Format recommendations

• Whenever possible, you should save data in an open, sustainable, non-proprietary format (proprietary software often allows you to “save as” an open format without difficulty). If converting to an open data format results in data loss from the files, consider saving them in both proprietary and open formats. In this way, part of the information will be available.
• When it is necessary to save files in a proprietary format, consider including a readme.txt file as a guide that documents the name and version of the software used to generate the file, as well as the company that made the software. It can be very helpful if you need to open these files.
• Several measures can be taken to avoid the risk of obsolescence and to ensure the accessibility and sustainability of files. One such measure is to use file formats that have a high probability of remaining usable for many years.

• Observational: data captured in real time (eg, neuroimaging, sample data, sensor data, survey data)
• Experimental: data captured on laboratory equipment (eg, gene sequences, chromatograms, magnetic field data)
• Simulation: data generated from test models (e.g. climatological, mathematical or economic models)
• Derived or compiled: data that is reproducible but difficult to reproduce (eg, from text and data mining, 3D models, compiled databases)

Table prepared from the format table of Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS)

More information on formats in Recommended Formats Statement de la Library of Congress