Complete File Format Guide

Understanding file formats is essential for choosing the right format for your needs. This comprehensive guide covers all major file formats, their uses, and compatibility across different platforms.

Image Formats

FormatExtensionBest UseCompressionTransparency
JPEG.jpg, .jpegPhotographs, web imagesLossyNo
PNG.pngGraphics, logos, screenshotsLosslessYes
WebP.webpModern web imagesBothYes
GIF.gifSimple animationsLosslessYes
SVG.svgVector graphics, iconsVectorYes

Document Formats

FormatExtensionBest UseEditabilityCompatibility
PDF.pdfFinal documents, formsLimitedUniversal
Word.docx, .docText documents, reportsFullHigh
PowerPoint.pptx, .pptPresentations, slideshowsFullHigh
Excel.xlsx, .xlsSpreadsheets, dataFullHigh
Text.txtPlain text, codeFullUniversal

Audio Formats

Lossy Formats

  • MP3Universal compatibility
  • AACBetter quality than MP3
  • OGGOpen source alternative

Lossless Formats

  • FLACHigh quality, open source
  • WAVUncompressed, large files
  • ALACApple's lossless format

Video Formats

MP4 (.mp4)

Most popular video format with excellent compatibility

  • Universal browser and device support
  • Good compression with H.264 codec
  • Ideal for web streaming and sharing

WebM (.webm)

Open-source format optimized for web

  • Excellent compression with VP9 codec
  • Supported by modern browsers
  • Royalty-free and open standard

AVI (.avi)

Legacy format with wide compatibility

  • Older format with large file sizes
  • Good for archival purposes
  • Supports multiple codecs

Choosing the Right Format

For Web Use

  • Images: WebP, JPEG, PNG
  • Documents: PDF
  • Audio: MP3, AAC
  • Video: MP4, WebM

For Editing

  • Images: PNG, TIFF
  • Documents: DOCX, XLSX
  • Audio: WAV, FLAC
  • Video: MOV, AVI

For Archival

  • Images: TIFF, PNG
  • Documents: PDF/A
  • Audio: FLAC, WAV
  • Video: MOV, MKV

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