Media Convert is a free online service that converts most popular file formats into different file types without requiring you to install any software or own the applications for the documents you want to change. This is a great tool for converting files clients send you into formats you can actually work with, as well as for converting Flash files you’ve exported from QuarkXPress into many other multimedia formats, such as QuickTime or other video formats. The service supports both Flash video (.flv) and Shockwave Flash (.swf) formats.

It supports a long list of common document types such as Microsoft Office, Word Perfect, PDF, and Lotus 123, along with most file archive formats, image formats, and movie and sound formats. But you don’t have to know the format of your source file — just choose “Automatic detection” from the Input Format popup menu.

This is a great tool for converting the files clients send you into formats you can actually work with. Their list of audio and video formats is most impressive. Try it at www.media-convert.com

Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet is a contributing editor for Design Tools Monthly, the executive summary of graphic design news. He is also the morning editor and reviews editor for The Mac Observer and iPodObserver.com, and contributing writer for Layers Magazine and Photoshop User. He writes the InBrief column for InDesign Magazine, and is the author of “The Designer’s Guide to Mac OS X,” from Peachpit Press

When Jeff isn’t writing about the graphic design world, he’s talking about it on the Design Tools Weekly podcast with co-host Jay Nelson. He also talks about Apple and the Mac world every week on The Mac Observer’s Apple Weekly Report.

Jeff studies, tests and reviews new software and technologies for the Macintosh community as well as the design and print industries. He is a former Pre-press specialist, and has nearly 25 years experience with computer technology. Jeff trains, lectures and consults on techniques for more efficiently using Mac OS X in creative environments throughout the country.

In the rare moments when he can get away from his MacBook Pro, Jeff spends his time climbing and biking in the Colorado mountains.