Understanding file formats for document scanning, access and preservation.
Why does file format matter?
A digitisation project needs a file format suited to its purpose. Preservation masters and everyday access files may have different requirements.
What is TIFF?
TIFF is an image file format widely used for high-quality still-image storage and preservation workflows.
What is PDF?
PDF packages page images and other content into a convenient document format and is widely used for access and business workflows.
What is JPEG?
JPEG is a compressed image format often useful for access or sharing, particularly where compact files are important.
Can PDF contain OCR?
Yes. Searchable PDFs can combine page images with a text layer produced through OCR.
Should there be one format for everything?
Not necessarily. A project may use high-quality image masters plus PDF or JPEG derivatives for practical access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDF suitable for business documents?
Yes. PDF is widely used for convenient document access and sharing.
Is TIFF better for preservation?
TIFF is widely used for preservation image masters, but the correct specification should be agreed for the collection and project.
Can you provide both TIFF and PDF?
Yes, where the project specification calls for both preservation-quality images and convenient access copies.
Further Reading
Oxford Duplication Centre — Practical Expertise
Professional document digitisation depends on matching the capture method to the original. Modern loose documents may suit production scanning, while fragile, bound, oversized or unusual records need specialist handling and equipment. The aim is to create reliable digital records while protecting the original material.
Need DAT tapes digitised?
Oxford Duplication Centre provides professional DAT digitisation for individual tapes and archive collections, with preservation and access outputs tailored to your requirements.
WAV Audio Digitisation Request a Quote