctly. Also, current versions of Macintosh ROM, including all Macintosh IIs, contain Color Quickdraw which supports PICT files with up to 32 bits per pixel. Any of these files that fall outside the range of 1, 4 or 8 bits per pixel will have trouble translating.

  • The size of the picture is limited by available memory.

Windows Metafile to Macintosh PICT

Limitations:

  • Fonts and font effects don't translate exactly.
  • Windows Metafile picture files stored in compressed format won't translate correctly.
  • The size of the picture file is limited by available memory.

Windows Bitmap to Macintosh PICT

Limitations:

  • Fonts and font effects won't translate exactly.
  • Windows Bitmap picture files stored in compressed format won't translate correctly.
  • The size of the picture file is limited by available memory.


KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory:

Additional reference words: 4.0 4.00 graph bmp


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Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
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