File Format Comparisons
Compare file formats side-by-side to make informed decisions about which format is best for your needs.
PDF vs Word: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Word | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Final documents, sharing, printing | Editing, collaboration, drafts |
| Editability | Difficult to edit (by design) | Easily editable |
| Formatting | Fixed, looks same everywhere | May vary on different systems |
| Collaboration | Limited (viewing/commenting) | Full (track changes, comments) |
| Compatibility | Universal - works everywhere | Requires Word or compatible software |
| File Size | Small to medium | Small to medium |
| Use When | Document is final, professional sharing, printing | Document needs editing, collaboration, active development |
JPG vs PNG: Image Format Comparison
| Feature | JPG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Photographs, realistic images | Graphics, logos, screenshots |
| Compression | Lossy (reduces quality) | Lossless (perfect quality) |
| File Size | Small (100KB - 5MB) | Medium to large (500KB - 10MB) |
| Transparency | Not supported | Full support (alpha channel) |
| Quality | Good to excellent | Perfect (no loss) |
| Text/Graphics | Not ideal (blurry edges) | Excellent (sharp edges) |
| Use When | Photos, web images, when file size matters | Logos, graphics, screenshots, need transparency |
MP3 vs WAV: Audio Format Comparison
| Feature | MP3 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Sharing, streaming, portable devices | Professional production, archiving |
| Compression | Lossy (reduces quality) | Uncompressed (perfect quality) |
| File Size | Small (1-5MB per minute) | Large (10-15MB per minute) |
| Quality | Good to excellent (depends on bitrate) | Perfect (no quality loss) |
| Compatibility | Universal - works everywhere | Widely supported |
| Editing | Not ideal (quality loss on re-save) | Perfect (no quality loss) |
| Use When | Sharing music, streaming, file size matters | Professional recording, editing, archiving |
MP4 vs MOV: Video Format Comparison
| Feature | MP4 | MOV |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | General sharing, web, universal compatibility | Mac editing, professional video, Apple ecosystem |
| Compatibility | Universal - works everywhere | Excellent on Mac, good on Windows |
| File Size | Small to medium (efficient) | Similar to MP4 |
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Editing | Good (works with most editors) | Excellent (preferred by Mac editors) |
| Platform | Cross-platform standard | Apple/QuickTime format |
| Use When | Sharing online, web video, universal compatibility | Mac video editing, professional workflows |
Quick Decision Guide
Need to Share?
- • Documents → PDF (universal compatibility)
- • Images → JPG (small files, universal)
- • Videos → MP4 (works everywhere)
- • Audio → MP3 (small files, universal)
Need to Edit?
- • Documents → Word (easily editable)
- • Images → PNG (for graphics, no quality loss)
- • Videos → MOV (Mac) or MP4
- • Audio → WAV (no quality loss during editing)
File Size Matters?
- • Documents → PDF (can compress further)
- • Images → JPG (smallest for photos)
- • Videos → MP4 (efficient compression)
- • Audio → MP3 (much smaller than WAV)
Quality is Priority?
- • Documents → PDF (preserves formatting)
- • Images → PNG (lossless quality)
- • Videos → MOV or high-quality MP4
- • Audio → WAV (perfect quality)
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