Definition of file formats

Word Processor - What is a word processor? Graphics Software - What is graphics software? Desktop Publishing Software - What is desktop publishing software? File Extension - What does file extension mean? Thank you, the product you've selected has been added to the basket. View Basket. Conversely, open file formats are publicly available and are recognized by multiple programs. For example, StuffIt Deluxe can also save compressed archives in a standard zipped.

ZIP format, which can be opened by nearly all decompression utilities. When software developers create applications that save files, choosing an appropriate file format is important. For some programs, it might make sense to use an open format, which is compatible with other applications.

In other cases, using a proprietary format may give the developer a competitive advantage, since the files created with the program can only be opened with the developer's software. However, most people prefer to have multiple software options, so many developers have moved away from proprietary file formats and now use open formats instead.

For example, Microsoft Word, which used to save word processing documents in the proprietary. DOC format now saves documents in the open. DOCX format, which is supported by multiple applications. NOTE: While the term "file format" technically refers to the structure and content of a file, the term is also used interchangeably with " file type ," which defines a specific type of file, such as a rich text file or a Photoshop document.

The definition of File Format on this page is an original TechTerms. If you would like to reference this page or cite this definition, you can use the green citation links above. The goal of TechTerms. They are created using a vector illustration software, like Illustrator. Apart from the clean and professional look they embody, their biggest advantage is that they maintain the highest quality even when resized.

For example, if your business logo is a vector — and it should be — you can resize it to fit something as big as a billboard sign or as small as your business cards without risking a loss in quality. Today, we can view SVG images on all web browsers. Advantages: resizable without losing quality. Disadvantages: social media platforms do not support this file type.

Best places to use it: Graphics on your web design, illustrated assets for your business logo, icons, diagrams illustrations, etc. MP4 is a multimedia container format, which is just a fancy term for most of the videos we consume on the Internet. This file can contain video, audio, and subtitles. Thanks to its compression format, the end result will be a very lightweight file that can be easily uploaded to your website or favorite social media channel.

In summary, this is the best choice for creating or saving video files to your website, social media and more. Advantages: lightweight file, playable on all major media players and streamable online. Disadvantages: we searched high and low, but it seems that this file type has no flaws. Best places to use it: videos on your website and social media videos Facebook, Youtube, Vimeo, etc. By Ofra Lior. Team Lead of Community Designers.

By Jennifer Kaplan. Community Writer. This Blog was created with Wix Blog.