TextConverter

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find a collection of all frequently asked questions regarding the TextConverter.

Installation and Uninstallation

Supported Formats

Functions

Settings

Pro Version

Commercial Use

Languages

Other Questions

On which systems does the TextConverter run?

The TextConverter is currently available for the Windows operating system. You will find the corresponding download on the download page of the TextConverter. The support of other systems is planned.

How to install the TextConverter?

The TextConverter is a portable program. This means that you can use the TextConverter without an installation. It is sufficient to save the program file (under Windows the EXE file) to any place on your computer and click on the program file to start the program. This has the advantage that the program does not make any unwanted profound changes to your system (for example, registry entries or changes in system folders). In addition, you can run any number of versions of the program (for example, with different configurations) in parallel, you can start the TextConverter from a USB stick and easily take the application along with their settings to another computer by simply copying the program folder. Read more about this topic in the installation help.

When starting the program I get the message "the program file is still located in the ZIP archive". What can I do?

When you download the TextConverter from this page, you download a ZIP archive containing the actual program file. ZIP archives have the advantage that they consume less disk space and may contain more than one file. That’s why we deliver all our programs that you can download from this page in ZIP archives. If you start the program and the program file has not yet been extracted from the ZIP archive, the program will warn you with the following message:

Apparently, the program file is still located in the ZIP archive. This may cause that not all program functions can be executed correctly. Please unzip the program from the ZIP folder and start the unpacked program again afterwards.

Before you use the TextConverter, you should extract the program file from the ZIP archive, because otherwise the program will not be able to access the files stored in its own program folder, for example. Learn more about ZIP files and how to extract ZIP archives here.

Can I use multiple versions of the TextConverter in parallel?

Yes. If you want to run several versions of the program independently of each other on the same computer, you can create a separate folder for each version in which you can store the program file. You should also activate the option "Save to Application Directory" which can be found in the menu "Settings > Save or Load Settings > Storage Options". With this option activated, all settings are saved directly in the program directory, so that the individual installations cannot interfere when saving or loading their settings. If you instead let the operating system manage the storage of the settings files, each of the installations would access the same settings file and would not be independent of each other.

With this method it is possible, for example, to use old and new versions of the TextConverter at the same time or to start the same version of the program with different start settings.

How do I uninstall the TextConverter?

Since the TextConverter is a portable program, there is no need for a cumbersome uninstall procedure to completely remove the program from your computer. Instead, it is sufficient to just delete the program file (on Windows, the EXE file). If you have saved program settings on your computer, you can go to the menu "Settings > Save or load settings" before deleting the program file and click on "Delete" under "Delete Settings". This permanently deletes all settings and configurations that the TextConverter has stored on your computer.

Is it possible to edit Word documents using the TextConverter?

No. The TextConverter is optimized to handle text files, not binary files. Text files are files that contain displayable characters. Classic text files have the file extension TXT, but also files with the extensions HTML, HTM, CSS, PHP, CSV, XML, JS, LOG, SQL, C, CPP, JAVA, PAS, BAT or SH are usually text files. The TextConverter is designed to handle all text files, regardless of their file extension. Word documents (DOC or DOCX) as well as OpenOffice documents (ODT) and Excel spreadsheets (XLS or XLSX) are binary files that are not just plain text. For example, DOCX documents are internally a collection of zipped files and folders. Binary files should not be edited with the TextConverter. You can find out more on this topic in the overview of the supported formats of the TextConverter.

What happens when files contain characters that are not supported by my chosen encoding?

Before storing a file, the TextConverter automatically checks whether all characters contained in the file are representable with the selected encoding. If this is not the case, the TextConverter displays a warning information in which the non-storable characters are indicated. Therein, the user can decide whether the process should be aborted or continued. If the process is continued, the non storable characters are usually replaced by question marks. Important: The warning is only displayed when using the graphical user interface. If the TextConverter is called via the command line or by script, it is always stored without a warning message.

In which form can I define code points for line breaks and CSV parameters?

Line breaks as well as CSV parameters such as field separators and field delimiters can be defined via user-defined code points in the TextConverter for reading and writing. The notation can be decimal, hexadecimal and in the form U+X. Pure numbers are interpreted as decimal numbers, hexadecimal numbers must be preceded by #, multiple code points can be separated with spaces, non-interpretable characters are ignored. Thus, the Windows line break CR LF could be defined, among other writings, in the following forms: "13 10", "#0D#0A", "#0D #0A", "U+000D U+000A", "U+0D U+0A", "U+000D + U+000A", "13 U+0A" or "U+000D #0A".

Can I use the the TextConverter via the command line or in scripts?

Yes. Examples and explanations can be found on the page about the script control of the TextConverter.

Is it possible to save and load settings?

Yes. It is possible to save the settings of the TextConverter as a file or a profile, to define settings with which the TextConverter should start and, of course, to load the stored settings again. You will find the corresponding functions in the menu "Settings > Save or load settings". All functions for saving and loading settings are explained in detail on this page.

The TextConverter should always start with the last used settings. Where can I configure this?

Activate the option "Save automatically on closing" under the start settings in the menu "Settings > Save or load settings". If this option is activated, the TextConverter always saves the current state of the program including all settings when it is closed in order to restore these settings the next time the program is started.

