We can classify digital documents according to the characteristic of the information they contain , as well as we can divide it based on the material support we need to interpret the data.
In our case, the material support will be our computer or mobile device and the data format will be based on the text, video, audio or spreadsheet files. For each of them we will talk about the programs that are needed to interpret that information.
In this article we will also show you what are the necessary conditions for each of the formats of a digital document and we will mention the most important tools that exist so you can enjoy them from any device .
Index:
What are the main types of digital documents that exist?
A digital document is the means by which certain information is allowed to be stored , or set of bits, according to parameters or codes that were previously established.
The material support they have are electronic devices and can be used by different applications that we have in our devices. They are also called digital file or file.
According to this small definition we can talk about the codes or parameters that have been established to be read or interpreted, which are called format. These formats convert the set of bits into binary numbers so they can be read by the processor.
From all the above arises, then, the different types of documents which we detail below. For each one we will mention with which program you can work, while in subsequent paragraphs we will deepen on each software.
Text documents
This classification of documents is for those who have in their structure most of the content of texts or writings that can be interpreted by people.
They are mainly intended for easy user reading and act as a text computer, which can be accessed through the software for simple editing.
The main program for this kind of documents is the Microsoft Word with which we will have a text computer that will allow us to change the format of the letters and add a voice dictation among many other functions.
Another very important text computer is Google Docs
Video files
They are very frequent today and are characterized by having different format acceptances that allow us to watch videos in different qualities occupying a greater or lesser storage.
Among the most common formats is MP4 , which belongs to the set of “Mobile Picture Expert Group” (MPEG). These allow us to store at a very good quality with a very low cost in regard to the occupation of the storage unit.
Audio files
This kind of files allow us to especially enjoy music , for this we need to have a digital audio player that can be installed on any electronic device.
The formats are divided according to the level of compression and loss of file quality . We can find three classes; the first is that which is not compressed; the second class is that which is compressed and does not lose quality; while the third one is the one that compresses and loses some more quality.
This last variety is the most popular since we can find formats such as MP3, AAC and WMA among others . The second classification is intended more for professional use, where the file will be transferred several times so it is not recommended that you lose quality every time you change users.
Image documents
Image documents are those sets of bits that are responsible for storing different digital images, the which can have vector or uncompressed formats.
Once the bits are rasterized they become pixels , of which each one has a red, green and blue color register. This is used to try to show as real as possible the color of the image on the device that projects it.
The size of the image and the quality are two points that are taken into account in these documents. The most common image formats are JPEG, PNG, GIF and SVG among many others.
The most common software for editing image files is Photoshop and Corel Draw.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are those documents in which we have a spreadsheet that is made up of columns and rows , which we can modify according to our needs to do the job.
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They have different functions that will allow us to add graphics, as well as obtain automated results. It is a great work tool and, being its exact calculation functions, they are ideal for presenting reports in companies or in the university, since their results are 100% reliable thanks to its algorithm.
The most prominent program is Microsoft Excel , which has financial, statistical and analytical functions among many others. Another software that helps us process this kind of documents is Google Sheets , which we can work online and save each of our files in the cloud.
List of the best programs to open all types of files on your Windows computer or MacOS
As we mentioned in the previous paragraphs, there are programs that are characterized by handling each of the different types of files.
Next, we will name you the most important according to the format that we need to work:
To open text documents
If we need to work with text documents we can use the following programs:
- Microsoft Word : This is one of the most complete software that exists. Thanks to its wide variety of functions, it allows us to work with different kinds of paragraphs, enter images, establish predesigned formats through templates, among other things.
- Google Docs : En another powerful text computer that has similar functions to the previous one, but a little more limited. It is mainly characterized by working from the cloud and being able to save changes automatically. It has a good voice dictation.
- Notepad : It is a very simple word processor that has the advantage of being very light but its functions are very simple. It is generally used to save messages or annotations that will serve us for other issues. In order to access it on Windows we have to go to “Start” and write “Notepad” .
- TextEdit : With this exclusive word processor for Mac computers, we can access different formats for editing a document. It has very useful tools that will save us time in each of our writing tasks.
- Free Editor : Thanks to this program we can edit any kind of text and we can enrich it thanks to its different tools that it gives us. It has a very simple interface which will help us with our work. It is compatible for other text computers. It is used in Windows.
Download Free Editor Windows
To play videos
For video playback we can recommend the following programs:
- VLC Media Player : This media player is available for Windows and for MacOS operating systems you do not need the installation of codecs to compress the file size. It has varied functions that allow us to play our video in a few steps.
Download VLC Media Player Windows
- RealPlayer : Since its launch in April 1995, this cross-platform player has the option of using different languages in its configuration. In addition, it uses codecs that allow a better user experience since we do not need much space in the playback of videos.
Download RealPlayer Windows
- Windows Media Player : It is available for Windows operating systems, but if we have our Mac we can also download extensions so that QuickTime can play the files. It was created by Microsoft in 1996 and is considered by many to be a reliable player.
- PotPlayer : This multimedia player allows us to play videos in the different functions Highest quality Its codecs allow our storage system to be free. We can install it for free on our computer with Windows operating system.
Download PotPlayer Windows
- DivX Player : We can listen to music and watch the best videos through this media player that accepts different formats. It has functions that make our task very simple when it comes to finding the playlist or favorites that we have predetermined. We can install it on Windows.
Download Divx Player Windows
To play audios
When we need to play digital audios, some of the programs mentioned below will be needed:
- Kodi : It is available for Windows and MacOS. We can enjoy our digital audios through simple steps. It will allow to generate a reproduction gallery according to our preferences. Our PC will become a perfect audio player thanks to this tool.
