Not all data formats are suitable for long term storage and future usage. Format and software versions change, become obsolete, or require proprietary software to be use.
Here is a list of Common File Formats and the preferred file formats for preservation and access.
Type | Popular Proprietary Format | Preferred Access Format |
---|---|---|
Text |
MS Word (.doc) |
PDF, TXT, HTML |
Images |
Photoshop (.psd) |
TIFF |
Video |
Quicktime |
MPEG4 |
Database |
MS Access |
CSV |
Tabular Data (Spreadsheet) |
MS PowerPoint |
|
Sound/Music |
WMV, MP4, AAC |
WAV |
These formats are based on platforms that are low-cost or free and have a stability. A repository will be able to support these format and guarantee long term preservation. In some cases, your data might require emulation or a proprietary software to view and examine . In these cases, A data repository has different levels of support governed by a preservation and access policy. For example, the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy offers the following levels of support: Full Support (Level 1)
Limited Support (Level 2)
Minimal Support (Level 3)