Portable Document Format (pdf)
Wikipedia
A file format developed by Adobe that presents documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. Maintains exact formatting across all devices.
MIME Type:
application/pdf
Advantages:
-
Preserves exact formatting across all platforms
-
Supports digital signatures
-
Excellent for document sharing
-
Can contain interactive elements
-
Password protection support
Disadvantages:
-
Can be difficult to edit
-
Larger file size than source documents
-
Not easily editable on mobile devices
-
Some features require paid software
Microsoft Word Document (docx)
Wikipedia
The default document format for Microsoft Word since 2007. Uses XML-based file format, offering better compression and data recovery than older DOC format.
MIME Type:
application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
Advantages:
-
Easily editable
-
Widely supported
-
Better compression than DOC
-
Supports advanced formatting
-
Good for collaborative editing
Disadvantages:
-
May display differently across devices
-
Requires compatible software
-
Can contain malicious macros
-
Not suitable for final distribution
Microsoft Word Legacy Document (doc)
Wikipedia
Legacy binary file format used by Microsoft Word before 2007. Still widely used but gradually being replaced by DOCX.
MIME Type:
application/msword
Advantages:
-
Very widely supported
-
Compatible with older software
-
Familiar to most users
-
Good for basic documents
Disadvantages:
-
Larger file sizes than DOCX
-
Limited recovery options
-
Less secure than modern formats
-
Lacks modern features
HyperText Markup Language (html)
Wikipedia
The standard markup language for documents designed to be displayed in web browsers. Can be viewed on any device with a web browser.
MIME Type:
text/html
Advantages:
-
Universal accessibility
-
Can be viewed in any browser
-
Supports interactive elements
-
Easy to share online
-
SEO friendly
Disadvantages:
-
May require multiple files (images, CSS)
-
Formatting can vary between browsers
-
Not suitable for print layouts
-
Limited page layout control
OpenDocument Text (odt)
Wikipedia
An open-source document format that is the default format for LibreOffice and OpenOffice. Based on XML file format specification.
MIME Type:
application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.text
Advantages:
-
Open standard format
-
No licensing fees
-
Good compatibility
-
Supports advanced features
-
Platform independent
Disadvantages:
-
Less widely supported than DOC/DOCX
-
May lose formatting in Microsoft Office
-
Limited mobile app support
-
Fewer available templates
Rich Text Format (rtf)
Wikipedia
A document file format developed by Microsoft that is supported by many word processors and operating systems. Good for basic formatted text documents.
MIME Type:
application/rtf
Advantages:
-
Wide compatibility
-
Preserves basic formatting
-
Smaller file size than DOC
-
Good for text-focused documents
-
More stable than DOC/DOCX
Disadvantages:
-
Limited formatting options
-
No support for advanced features
-
Not suitable for complex layouts
-
Limited image support