Format Atlas

Guides

Choose a document delivery format

For document delivery, decide whether the recipient needs a fixed presentation or an editable source.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Final version for viewing or printing → PDF
  • Document the recipient must edit → DOCX
  • Editable presentation slides → PPTX

Keep the final copy and editable source separately

Deliver a final PDF when its appearance should stay stable, and retain the DOCX or PPTX source for later revisions.

Formats to consider

PDF

Good for: Final delivery with stable visual layout

Less suitable for: A draft for collaborative editing

DOCX

Good for: Sharing an editable document

Less suitable for: Final delivery requiring a fixed layout

PPTX

Good for: Sharing an editable presentation

Less suitable for: A final copy for viewing only

Markdown

Good for: Technical writing and version control

Less suitable for: Delivery where rendering differences cannot be checked

Before you export

  • Check fonts, line breaks, links, and images after exporting to PDF.
  • Video and animation in PPTX may not carry over to PDF.

Related comparisons

PDF vs DOCXPDF is suited to distributing a reviewed page layout; DOCX is suited to creating and revising a document. Choose by what the recipient needs to do.PPTX vs PDFPPTX is an editable slide deck; PDF is suited to sharing a fixed-looking version for viewing or print. Choose whether recipients need the source or a reviewed final copy.TXT vs MarkdownTXT stores unformatted text, while Markdown adds lightweight notation for document structure. Both remain plain text, but Markdown's headings, links, and code markers need a compatible renderer to appear formatted.

Guides

Choosing a Spreadsheet Exchange FormatUse CSV to exchange values in a single table. Choose XLSX when the recipient needs formulas, formatting, or multiple worksheets.

References and specifications