Capterra Glossary
Format
A format is the layout or structure of data saved in a computer file. Data files can be formatted in either plain text format or binary format. Plain text format stores data using the standard ASCII characters, while binary format stores data in binary code (0ʻs and 1ʻs) so that it can be easily read by a computer. A data file’s format tells a program how its contents should be interpreted, retrieved, and displayed on a computer device. Common file formats include image formats such as .jpg or .tif; sound formats such as .wav or .mp3; video formats such as .mp4; .mov, program formats such as .com and .exe; and text files such as .docx and .pdf.
What Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Format
Small and midsize businesses use certain file formats to ensure that various business materials can easily be stored, shared, and opened by both internal and external stakeholders. For instance, if an office administrator at a small corporation wanted to send an annual company calendar out to their entire organization, they would create the calendar using some sort of spreadsheet or graphic design software. They would then export the file into a .PDF file format and send it via email to the entire office. By specifying the calendar’s file format, the office administrator can ensure that the file can easily be downloaded and opened by office members using any computer program with a built-in PDF reader such as a web browser.
Related Terms
- Big Data
- Analytics and Business Intelligence (ABI)
- Business Analytics
- Digital Disruption
- Master Data Management (MDM)
- Advanced Technology
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Predictive Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data And Analytics
- Data Mining
- Clickstream Analysis
- Information Delivery
- Real-time Analytics
- Computer-brain Interface
- Business Intelligence (BI) Services