Where are the settings saved?

The converter can save its settings either directly in the program folder or in a folder assigned by the operating system. Both storage locations have their advantage: If the settings are saved directly in the program folder, you can simply move the program together with the folder to another computer or run the program from a memory stick or an external hard disk. In addition, you can run several versions of the program with different settings simultaneously. If the settings are stored in a common folder of the operating system, the settings are central and can be loaded independently of the location of the program. In the menu "Settings > Save and load settings" under the item "Storage Options" you can choose where you want to save your settings. Depending on the operating system and version of the operating system, other folders are provided for storing the settings. On the information page for loading and saving settings, we have compiled the storage locations for all common and relevant operating systems.

How can I delete the settings?

Go to the menu "Settings > Save and load settings". Here you will find a button "Delete" under "Delete settings". If you click on this button, all settings saved by the program will be deleted from your computer. This affects both profiles as well as startup and language settings.

What are the differences between the TextConverter Basic and the the TextConverter Pro Versions?

For an overview of all differences between all different versions of the TextConverter, see the page TextConverter Versions. On this page, we have compiled for you a table that contains information about which function is supported by which version.

How to get the Pro Version of the TextConverter?

The Pro Version of the TextConverter can be paid by PayPal or bank transfer. We will then send you an e-mail with the activation code and a download link for the Pro Version. You can find the buy button as well as further information about all available payment methods and the payment process on this page.

I already use a Pro Version of the TextConverter. How can I upgrade my license to a different Pro version?

No problem. Simply write to us. You only pay the difference to the higher version and we change your old key to the new version.

How can I change my license, for example after an upgrade or a new purchase?

If you have already activated the TextConverter and you would like to use a new activation code instead of your old activation code, for example to upgrade to a different version of the software, you can proceed as follows: Go to the menu of the program and click on "Info & Help > Change License" to open the window that you already know from your first activation of the TextConverter. You can use this window to enter your new activation code or you can use the offline activation there. After you have clicked on the button "Activate", the TextConverter will be closed. The next time you start the TextConverter, it will open with your new license.

Alternatively, or if you are using an older version of the TextConverter that was not yet equipped with the "Change License" function, you can also delete the file "TextConverter.key". This file contains the key used to start the software. If this file is no longer available, the window for activation appears again when you start the TextConverter and you can carry out the activation as when starting the program for the first time. Depending on your settings, you will find the file "TextConverter.key" either in the program directory or in a directory managed by the operating system, which may be different depending on the operating system you use. You can find out which directory this is in your case in the last section of this page.

I want to use the TextConverter commercially. How do I get a commercial license?

The free Basic Version of the TextConverter may only be used for non-commercial purposes. If you want to use the TextConverter commercially, you need a paid license. Further information about the purchase can be found on this page.

May I use the Pro Version commercially?

Yes. Only the free downloadable Basic Version may not be used commercially. All Pro Versions may be used commercially without any restrictions.

In which language does the TextConverter start and why?

When starting the TextConverter, the program looks in which language your operating system is set. If the TextConverter has already been translated into the language of your operating system, the program will automatically start in that language. If the TextConverter has not yet been translated into the language of your operating system, the program will start in English by default.

How can I change the language of the TextConverter?

If you prefer a language other than the language selected by the program's automatic language selection, you can change the program language at any time in the settings. Simply go to the menu "Settings > Language Settings". Here you will find a selection of all languages into which the TextConverter has been translated so far. If you select a language here, the program immediately switches to your chosen language during runtime. If you want to save your selection permanently, click on the button "Save Language". Then the TextConverter will start in your desired language from the next start on. For more information, see the language settings help.

In which languages has the TextConverter been translated so far?

The TextConverter is currently available in 5 languages. These include English, Deutsch (German), Español (Spanish), Français (French) and 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese). More information can be found in our translation portal.

Do I need a specific program version if I want to use the TextConverter in a specific language?

No. All languages supported by the TextConverter are included in the current version of the TextConverter and can be changed at runtime. Therefore, all languages have the same program version and you do not need a special version of the program for a specific language.

Will the TextConverter be translated into my language in future?

Whether the TextConverter will soon be available in your language depends on whether there is a volunteer who is willing to translate the program into your language. Instead of waiting for that, you can also become active and make the translation yourself. We have compiled for you all further information on this page.

How can I translate the TextConverter to another language?

You can help to translate the TextConverter into a new language. All necessary information can be found in our translation portal. Here you can find out which program has been translated into which languages so far and how you can personally help with the translation.

I wish a new function in the TextConverter or have a suggestion for improvement. Whom can I contact?

Our goal is to continuously extend and improve the TextConverter. If you have suggestions for improvement or suggestions for new features or other changes, please contact us.

I have found a bug in the TextConverter. How can I report the error?

We are always grateful for bug reports or other suggestions to improve our programs. Just write us a short message via our contact form. If you want you can stay anonymous.

My question is not answered here. Who can help me?

For further questions we have set up an AskingBox portal. In this forum you can also ask your questions online without a registration or you can read previous questions asked by other users. If you have a personal question you can also contact us via our contact form.