Last year the Open Preservation Foundation published a new resource that enables users to compare accepted and preferred file formats at a high level across different types of cultural and scientific institutions across the world.

Again, before the end of the year, we invite all previous contributors and new contributors to update their institution’s format policy entries in the comparison table.

Created by members at the National Archives of Estonia, and the Danish National Archives, the comparison of recommended file formats aims to inspire organisations that are getting started with or are renewing their file format policy. We also hope to enable engagement in discussions surrounding file formats in digital archiving. It is not intended to be used alone as a policy. 

Last year the data was submitted by OPF member organisations or gathered from institutions that have published their policies openly online. Following the 2022 submissions, we have had a wealth of wonderful and varied contributions. We look forward to seeing your additions this year.

View the International Comparison of Recommended File Formats

Add your institution’s format policy

How to contribute

An OPF working group for file formats was established in the spring to help guide the development of this resource and to collaborate on other issues related to file formats. There are several ways you can contribute. We invite you to:

• Submit or update your institution’s file format policy 
• Join the working group
• Provide feedback on ways we can improve this resource or create new deliverables

Take a look at the working group page for more information or contact us with any questions. Deadline for feedback and updating your institution’s format policy information is 15th December 2023.