1.1.12

File Formats

Test yourself

File Formats

Sound, pictures, video, and text are all binary data stored in different file formats on a computer.

Illustrative background for File formatsIllustrative background for File formats ?? "content

File formats

  • Data can be arranged and stored in files in many different file formats.
  • The format of a particular file is indicated by the file extension, found at the end of the filename.
    • An image file with filename "photo.jpg" has a file extension of ".jpg".
    • We identify this image as having the JPEG format.
  • Different programs have certain formats of files that they can open.
Illustrative background for Open-source vs proprietaryIllustrative background for Open-source vs proprietary ?? "content

Open-source vs proprietary

  • Proprietary files are files that can be opened only by specific software programs.
    • For example, Adobe Photoshop files with the extension .PSD can only be opened by Adobe programs.
  • Encoding methods for proprietary files types are often restricted through licences.
  • Open format file types are published for free and can be used by everybody.
Illustrative background for Examples of file formatsIllustrative background for Examples of file formats ?? "content

Examples of file formats

  • Sound files: .aac, .mp3, .wav, .mid, .flac, .aiff
  • Text files: .doc, .txt, .rtf
  • Image files: .jpeg, .gif, .png, .bmp
  • Video files: .mov, .mp4, .flv, .wmv

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Data Representation

1.2Data Transmission

1.3Hardware

1.4Software

1.5The Internet & its Uses

1.6Cyber Security

1.7Automated & Emerging Technologies

2Algorithms, Programming & Logic

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium