Guides
Guides
Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.
Archive
Choosing an Archive FormatZIP · 7ZZIP is a practical first choice for unknown recipients. Consider 7Z when their extraction tools and settings can be confirmed.Testing extraction and contents before archive handoffZIP · 7ZAfter choosing a format, verify the intended file list and recipient environment, test extraction and compare the contents with the originals.Choose a compression or disk image formatZIP · GZIP · BZIP2 · XZ · ISO ImageDecide whether you need to bundle multiple files, compress one stream, or preserve a disk image's structure.
Audio
Choose an audio distribution formatMP3 · AAC · OGG · FLACFor delivery, check the listener's playback environment as well as file size and whether the source must remain available.Checking audio masters before handoffWAV · FLACAfter choosing a storage format, record audio parameters and metadata, then check converted data separately from recipient playback.Choose an audio preservation formatFLAC · WAV · M4ACheck whether you need lossless audio and which tools must read it. FLAC saves space; WAV fits many recording and editing workflows.Choose an audio streaming formatMP3 · AAC · Opus · OGG · FLACStart with listener devices, apps, and platform. Choose a codec separately from the container that carries it.
CAD and drawings
Data
Checks before handing off an AI modelONNX · Safetensors · GGUFDistinguish weights, computation graphs and inference environments. Deliver dependencies and representative-input results together; successful conversion alone does not establish compatibility or quality.Choose a format for analytics and data exchangeParquet · Avro · ORC · CSVChoose among columnar analytics, schema-based record exchange, and human-readable tables based on your platform and data types.Choose a calendar or contact file formatiCalendar · vCard · CSVUse ICS to import events into a calendar, VCF for contact apps, and CSV when you need to edit a list as a table.Verifying calendar and contact data with a trial importiCalendar · vCard · CSVAfter choosing a format, check time interpretation, recurrence, contact fields and duplicate handling in a test environment before migrating existing data.Choose a configuration file formatJSON · YAML · TOMLCheck which formats the target tool accepts first. If several are supported, choose one the team can validate and maintain safely.Choosing a Data Exchange FormatJSON · XML · CSVStart with the receiving system's specification. Use JSON for structured API data, XML where an integration requires its schema, and CSV for a single table.Handing off genomic annotations and signal tracksbigBed · bigWigSeparate annotations from numerical signals and agree on the reference genome, coordinates, units and viewer. This is distinct from preserving raw reads or alignments.Checks before handing off GIS dataGeoPackage · GeoJSON · FlatGeobufAgree on layers, coordinate reference systems, attributes and recipient software. Beyond choosing a format, verify positions and retained information after conversion.Preparing and handing off GNSS post-processing dataRINEX · SP3Separate observations from orbit and clock products, then align coverage, time systems and supported versions. Changing extensions does not compute a position solution.Handing Off Point Clouds with LAS, LAZ and E57LAS · LAZ · E57Point-cloud handoffs need coordinates, attributes, scan context and reader support, not just an extension. This is distinct from mesh or 3D-print workflows.Checks before handing off scientific arraysnetCDF · HDF5 · ZarrTransfer netCDF, HDF5 or Zarr arrays with their meaning, dependencies and reader requirements. Unlike choosing a table format, this requires checking dimensions and missing-value interpretation.Choosing Sequencing Files by WorkflowFASTQ · BAM · CRAMRaw reads, alignment inspection, analysis storage and sharing need different information. Manage references, indexes and preservation settings alongside formats.Handing off and testing a web archiveWARCFor a WARC handoff, check capture scope, dependent records, indexes and replay tools together. Unlike unpacking ZIP, verify what a page at a selected capture time can reproduce.Choosing Web Data and Configuration FormatsJSON · YAML · XMLConsider JSON for machine exchange such as APIs, YAML for configuration people edit, and XML for existing schema-based integrations.
Documents
Choose a document delivery formatPDF · DOCX · PPTX · MarkdownFor document delivery, decide whether the recipient needs a fixed presentation or an editable source.Choose a document editing formatDOCX · ODT · Markdown · TXTUse DOCX or ODT for formatted collaboration according to the recipient's tools, Markdown for versioned technical text, and TXT for plain characters.Choosing an Ebook FormatEPUB · PDFUse EPUB when text should adapt to the reader's screen. Consider PDF when page layout must stay fixed for distribution or print.Checking versions, display and hidden data before document handoffDOCX · PDFSeparate editable originals and viewing copies, inspect revision history and dependencies, then test display and re-editing in the recipient's application.Checking EPUB structure and reading order before handoffEPUB · PDFCheck the distribution EPUB with a validator and target readers, recording chapter order, navigation, referenced resources and display differences.Choose an Office editing formatDOCX · ODT · XLSX · ODS · PPTX · ODP · PDFFor new work, match the collaborators' software. After converting older files, inspect the result; consider PDF for final view-only delivery.Checking dependencies and playback before presentation handoffPPTX · PDFSeparate editable slides from viewing copies, gather linked assets and test the slide show in the intended application and equipment.
