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What file formats and storage systems are available for Document Imaging?

Home » Information Technology » Document Imaging » What file formats and storage systems are available for Document Imaging?

There are many different file formats available for document imaging and it is best to choose a system that works with your business software. Some typical file formats include:


  • Word Processing or Data Documents that match certain software programs (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, AppleWorks, etc.)
  • PDF (Portable Document Format) Used for representing documents as an exact replica of the original.
  • Tiff (Tagged Image File Format) Used mainly for photograph images and line art.
  • JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) Used mainly for photograph images.
  • Gif (Graphics Interchange Format) Used mainly for web applications where images need to be resized or animated.
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphics) Used mainly for images and graphics

However if your business is global, there may be the need to save documents in a format that is readable to many different systems worldwide. PDF format is a good example of a universal format since it is not dependent on a specific software program to be viewable. PDF format is also transferable between PC’s and Macintosh computers.

Once document imaging is complete, those images can be stored in a variety of places. Some documents are designed for the internet and to be made available to customers and associates outside the main office. Other documents require the use of more secure storage systems. Some other storage systems include:


  • CD’s (compact disks)
  • Flash Drives (small, detachable drives that store up to 10 Gigabytes of information)
  • External or Backup Hard Drives (larger, independent drives that rival those of desktop computers)
  • LAN (Local Area Network)

Through these storage devices, an office can store as little or as much data as is necessary to meet their business needs.



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