File and Image Formats We Use
Lesson #13
I could simply say that some files work, and other don't work, and that would be the end of the discussion. But actually, there's a lot more to it, and unless you understand why one works and another doesn't you might have a difficult time changing the file format to something that works better. Yes, I said "change", because the reason for knowing the file format is also knowing that you can change it if necessary.
File Formats:
The most useful file format is "text" because all devices can see it. Text is a basic email or file that doesn't have any formatting added to it, and the extension is ".txt" for that type. There are a few hundred of these extensions, but we only need to be concerned with the txt, because everyone can use it. If someone sends you a file in a different format, then it's a good practice to change it to txt, so that you can use it in other programs without conflicts.
Common file formats are: .txt, .doc, .docx, and .rtf
Image Formats:
Images are passed back and forth without much thought to the extension, but that extension really does matter. If you've ever gotten an image that you can't open, or an image that you moved from a computer to a mobile device, and can't get it to show, there might be an issue with the extension. The other problem we run into is the size. Some programs will not open an image file that is too big, so we have to make the image smaller.
Common image formats are: .gif, jpg, .png and .bmp
File and Image Locations:
The most common problem people have with files, is not knowing where they put them. Because some files are saved automatically, the device doesn't tell you where it is. When you open the program it finds the file for you but the location is still a mystery. It's also possible that you may uninstall the program, and not be able to find the files. So it's recommended that you install a file manager program on your mobile device, so that you can find the files you need and see where they're stored in case the program loses them.
Camera Pictures:
The best thing you can do to make sure the pictures you take can be sent and received by everyone, is reduce the size so that it is smaller than the largest that's available. That will allow older phones to view the file at less than maximum size. Reducing the size with also save space on your phone and the amount of data that you use when sending files. It also saves time, because the pictures are smaller, and go faster when you send them.
Video Files:
Videos are not recommended, because they're too large, take up too much space, and take too long to send and receive. Unless someone specifically requests a video, you should not use them.
Changing File Formats:
You should only change File Formats using a Computer. You can do it with a Mobile Device, but it can be a problem if things go wrong and you don't have a copy of the original. It's recommended that if you need to save a file as a different type, you should use a computer and save a copy first, in case things don't work like you expect. If you're not sure how to do it, then just ask someone that does know. Or else, don't change the file format.
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Here's more information about:
"File and Image Formats We Use"
Apple Computer: Show and hide filename extensions
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10845
PC: How to view a computer file extension
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000573.htm
Common File Extensions
http://pc.net/extensions/
Pages for iOS: Send and receive documents
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH3595
How to Change a File Extension in Windows
http://www.mediacollege.com/microsoft/windows/extension-change.html
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