Verifying messages after an email migrationEML · MBOX · MSGAfter choosing a format, record scope and metadata, then compare bodies, attachments and counts in a trial import before migrating the working mailbox.Choose a format for saving or migrating emailEML · MBOX · MSGChoose according to whether you need one message, a whole mailbox, or an Outlook item, and back up the source before importing.
Fonts
Checking missing glyphs and fallbacks in web-font deliveryWOFF2 · TTF · OTFVerify converted or subset fonts against delivery settings and actual rendered text, including failures hidden by fallback fonts.Choosing a Web Font FormatWOFF2 · TTF · OTFWOFF2 is the first candidate for browser delivery. TTF and OTF are often used in desktop or production workflows; check the license and character coverage.
Images
Choose a format for animationGIF · WebP · AVIF · MP4Use GIF or animated WebP/AVIF for short image loops. Consider video when you need longer playback, audio, or controls; test real files in the target environment.Choose a design production formatAI · PSD · EPS · SVG · PDFSeparate the editable production source, artwork for established print workflows, web graphics, and final viewing or print files.Choose web-image compression and animation formatsJPEG · PNG · WebP · AVIF · APNG · JPEG XLSeparate photos, transparency, animation, and compatibility needs. Compare actual files at the destination instead of assuming size or quality from a format name.Checking settings and rendering before photo-editing handoffDigital Negative · JPEG · XMP · ICCDistinguish original images, editing settings and rendered viewing copies; gather dependencies and verify results at the destination.Choose a photo file formatJPEG · WebP · TIFF · PNGFor photographs, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize easy sharing, smaller web files, or production and editing requirements.Choose a transparent image formatPNG · WebP · SVG · GIFFor transparency, consider whether you need partial opacity, photographic detail, or scalable vector artwork, then check destination support.Choose a web image formatJPEG · PNG · WebP · SVGDecide what kind of image you are serving and which browsers and tools must support it before choosing a web format.
Certificates and keys
Choose a certificate or key file formatPEM · CRT · DER · PFX · CSRCheck the destination's required format first, and distinguish an issued certificate, a certificate request, and a private key.CSV formula injection and safer exportsCSVCSV quoting preserves field boundaries, but does not stop spreadsheet software from interpreting a cell as a formula. Choose an export strategy for the intended app and test it there.Where to keep configuration and secrets.env · .gitignoreSeparate ordinary settings from credentials, then choose a suitable place for local development, CI, and production based on access and exposure risk.Sharing Packet Captures SafelyPCAPNG · PCAPShare only the packets and details needed for troubleshooting; capture files can expose payloads and network identifiers.
Spreadsheets
Choosing a Spreadsheet Exchange FormatCSV · XLSXUse CSV to exchange values in a single table. Choose XLSX when the recipient needs formulas, formatting, or multiple worksheets.Checking values and formulas before spreadsheet handoffXLSX · CSVAgree on sheets and calculation results, then compare types, formulas and counts after export and reopening. This is a verification workflow, not format selection.
Subtitles
Choosing a Subtitle FormatWebVTT · SRT · TTMLUse WebVTT for web video text tracks, SRT for simple subtitle exchange, and TTML when a supported delivery workflow agrees on the profile.Checking subtitle timing and display before handoffWebVTT · SRT · TTMLAfter choosing a format, verify synchronization with the same video edit, timing interpretation and conversion losses, then test in the recipient's player.
3D
Handing off 3D assets with their dependenciesglTF · USDSeparate finished-asset delivery from editable-scene exchange. Check referenced files and recipient capabilities, then verify appearance and motion in an independent workspace.Choose a 3D file formatglTF · FBX · OBJ · STLSeparate web display, production scene exchange, geometry transfer, and printing; check whether materials, animation, and units must survive.Choose a 3D printing formatSTL · 3MF · OBJChoose whether to transfer only geometry or also units, materials, and colors. Always check dimensions and mesh condition before printing.
Video
Checking an HLS or DASH package before handoffHLS playlist · MPEG-DASH MPDInventory referenced media and delivery conditions, not just playlists or an MPD, then verify playback, seeking and track switching at the destination.Choose a video container formatMP4 · WebM · MOV · MKV · AVI · FLVDo not infer playback support from the extension alone. Check container, internal codecs, subtitles, and delivery destination together.Choose a video distribution formatMP4 · WebM · MOV · MKVChoose the container and the codecs inside it according to the playback destination and production workflow.