file format

In computing, specific way data are stored in a file. Most computer programs use proprietary file formats that cannot be read by other programs. As this is inconvenient for users, software publishers have developed filters that convert older file formats into the ones the program in use can read.

Often file extensions are used to indicate which program was used to create a particular file. Some formats, such as BMP (bitmap), have become so popular and widely used that they are supported by many programs.

Before transmitting data over a public network to another user, it is important to check that the receiving user can read the format the data is in. For this purpose, the most commonly readable format is plain ASCII for text and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) for graphics.