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For example, OpenDocument Spreadsheet (ODS format) is an open format that can be used for most spreadsheets and reports.
Example: Saving a document in
Most software that we use, such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat,
will save files automatically in a certain format.
But these formats - such as Microsoft Word files or PDFs - carry some disadvantages.
These 'closed' file types are:
Most workplaces use software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat to create and share files.
But the file formats that come 'automatically' with these programs - such as Microsoft Word format, or PDF - carry some disadvantages.
Working within government, you have probably heard more and more talk about 'open formats' and Open Standards recently.
But what does this mean, and how does it relate to your work?
At Public Health England, we have a legal requirement to make sure that everyone can access and read the materials that we publish.
This includes everything from guidance documents to research papers, statistical commentary to policy papers.
What are open formats?
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as an open format using Microsoft Excel
Go to Save as...
If you click on Save as type, you can select between different formats.
You could save your document as:
- OpenDocument Spreadsheet (ods) - this is suitable for most spreadsheets
- CSV file (csv) - this is used for tabular data or databases
Then you can share, upload and email the document just as you would with a closed format document.