Download Kodi Windows
Download Kodi MacOS
- UMPlayer : It is an audio player that has basic functions which will allow us to build a playlist and bookmark those songs that we like the most. It is available for Windows.
Download UMPlayer Windows
- Spotify : This audio player has 2 people of which its Premium version allows us to play our music without interruptions or advertisements, we can run it in the background and is available for Windows operating systems.
Download Spotify Windows
- Winamp 5 : With this tool we can listen to our music in a way Very simple while doing another kind of work. It is available for Windows and offers controls such as the equalizer so we can have the best user experience.
Download Winamp 5 Windows
- Groove Music : It allows us to have an easy job to choose the music we want to play, thanks to its simple interface we can quickly find the genres we are looking for, such as also improve the digitalization of audio.
Groove MusicDeveloper: Microsoft CorporationPrice: Free
To display images
In order to view image files and edit we can use the following programs:
- Adobe Photoshop : Considered by many to be the best graphics editor that exists, it has extensive features with which we can rasterize the images we need regardless of their format. It is available for Windows and for Apple computers. Free 7-day version and then we will have to choose for its paid version.
Download Photoshop CC Windows
- CorelDRAW : He came to compete strongly with Photoshop, and every day that passes he is gaining more followers. Users highlight the ease that exists in the functions and the degree of scope they have. It is ideal for producing designs with professional uses. We can download on Windows or MacOS operating systems.
Download CorelDRAW Windows
- IrfanView : This program can easily see the images in full screen will allow us to zoom and also edit them. It is characterized by taking up little storage space and memory. We can download it for both Windows and Mac OS operating systems and its download is free.
Download IrfanView Windows
- JPEG Imager : With this tool we can see the different images on our computer with very simple functions. It has an image compression system that will allow us to save space on our disk. Analyze if there are duplicate or similar images, and can also eliminate them according to our instructions.
Download JPEG Imager Windows
- PhotoPlayer : Another excellent application that can be downloaded on Windows. We can work comfortably and through its functions we will be able to scan and verify if there are duplicate photos, adding personal notes. It also allows us to edit them.
Download PhotoPlayer Windows
To open spreadsheets
Here we show you the best programs to work in spreadsheets:
- Microsoft Excel : It is considered the best program for editing spreadsheets. It has functions that allow our work to be carried out in the least amount of steps possible. It has a filter system that allows us to order and establish a logical order for each of the data we have in our return. We can insert images and work with graphics.
- Google Sheets : Thanks to this software we can work in the cloud and save all changes automatically. It has functions in which we can analyze a segmentation of data or time scales. It gives us the possibility of working directly with templates that are pre-designed so that we directly enter our data without changing their structure and format. We have to log in with our Google account.
- Apache OpenOffice Calc : It is fully compatible with the two programs mentioned above. It has important functions and widely used by users. Its main feature is that it is designed with open codes. We can work on Windows and MacOS.
Download Apache OpenOffice Calc Windows
- Numbers : For the MacOS operating system. With this tool we can make different spreadsheets in which it will allow us to add features that will save us time and use any Apple device.
NumbersDeveloper: ApplePrice: Free - ThinkFree Office : Available for Windows operating systems. With these spreadsheets we can create predesigned templates and give a style in which the information and content of the document can be highlighted. It has different functions that allow us to obtain a complete solution to spreadsheet problems.
Download ThinkFree Office Windows
List of the best applications to open any file on your Android and iOS mobile
As we did with our computer, we will talk about the best applications to open all types of files on our Android or iOS device.
They are:
To open text documents
On our mobile device we can open text documents with these programs:
- WPS Office : If we are one of those people who need to have a text computer on our device, this is the ideal tool, since it has all the main functions that must contain a app of these characteristics. Available for Android systems. WPS Office – Word, Docs, PDF, Note, Slide & SheetDeveloper: Kingsoft Office Software Corporation LimitedPrice: Free
- Docs To Go : When we receive an email and need to open it in the street, we can do it quietly through this application, which we also reach Edit the document you sent us. It is compatible with other word processors and we can use it on Android. Docs To Go – Free Office SuiteDeveloper: DataVizPrice: Free
- Documents (Office Docs) : It is intended for those users who need to read text documents and modify them with very few steps. It gives us an interface that will allow us to do all the work through our fingers. It is very intuitive and can be downloaded to our iPhone.
Documents (Office Docs)Developer: Savy SodaPrice: Free
Docs Viewer : Considered by many to be a very good tool because, in addition to taking up little space on our mobile device, it contains formats that will make our file a document as if it had been edited on a PC.
Google Docs : It is compatible with Word formats and with the main programs that exist for this type. We can edit the different formats, as well as enter images to each of the documents. Its installation is simple and does not take up much storage since we have to work from the cloud.
To play videos
When we need to play videos we can use the programs we name below:
- PlayerXtreme Media Player : With this application we can have our mobile as a true multimedia screen, because thanks to its controls we can modify and configure the video according to our needs. Available for iPhone and Android systems.
PlayerXtreme PlayerDeveloper: iStreamerPrice: Free + - AllCast : Considered by many users as one of the most important video players for mobile devices with Android system. It has different alternatives that can be used with simple steps so that our files can be configured and we can see perfectly. AllCastDeveloper: ClockworkModPrice: Free
- Web Video Cast : If we are one of those individuals who like to see what happens on social media at any time on our device, this tool is ideal for us. We can watch different videos and allow us to save a playlist that we can access very easily.
