Create A TIFF File from a Table in Microsoft Word Using Photoshop Elements

 I recently completed Tom Jones' Masterclass Advanced Genealogical Writing Skills Using Microsoft Word offered through the Family History Academy.  The class was incredible - I had no clue how much I didn't know about using Microsoft Word. If the class is offered again, I highly recommend it if you want to improve the look of your genealogy writing. 

One of the topics Tom discussed was preparing Tables and Figures for print publications. They often need to be sent as TIFF files. Tom showed us how to create the files using Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Adobe Photoshop. 

But since I don't have Adobe Acrobat Pro, I had to figure out another way to do it. Turns out, it's easy to do in either Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Photoshop Elements. I have Elements 2023 so instructions are based on that version - my guess is process will be similar in other editions. 

1. Create your table in MS Word and save as a PDF file.

2. Open Photoshop Elements Photo Editor

3. Open your PDF file

            File > Open > navigate to directory where the pdf is and choose it

4. Import PDF Dialog box

            1. On the left side – click on the page with your table

            2. In the Image Size box

                        a. Change inches to pixels

                        b. Set Resolution to 600 pixels/inch

                        c. Select Mode. Choose Grayscale for black and white table or RGB Color for color table

                        d. OK

 

5. Flatten the file

The image will open with a transparent background. To make it easier to see your table, flatten your image.

            Layer > Flatten Image

 

6. Expand the canvas

When PS Elements opens the PDF file, it will choose how much white space to leave as a border around part or all of your table. If you expand the canvas, it will be easier to crop the image to the size you want.

            1. Image > Resize > Canvas Size

            2. In the Canvas Size Dialog box

                        a. Change inches to pixels

                        b. Increase the width by 1000 pixels

                        c. Increase the height by 1000 pixels

                        d. In the Anchor box – highlight the center dot

                        e. Canvas extension color: Choose White

                        f. OK

7. Crop the image

            1. In the Modify section of the tool bar on the left – choose Crop (two overlapping right angles). It’s in the top left corner of the box.

            2. In the Crop box at the bottom of the screen – choose no restriction

            3. With your cursor, draw a box around your table leaving as much white space as you think you need around the table.

            4.  Enter to crop

8. Save your image

            1. File > Save As >

            2. File Name: Enter your filename

            3. Save as Type: Choose TIFF

            4. Save

9. TIFF Option Dialog Box

            1. Image Compression : LZW

            2. Pixel Order: Interleaved

            3. Byte Order: Choose IBM PC or Macintosh

            4. Save

And now you have your table or figure as a TIFF file ready to send off.

Patty Hankins
May 2024