text file
Unformatted digital writing
A text file is a computer file containing only plain characters—letters, numbers, punctuation, and basic formatting like line breaks—without embedded images, formatting codes, or other binary data.
Text files can be opened and read by virtually any program: The configuration settings are stored in a simple text file.
Common extensions include .txt, .csv, and .html.
Fixed-layout file format
- txtShort mobile message
- docPhysician or file, shortened
- binaryConsisting of two parts
- markdownReduction in retail price
latex · log · config · executable · script · batch · extension · filename
Document creation software
- cursorOn-screen position indicator
- backspaceKeyboard's leftward eraser
- deleteRemove or erase
- insertPlace within another thing
undo · redo · cut · copy · paste · formatting · save · autosave
Fixed-layout file format
markdown · latex · log · config · executable · script · batch · extension · filename · download
word processor
Document creation software
insert · undo · redo · cut · copy · paste · formatting · save · autosave · overwrite
manuscript
Original text before publication
- transcriptVerbatim written account
- reportFormal written findings
- essayShort argumentative prose work
thesis · dissertation · paper · article · brief · dossier · memo · letter · contract · invoice
folder
Container for loose papers
drawer · repository · database · cloud · server · backup · compression · zip · retrieval · indexing
- computingcomputer, computers, software, hardware, code
- textplaintext, words, characters, document, typing
- digital filesfiles, document, image, documents, video
- filesfilename, folder, directory, subdirectory, source code
- text filestxt, readme, log, markdown, changelog
- BBSBBS, sysop, modem, dial-up, message board
text filebinary file
Non-plaintext digital document
video file · audio file · spreadsheet · database · PDF
text filehandwritten note
Message inscribed manually
oral communication · spoken word · stone tablet · manuscript · hard copy