Know and understand the need for generic file formats

File Management – Generic File Formats (ICT 0417 – Section 11)

1. Why Generic (Standard) File Formats Are Needed

  • Portability – Files can be moved between computers, devices and operating systems without loss of data.

  • Compatibility – Many different programmes can read and write the same format.

  • Longevity – Open standards are less likely to become obsolete, ensuring long‑term access.

  • Collaboration – Team members using different software can work on the same file.

  • Data integrity – Reduces the risk of corruption when converting between proprietary formats.

2. Common Generic File Formats

These are the formats most frequently required for the IGCSE ICT examinations. The table shows the typical file‑extension, common use and key advantages.

CategoryGeneric Format (extension)Typical UseKey Advantages
TextTXT, CSVPlain‑text documents; spreadsheet data exchangeHuman‑readable, very small size, easy to import/export
DocumentPDF, ODT (OpenDocument Text)Reports, e‑books, printable documentsPreserves layout, platform‑independent, widely supported
ImageJPEG, PNG, GIF, SVGPhotographs, graphics, web images, vector illustrationsCompression options; PNG & SVG are lossless; SVG scales without loss
AudioMP3, WAV, OGGMusic, podcasts, sound effectsBroad player support; balance of quality and file size
VideoMP4 (H.264), WebM, OGVFilm, tutorials, streaming videoHigh compatibility, efficient compression
PresentationODP, PDFSlideshows, seminars, webinarsPreserves formatting; PDF is ideal for sharing
Data / DatabaseXML, JSON, CSV, SQL dumpStructured data exchange, backups, web‑based feedsSelf‑describing, language‑independent, easy to parse
Compressed ArchiveZIP, RARBundling multiple files, reducing storage space, easy transferPreserves folder hierarchy; ZIP is open and widely supported

3. Proprietary vs. Generic Formats – Comparison

AspectProprietary FormatGeneric (Standard) Format
OwnershipOwned by a company; may require licensing.Developed by standards bodies; usually free to use.
Software DependencyOften only readable by the creator’s software.Supported by many applications and platforms.
LongevityRisk of becoming obsolete if the vendor discontinues support.Long‑term accessibility due to open specifications.
File Size & CompressionMay use proprietary compression that is not widely understood.Standard compression methods; easier to predict size.
InteroperabilityLimited; conversion may cause data loss.High; data can be exchanged without conversion.

4. Linking Generic Formats to Specific Syllabus Areas

Syllabus SectionRelevant ICT ActivityTypical Generic Format(s) to UseKey Points for the Exam
12 – ImagesEditing, cropping, resizing, changing colour depthPNG, JPEG, SVGUse PNG for lossless editing; export final photo as JPEG for small size; SVG for logos that must scale.
13 – Layout & 14 – StylesApplying headings, headers/footers, paragraph stylesODT, DOCX, PDF (final version)ODT retains style information and is open; PDF locks layout for submission.
15 – ProofingSpell‑check, grammar check, word count, final reviewODT (editable), PDF (proof‑ready)Run proofing tools in ODT; export to PDF to prevent further changes before submission.
16 – Graphs & ChartsCreating bar, line or pie charts in spreadsheetsPNG (bitmap), SVG (vector)Export as SVG when the chart will be enlarged (e.g., in a presentation); PNG for quick embedding.
17 – Document ProductionWriting reports, letters, newslettersODT, DOCX, PDFChoose ODT/DOCX for editing; convert to PDF for final submission or sharing.
18 – DatabasesExporting tables, backing up data, preserving keysCSV, XML, SQL dumpCSV keeps raw data only; XML/SQL dump preserves structure and primary/foreign keys – essential for later re‑import.
19 – PresentationsDesigning slides, adding multimedia, sharingODP, PDF, PNG (slide image)Export the final deck as PDF for offline review; export individual slides as PNG when they must be embedded elsewhere.
20 – SpreadsheetsCalculations, data analysis, chart creationCSV, XLSX → PDFCSV loses formulas – use only when the recipient needs raw numbers. Export a calculation sheet as PDF to preserve formulas and layout.
21 – Website AuthoringEmbedding images, audio, video, downloadable filesSVG, PNG, JPEG, MP3, MP4, PDF, ZIPUse relative file paths (e.g., images/logo.svg) so the site works on any server. Compress large groups of resources into a ZIP for download.

