Format Atlas

Character encoding

Character encoding maps text to bytes. If a CSV or TXT file opens with garbled characters, check the encoding expected by both the writer and reader, including UTF-8 and any byte-order mark.

Formats

CSVCSV is a text format that represents tabular data with rows and delimiters. It suits simple table exchange but does not retain XLSX formulas, formatting, or multiple sheets.TXTTXT commonly stores plain text. The extension alone does not determine character encoding, line endings, or document structure.MarkdownMarkdown is lightweight markup for expressing headings, links, code, and other structure in plain text. CommonMark, GitHub Flavored Markdown, and other dialects can render the same file differently.

Compare

CSV vs XLSXCSV exchanges plain table values. XLSX is a spreadsheet file that can retain formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets.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.Choosing a Data Exchange FormatStart 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.

Related formats and reading

File extensionsAn extension such as .jpg or .pdf is a filename hint, not proof of the file's contents. Inspect the actual format before changing an extension or trusting a download.MIME typesA MIME type identifies the kind of content, often as type/subtype such as image/jpeg. It helps browsers and services handle files, but should be checked against the actual content.

References and specifications