What is a characteristic of standard file formats?

Standard file formats are designed to be platform-independent, meaning they can be used across different operating systems and software applications without compatibility issues. This characteristic enables users to share files seamlessly, regardless of the hardware or software environment they are in. For example, a file in a standard format such as CSV or PDF can be opened on various devices like Windows, macOS, or Linux without needing specialized software.

This interoperability is essential in promoting data exchange among users and applications. By adhering to widely accepted standards, these file formats allow for greater accessibility and longevity of data, making them invaluable in computing and information exchange.

The other attributes do not hold true for standard file formats. Some file formats may require specific software or are only intended for particular types of data (like images), and not all of them are guaranteed to be always editable.