iWork '09 files are really .zip files, contain PDF previews

12. Oct, 2009 4 Comments

iWork files created from Pages, Numbers and Keynote are all really .zip files containing XML and plist files that describe the formatting. But more importantly, the files also include a PDF representation of the file. So, if someone sends a Pages file to a coworker that lacks the software (even a PC user), all one has to do is unzip the file to get a readable PDF.

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4 Responses to “iWork '09 files are really .zip files, contain PDF previews”

  1. Bill Sodeman Reply 02. Nov, 2009 at 1:54 am

    Clever! I will have to try this out. It's a lot easier than sending an MS Office doc around.

  2. Jenna Berry Reply 02. Feb, 2010 at 1:51 am

    Or you could just use Cmd+P > “PDF v” and “Save as PDF …” or “Mail PDF” if you’re uncertain if your colleague has iWork or even a Mac (Mail has built-in previews for iWork and MS Office)

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

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    [...] the file’s extension to .zip, then unzip it with your favorite zip utility. Inside you should find a PDF preview document containing a nicely formatted version of the document in [...]

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