format

/ˌfɔrˈmæt/

/ˈfɔmæt/

Other forms: formats; formatting; formatted

In saving a new electronic document, you must choose a format, for instance PDF, Word doc, or XML, which dictates how the information is to be organized, displayed, and manipulated.

To format information is to arrange it according to preexisting parameters. Electronic files require a format or, more commonly, a "file type," so computers will know how to open, read, and change them. Entertainment media are delivered in such varied formats as VHS, CD, DVD, MP3, and MOV. In the world of AM/FM radio, format is the type of music a station plays, such as top-40, urban, dance, or country.

Definitions of format

1. noun

   the general appearance of a publication
   type of:

   appearance, visual aspect

   outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
2. verb

   set (printed matter) into a specific format
   “Format this letter so it can be printed out”

   synonyms: arrange

   types:

   indent

   set in from the margin

   rubricate

   furnish with rubrics or regulate by rubrics

   type of:

   change

   undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
3. noun

   the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)
   synonyms: data format, data formatting, formatting

   types:

   high-level formatting

   (computer science) the format for the root directory and the file allocation tables and other basic configurations

   initialisation, initialization, low-level formatting

   (computer science) the format of sectors on the surface of a hard disk drive so that the operating system can access them and setting a starting position

   type of:

   info, information

   a message received and understood
4. verb

   determine the arrangement of (data) for storage and display (in computer science)
   type of:

   determine, set

   fix conclusively or authoritatively
5. verb

   divide (a disk) into marked sectors so that it may store data
   “Please format this disk before entering data!”

   synonyms: initialise, initialize

   type of:

   carve up, dissever, divide, divvy, separate, split, split up

   separate into parts or portions