Format is a fundamental characteristic of a digital file that governs its ability to be used effectively. When choosing file formats you should consider if they are:

• Suitable to record your data,
• Stable, not under constant revision,
• Supported on various hardware,
• Supported by various operating systems (Windows/Macintosh/Unix/Linux),
• Supported by comprehensive public documentation,
• Ideally free of legal restriction in its use,
• Popular, these formats are more likely to remain supported,
• Accepted by your chosen long-term repository.

The ADS is able to accept most major file formats. Refer to the ADS Instructions for Depositors for our list of accepted file formats.