What is the File Format - What does file format mean??

This term refers to the technical standard that has been used to encode information for storage in a computer file File formats can be designed for one specific type of data or for different types of data The format of a digital file can be identified by internal metadata such as a file header or magic number or external metadata stored in the file system rather than in individual files although the most popular method for both operating systems and human users is to use the file extension which is usually made up of the same set of characters as the name or abbreviation of the file format for example the PDF file format has the extension pdf the JPEG file format has the extension jpeg and so on

Glossary

Compatible - What does compatible mean?

Definition of COMPATIBLE:

In labelling, this term is usually used when discussing the software and hardware that is used to design and print labels; in this context, compatible means that one item will work correctly with another item. It is important to ensure that all of the elements involved in designing and printing labels are compatible so that the finished product (a set of printed labels) can be produced successfully.

Designing a set of labels requires the use of a template that is compatible with the labels being printed AND the use of software that is compatible with the template file format. In other words, the template must be an exact replica of the size and layout of the labels for it to work properly (or the added designs will not print in the correct position) and the software used to design the template must be able to edit the particular file format used for that template (e.g. a Word template must be edited using Word (or a similar piece of word processing software) and a PDF template must be edited using a graphics package such as InDesign or Photoshop).

When printing labels, it is also important to ensure that the labels are printed using a compatible printing method; while some label products can be printed using different printing methods (e.g. laser or inkjet printers), some label products can only be printed using one specific type of printing method (e.g. laser labels must be printed with a laser printer, direct thermal labels must be printed with a direct thermal printer etc). If labels are printed with an incompatible printing method, the print is unlikely to remain in place and will run, smudge, or flake away.

At Label Planet, all of our labels have their printer compatibility listed on the relevant range page and product page, as well as on the product packaging. We have also created a set of Word templates and PDF templates for all of the label sizes that we supply, which have been thoroughly tested to ensure they are compatible with our products.

Some of our label sizes will also be compatible with built-in label templates that are part of the software that our customers wish to use to design their labels. As our labels share the same label size and layout as these standard label sizes, our templates and labels are compatible with (or the same as) these standard label templates and label sizes.

A pack of labels (left) and a compatible Word template (right).

Here is the Harvard-style citation to use if you would like to reference this definition of the word compatible:
Label Planet (2020) What does compatible mean? | Compatible Definition. Available at: https://www.labelplanet.co.uk/glossary/compatible/ (Accessed: January 1, 2024).

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