formats

Structures for presentation

Formats covers both arrangement and preparation.

A format is the structure or layout of something—the format of a book, a file format, a debate format.

To format is to arrange according to specifications: format a document, format a hard drive.

Formatting a drive prepares it for use by erasing existing data and establishing a file system.

file

document

Written or electronic file

archiveStored historical records
pdfFixed-layout file format
txtShort mobile message

spreadsheet · database · record · log · manuscript · transcript · dossier · portfolio · extension · compression

structure

template

Preset pattern for reproduction

layoutSpatial arrangement of elements
outlineSummary of key elements
schemaOrganized representational structure

framework · configuration · arrangement · pattern · grid · hierarchy · sequence · syntax · matrix · blueprint

print

newspaper

Printed periodical of current events

magazineBound periodical with articles
bookletBrief printed publication
brochurePrinted promotional material

pamphlet · catalog · poster · flyer · tabloid · broadsheet · leaflet · hardcover · paperback · folio

media

video

Recorded moving imagery

audioTransmitted sound content
imageVisual or mental likeness
mp3Compressed audio encoding

wav · codec · bitrate · resolution · streaming · broadcast · encoding · transcoding · container · playlist

presentation

slideshow

Sequential visual display

keynoteCentral theme or speech
chartData shown visually
graphVisual data display

diagram · table · infographic · visual · display · bullet · heading · margin · spacing · alignment

Categories

groupingsgroups, categories, classes, divisions, clusters
publishingpublishers, editors, editor, publishing house, books
lays outarranges, organizes, displays, spreads, presents
frameworksframework, frameworks, schema, schemas, schemata
Perlmy, use, sub, print, if
SASmacros, datasets, procedures, arrays

Opposites

structure vs formlessness

formatsformlessness

Lacking definite shape

chaos · disorder · randomness · shapelessness · disorganization

container vs content

formatscontent

What something contains

substance · contents · material · meaning · message

standardization vs spontaneity

formatsimprovisation

Spontaneous, unplanned creation

spontaneity · free-form · freewriting · stream of consciousness · ad-libbing

Phrases

MLA formatHumanities citation style guide
date formatHow calendar entries are written
file formatData organization specification
accessible formatMaterial adapted for disabilities
media formatsStandards for storing content
video formatsSpecifications for digital footage

Family

format, formatted, formatting, reformat, reformatting, reformatted, unformatted, formatter, preformatted

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G