Web browsers can handle HTML files and web compatible file types. Other file types may be delivered over the internet (i.e., linked to or downloaded), but require additional software to use. The materials posted on class websites should be in "web ready" formats whenever possible, so that students can easily access them. The following chart below is by no means exhaustive, but covers most file types used in humanities instruction. Keep in mind that if you are a UCLA instructor or TA, your ITC can help you prepare your files for the web.
Overview of Basic File Types |
Web Compatible File Types |
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| Text | ||
| Plain Text Files (.txt) - All computers come with free software that reads plain text: Notepad for PC and SimpleText for Mac are the most common. Browsers will use the computer's plain text program to open plain text files. | HTML Files (.htm/.html) - HTML files only allow for simple formatting, but they are readable across platforms with any web browser. You can use the "Save as" HTML within programs such as MS Word, but unfortunately this can cause problems. MS Word in particular inflates the size of the file and uses Microsoft-only HTML tags which will display properly in Internet Explorer but not in other browsers.
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| Formatted Text Files (.doc, .rtf, and many others) - Word processing software produces formatted text files, the most well-known being Microsoft Word (.doc). All of these formats can be downloaded from the web and opened with an appropriate software program. For file sharing between different word processing programs, use the "rich text format" (.rtf), which every word processing program should be able to read. | Web-Compatible Text Files (.pdf) - PDF documents are readable across platforms with free Adobe Reader and preserve formatted text and special characters. For handouts, readings and other documents with more complex formatting, we recommend using the PDF format. You can convert word processing documents to pdf with Adobe Acrobat Professional. If you don't own this program, you can use it in a campus computer lab. Mac users with OS 10.2 or above can convert using the PDF command in their printer options. PC users can download a free pdf converter program. For more detailed information, click here. | |
| Images | ||
Image Files (.psd, .tif, and many others) - like other files types, image files can be linked to and downloaded over the internet if you and your students have the software to open these files. For example, Adobe Photoshop, available in most campus computer labs, handles almost all image file types. Personal computers usually come with free image viewers, such as Windows Picture Viewer for PC or Quicktime for Mac, which handle the most common image file types.
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Web Compatible Image Files - (.jpg, .gif) For images to display within web browsers, you must use either the JPEG file type (for photographs or reproductions of artwork) or the GIF file type (for images with limited color palette like line-art drawings). All image editing programs should allow you to save image files in either of these formats. For more information on preparing images for the web, click here. | |
| Powerpoint | ||
| Powerpoint - (.ppt) All UCLA computer labs have Powerpoint because it comes with the the Microsoft Office suite, so instructors may use Powerpoint files if they instruct students how to access these files in the campus computer labs. Powerpoint presentations or slide shows can also be viewed with free viewing software that anyone can download to their coomputer . | Powerpoint presentations can be easily converted to a pdf file or an html slideshow. Use PDF for presentations that consist of mainly text - you can convert your documents to pdf with Adobe Acrobat Professional or download and use a free pdf converter program.
Use an HTML slideshow with images for presentations that contain many images. |
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| Audio | ||
| Audio Files - (.mp3, .au, .aiff., .wav and others) To listen to any audio file, you must have an appropriate software installed on the computer. Many computers come with free listening software: Windows Media Player or Quicktime Player for PC, itunes or Quicktime Player for Mac. | Web Compatible Audio Files - Certain audio file types allow greater compression and streaming options, and therefore make them more suitable for cross-platform web delivery (for both broadband and dial-up connections). CDH has software to process audio files for usage on course websites, and we recommend that you contact your ITC for assistance and consult this page on preparing media material. | |
| Video | ||
| Video Files - (.mov and others)) To listen to any video file, you must have an appropriate software installed on the computer. Many computers come with free viewing software: Windows Media Player or Quicktime Player for PC, itunes or Quicktime Player for Mac. | Web Compatible Video Files - Certain video file types allow greater compression and streaming options, and therefore make them more suitable for cross-platform web delivery (for both broadband and dial-up connections). CDH has software to process video files for usage on course websites, and we recommend that you contact your ITC for assistance and consult this page on preparing media material. |
Last updated August 24, 2005 by mg