5. Practical Tips for Using Generic Formats (AO2 – Produce ICT‑Based Solutions)

  1. Document sharing – Save a final version as PDF to lock layout and fonts.

  2. Web images

    • PNG for graphics with transparency or when lossless quality is required.

    • JPEG for photographs where a smaller file size is more important than perfect fidelity.

    • SVG for logos, icons or any image that may need to be resized.

  3. Spreadsheets – Export raw data as CSV for import into another programme; export a finished analysis as PDF to keep formulas hidden but results visible.

  4. Audio & Video – Use MP3 for audio and MP4 (H.264) for video to maximise compatibility across browsers and devices.

  5. Data exchange – Store structured data in XML or JSON before archiving; both are self‑describing and language‑independent.

  6. Compression – Bundle related files in a ZIP before emailing or uploading; remember that ZIP is open, while RAR may need third‑party software.

  7. File‑naming & folder hierarchy – Use clear, consistent names such as ProjectX_2025/Reports/FinalReport.pdf. This supports good file‑management practice (AO1).

  8. Security – When a file contains sensitive data:

    • Apply password protection to PDFs.

    • Encrypt ZIP archives (e.g., using AES‑256).

6. Safety, Security & Legal Considerations (Syllabus Sections 8, 9, 10)

  • Data protection – Do not store personal or sensitive data in generic files that are publicly shared. Use encryption or password protection where required.

  • e‑Safety – Scan all received files (especially ZIP/RAR) for viruses before opening.

  • Copyright & Licensing – Prefer open formats (ODT, ODP, SVG) when the work must be freely reusable. Respect licences when using third‑party media (e.g., Creative Commons).

  • Audience – Choose a format that matches the audience’s technology:

    • PDF for a client without office software.

    • CSV for a data analyst who will import into statistical software.

7. Relating File‑Format Decisions to the Systems Life‑Cycle (Section 7)

During the analysis and design phases, students should ask:

  • Which generic format best meets the audience’s needs? (AO3 – evaluate)

  • Does the chosen format support the implementation and testing stages? (AO2 – produce)

  • Will the format remain accessible after the project is completed? (AO1 – knowledge)

8. Evaluation Rubric (AO3) – Comparing Two Formats

CriterionPDF (fixed layout)ODT (editable open format)
Ease of editingLow – changes require special software.High – can be edited with many free tools.
Layout preservation across platformsVery high – fonts, images, spacing locked.Good, but may vary if the viewer lacks the same fonts.
File size for text‑heavy documentsModerate – compression applied automatically.Usually smaller for pure text.
Suitability for collaborationLimited – typically a final version.Excellent – multiple users can edit simultaneously.
Long‑term accessibilityHigh – ISO‑standard PDF/A is archival.High – open specification, widely supported.

9. Quick Reference Checklist (AO1 – Knowledge)

  • Identify the content type (text, image, audio, video, data, archive).

  • Choose the most appropriate generic format from the table above.

  • Consider any special requirements:

    • Lossless quality? → PNG, SVG, WAV.

    • Will the file be shared publicly? → PDF or ZIP with encryption.

    • Need for editing later? → ODT, ODP, CSV.

  • Apply a clear file‑naming convention and store the file in a logical folder hierarchy.

  • Check file size; compress or reduce resolution if necessary.

  • Test that the file opens on at least two different platforms (e.g., Windows & macOS).

  • If the file contains sensitive information, add password protection or encrypt the archive.

10. Summary

Understanding generic file formats enables students to:

  • Select the most suitable format for a given task and audience.

  • Ensure files remain accessible across different hardware, operating systems and software.

  • Facilitate collaboration, sharing and long‑term storage.

  • Reduce reliance on a single vendor’s proprietary formats.

  • Address safety, security, copyright and data‑protection requirements.

Suggested diagram: A flowchart that starts with “What type of content?” and branches to the appropriate generic format (e.g., Text → TXT/CSV, Image → PNG/JPEG/SVG, Audio → MP3/WAV, Video → MP4, Data → XML/JSON, Archive → ZIP). Include decision points for “Need lossless quality?” and “Will the file be shared publicly?”