File Format Information

Little Owls Resources · Download help

Choose the right file for your resource.

Whether you’re printing for your provision, reading guidance or adapting a document, a little file-format know-how makes getting started easier.

Our resources come in different formats. Check the resource page and its download options to see what is included.

Compare the formats

PDF, Word or ZIP?

Which download should I choose?

The letters at the end of a filename tell you its format. You might see .pdf, .docx or .zip.

File formatChoose it forHow to open it
PDF
.pdf
Reading or printing a resource as supplied.Use a PDF viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, or your browser’s PDF viewer.
Word
.docx
Adapting the editable parts of a document, where this download is available.Use Microsoft Word. Other compatible apps may display the layout differently.
ZIP
.zip
Downloading a collection of files together in one compressed folder.Extract or unzip the download, then open the individual files inside.

Not every resource is available in every format. On a small screen, swipe or scroll the table sideways to read all three columns.

Make the most of your download

A few useful tips for each format

Ready to read or print

A PDF is a good starting point when you want to use the resource as supplied. Open it in a PDF viewer and check the pages before printing.

Check your paper size and scaling in the print preview. For a larger resource, printing one test page first can help you check the result.

Help with printing

Adapt editable content

Where a Word version is supplied, you can adapt its editable text and elements to suit your children or setting. Some artwork, backgrounds or other parts may be fixed.

Save a copy before making changes. For resources with detailed layouts, we recommend the desktop version of Microsoft Word; fonts and positioning can vary between apps.

Help with editing

Unpack a collection

A ZIP groups files into a single download. Extract the folder first, then open the files inside with the appropriate app.

The contents may be images, documents or a mixture of files. Check the resource page to see what your download contains.

How to open a ZIP

Help with opening and using files

A few common questions

How do I open a ZIP on my device?

Find the ZIP you downloaded, then follow the steps for your device. Open the extracted folder to use the files inside.

Windows

Right-click or press and hold the ZIP, choose Extract All and follow the prompts.

Microsoft’s ZIP instructions

Mac

Double-click the ZIP. The extracted contents appear in the same folder.

Apple’s Mac instructions

iPhone or iPad

Find the ZIP in the Files app and tap it. Open the folder created alongside it.

Apple’s iPhone and iPad instructions

Android with Files by Google

In Files by Google, select the ZIP, choose Extract, then Done. Other file apps may use different labels.

Google’s extraction instructions
Why does my Word document look different?

Different apps can handle fonts, page breaks and image positioning differently. If a font used in the resource is missing from your device, another font may be substituted.

Check the resource’s instructions for any font notes and, where possible, try opening it in the desktop version of Microsoft Word. If you just want to read or print it, choose the PDF version if one is provided.

For help adapting a resource, see our editing guidance.

Can I edit a PDF?

Our PDFs are supplied for reading and printing. Some specialist PDF software can make changes, but a PDF viewer may not offer those editing tools.

If you want to adapt a resource, choose its Word download where one is available, and check which parts can be edited.

Where has my downloaded file gone?

Start with your browser’s download list. On a computer, files often save to a Downloads folder; on a phone or tablet, check the Files app or your device’s file manager.

The location depends on your browser and settings. Search for the filename shown when you downloaded the resource, then check its ending so you know which app to use.

The file still will not open. What should I try?

Check that the download has finished and that you have an app that supports the file format. If it is a ZIP, extract it before opening the contents.

If the download appears incomplete, try downloading it again from the resource page. Still stuck? Contact us with the page link and the exact error message so we can help.

We’re here to help

Still unsure about a file?

Tell us which resource you are using and what happens when you try to open, edit or print it.

support@littleowlsresources.com

Email us for help

Back to Help & support · Contact page