Format family
Document format family — PDF, Office & text
Documents split into fixed-layout (PDF), editable Office/OpenDocument files, and plain text. Spreadsheets and presentations sit alongside as related office families.
Fixed layout
Share and print with layout locked.
Editable documents
Word-processing files for drafting and collaboration.
DOCX is the default editable business document. Collaborate in Word/Google Docs, then export PDF when layout must freeze for clients or signatures.
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ODT keeps text, styles, and images in an open ZIP+XML package used by LibreOffice Writer. Choose ODT for open-standard drafting; convert to DOCX or PDF when reviewers insist on Word or a fixed layout.
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RTF bridged Word processors before DOCX dominated. It still appears in legacy exports and email-ish rich text. Prefer DOCX for modern editing and PDF for final layout; convert RTF when you inherit an old file.
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Spreadsheets
Tables and workbooks.
XLSX is the business default for spreadsheets: multiple sheets, formulas, pivot-friendly data, and formatting. Use CSV when you only need raw values for import, and PDF when you need a non-editable snapshot of a report.
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ODS is the open alternative to XLSX for tables, formulas, and charts. It travels well through LibreOffice/OpenOffice; convert to XLSX or CSV when collaborators live entirely in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
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Presentations
Slide decks.
PPTX is the default editable slide format for business and education. It preserves layouts, notes, and media for further editing; export PDF when you need a locked handout that will not reflow on someone else’s machine.
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ODP stores slides, notes, and media in an open package. Ideal when your team standardizes on LibreOffice; convert to PPTX or PDF before sending to Microsoft-centric clients or for locked read-only handouts.
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Ebooks
Reflowable reading formats.
Plain text & markup
Lightweight text interchange.
TXT is the lowest-common-denominator notes and log format: no fonts, no images, just text. Use it for scratchpads and exports; convert to PDF or DOCX when recipients need pagination, branding, or commenting.
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Markdown stays readable as raw text while previewing as structured HTML — perfect for README files and developer docs. Convert to PDF or HTML when stakeholders want a polished handout without learning the syntax.
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Best for…
Decision guides for this family — not generic productivity tips.
PDF for final shared reads and signatures. DOCX when people must edit. Avoid relying on ODT/DOC/RTF unless you know the audience.
DOCX is the default editable business format. ODT for open suites. Convert PDF to Word only when a text layer exists — scans need OCR.
PDF is the print handoff standard. Export from DOCX/PPTX when layout is final.