A number of the computer applications and web sites we use create nice pictures that we would like to insert into word processed documents. Here are some tips on how to do this.

Graphics Files Some of our applications can save the graphics view in a graphics file format. For example, Rasmol can save the displayed structure as a .gif image or a .bmp (gif = graphics interchange format; bmp = bitmapped picture). PyMol uses the portable network graphics format (.png). Some other applications can create jpeg (.jpg; joint photographic experts group) graphics. Swiss PDB makes tiff (.tif; tagged image file format) pictures.

All such pictures can be incorporated into Word or other Windows applications by choosing: Insert - Picture - From File, and navigating to the picture.

Web Pages Pictures embedded in web pages, such as the graphics in our course pages can be saved in whatever format was used to create them (I use mostly .gif or .jpg). Right click on the picture and choose: Save Picture As from the menu that appears. Then embed it in your document as above.

The MFold Server If you submit an RNA sequence to the MFold server (Problem 2), it will create some nice graphics for you. Paste your sequence into the window, accept all the default conditions, and click fold. When the results appear, scroll down to near the bottom of the page, where it says "Click here for structure viewing options". Select the .png or .jpg formats and the picture will appear in your browser window. Save it as above, and you're in business. You can also download the graphics in a .zip compressed file.

You will get something like this:

Folded RNA from the MFold Server

The PsiPred Server The second problem set asks you to submit a protein sequence to the PsiPred server to predict a secondary structure. Results are emailed to you, along with a weblink to create a graphic. Choose the .jpg format, save the graphic from the resulting web page, and insert it as above.

The result will look something like this:

Secondary Structure Prediction, PsiPred Server

General You can save any window on your desktop to the clipboard as a .bmp graphic. Left click in the window to make it active. Hold down the Alt key and press PrintScreen. This copies the window. Then paste the image into whatever Windows application you wish. ONE CAUTION: the entire window, including its frame, is saved. So maximize the area of the graphic before using this trick.