How to Save Mac Files on a PC

Many Mac files are usable on a PC.

Macs and PCs use different operating systems, and their file structures differ as well. That said, if you are moving files to a PC from a Mac, take heart. Many files, such as JPEG images and many music files, can be used on either system. Others, such as Microsoft Office files, can be used without any modification whatsoever provided both computers have Office software.

Things You'll Need

• Data device to move files, such as a flash drive.

Instructions

1. Copy your Mac files onto data device. A USB flash drive is a good option, as they are small, portable and hold a lot of data, but any portable external drive will do. Plug the drive into the USB slot on your Mac and click and drag the files you want to save to the PC onto the external drive disk icon on the desktop.

2. Remove the external drive by dragging the icon to the trash can on the desktop and then physically removing the drive from the computer.

3. Plug the external drive into the PC and open it on the desktop.

4. Create a new folder on the PC desktop.

5. Click and drag the files from the external drive to the new folder on your desktop. The files are now saved on your PC.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are transferring files from word processing programs on the Mac that are not present on the PC, save the files as in Rich Text Format (RTF) prior to the transfer. This way, they will be readable to whatever text reader is being used on the PC.

References

• Univ. of Tennessee, Chattanooga: Mac to PC and Back