Help

Downloadable Formats and Web Tools

The primary format for material on Government of Canada websites (including LAC's) is HTML. However, in some cases, presenting material in HTML is not sufficient, or even possible. Some material is created in other software formats, and must be presented in those formats to retain functionality. For example, a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet presented in HTML would lose its ability to perform calculations.

For this reason, LAC in some cases presents material in formats other than HTML. When this is the case, you will see a chart that lists the alternative formats in which the material is available. You can download the material in the format of your choice by clicking on the appropriate check-mark in the chart.

In order to ensure that our users will always be able to access material presented in non-HTML formats, we offer below links to free software that permits you to view material in the alternative formats used on the LAC site. Please note that not all of the software's original functionality will be available with these free viewers.

• PDF Reader
  You can view documents in PDF format (files with names ending in .pdf) by using Acrobat Reader software, which is available for free from Adobe.
  www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html
  Adobe also provides a conversion service that will convert Adobe PDF files to text files. This service is available for files in English and French.
  www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/access_onlinetools.html

• Word, WordPerfect, Rich Text and Text Reader
  You can view documents in Word, Wordperfect, Rich Text or text formats by using Microsoft Word Viewer software, which is available for free from Microsoft.
  www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID= 95e24c87-8732-48d5-8689-ab826e7b8fdf&DisplayLang;=en
  You can also view Rich Text files by using your default text reader (MS Word, Wordperfect or Notepad).

• Excel Reader
  You can view documents in Excel format by using Microsoft Excel Viewer software, which is available for free from Microsoft.
  www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID= c8378bf4-996c-4569-b547-75edbd03aaf0&DisplayLang;=en

• PowerPoint Reader
  You can view documents in PowerPoint format by using Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer, which is available for free from Microsoft.
  www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID= 428d5727-43ab-4f24-90b7-a94784af71a4&displaylang;=en

• Flash Player
  You can view animation and specific sites in Flash format by using the Adobe Flash Player, which is available for free from Adobe.
  www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer
  Please note that Flash components on the LAC site are also available in HTML.

• MicroSoft Media Player
  You can view film and video or listen to sounds in MicroSoft Media Player format by using Microsoft Windows Media software, which is available for free from Microsoft.
  www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/ download/AllDownloads.aspx?displang=en

• QuickTime
  You can access files with audio and video content by using QuickTime, which is available for free from Apple.
  www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html

• RealPlayer
  You can access files with audio and video content by using RealPlayer, which is available for free from RealNetworks.
  www.real.com/international/?lang=en&loc;=ca

• Shockwave
  You can access interactive multimedia content by using Shockwave software, which is available for free from Adobe.
  www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/

• Search Library and Archives Using Google Toolbar
  At any time while online, not just while on the LAC website, you can search LAC’s library and archives databases as well as the LAC website. The Google Toolbar installed in your Internet Explorer or Firefox browser plus the LAC search button, are all you need.
  
  Download the LAC search button: http://toolbar.google.com/buttons/add?url= http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/help/011-301-001-e.xml
  
  (If you don’t already have Google Toolbar, it will install before the LAC button is added.)