Document vs. File: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A document is content created for reading or writing, while a file is a digital container that stores documents or other data.
Key Differences
A "document" commonly refers to a written or printed work that contains information. It can be anything from a government paper to a business report. Documents are meant to be read and often serve as a record or a piece of communication.
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Nov 08, 2023
In contrast, a "file" is a broader term in the digital realm, referring to any collection of data on a computer that is stored and accessed as a single unit. This means all documents are files, but not all files are documents. Files include images, programs, or any other type of data.
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Nov 08, 2023
Every document, whether it's a letter, a contract, or an article, is created with the intent to be read by someone. These can exist in physical form as paper or in digital form as a file on a computer.
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Nov 08, 2023
Files, on the other hand, serve as a way to organize and manage digital information. They can be executable programs, images, videos, or documents. The file format is essential for determining how the data it contains is used and by what programs it can be opened.
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Nov 08, 2023
In essence, the term "document" is specific in implying a text-based record, while "file" is a generic term that refers to any kind of data stored on a computer. This fundamental difference reflects the unique nature of how both terms are used in daily activities and computing contexts.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A written work containing information.
A container for data on a computer.
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Physical Analogy
Pages in a folder.
The folder containing various pages/items.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Document and File Definitions
Document
Any written item, such as a book, article, or letter, especially of a formal or official nature.
The treaty document was displayed in the museum.
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Nov 08, 2023
File
A digital container in a computer system that stores data.
She uploaded the image file to the website.
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Nov 08, 2023
Document
Materials that contain study content, usually for personal use.
He organized his lecture notes into a single document.
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Nov 08, 2023
File
A collection of related records stored on a computer.
He backed up his files to an external hard drive.
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Nov 08, 2023
Document
A computer file containing text that can be edited and formatted.
I saved my thesis as a Word document.
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Nov 08, 2023
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File
A unit of organization on a computer, named and stored in a directory.
She searched the directory for the missing file.
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Nov 08, 2023
Document
A textual record that provides information or evidence.
She signed the official document and sealed it.
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Nov 08, 2023
File
A system tool for storing collections of data that software can open and read.
The new software can open over 100 different file types.
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Nov 08, 2023
Document
A written or printed paper that bears the original, official, or legal form of something and can be used to furnish decisive evidence or information.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A container, such as a cabinet or folder, for keeping papers in order.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
Something, such as a recording or a photograph, that can be used to furnish evidence or information.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A collection of papers or published materials kept or arranged in convenient order.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(Computers) A collection of data or program records stored as a unit with a single name.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
(Computers) A piece of work created with an application, as with a word processor.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A line of persons, animals, or things positioned one behind the other.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
(Computers) A computer file that is not an executable file and contains data for use by applications.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
Something, especially a material substance such as a coin bearing a revealing symbol or mark, that serves as proof or evidence.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(Games) Any of the rows of squares that run forward and backward between players on a playing board in chess or checkers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
To methodically record the details of
"I had thought long and logically about ... how to document the patterns of dolphin behavior" (Diana Reiss).
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Oct 19, 2023
File
Any of several hardened steel tools with cutting ridges for forming, smoothing, or reducing especially metallic surfaces.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
To support (an assertion or claim, for example) with evidence or decisive information.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
To support (statements in a book, for example) with written references or citations; annotate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
An original or official paper used as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
Powdered sassafras leaves used to thicken and season soups, stews, and gumbos.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
Any material substance on which the information is represented by writing.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To put or keep (papers, for example) in useful order for storage or reference.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
(obsolete) That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
To record in documents.
He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information.
A ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To make application; apply
Filed for a job with the state.
File for a divorce.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
An example for instruction or warning.
They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; - in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
Saint Luke . . . collected them from such documents and testimonies as he . . . judged to be authentic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information; as, a a ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
Writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
Anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(computing) An aggregation of data on a storage device, identified by a name.
I'm going to delete these unwanted files to free up some disk space.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
(computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using 7-bit ASCII characters
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(computing) The primary item on the menu bar, containing commands such as open, save, print, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
Record in detail;
The parents documented every step of their child's development
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A row of modular kitchen units and a countertop, consisting of cabinets and appliances below (dishwasher) and next to (stove/cooker) a countertop.
Many homes now have double-file kitchens.
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Oct 19, 2023
Document
A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information.
The lawyer examined the legal document carefully.
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Nov 08, 2023
File
A column of people one behind another, whether "single file" or in a grid pattern.
The troops marched in Indian file.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(chess) one of the eight vertical lines of squares on a chessboard (i.e., those identified by a letter).
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A hand tool consisting of a handle to which a block of coarse metal is attached, and used for removing sharp edges or for cutting, especially through metal.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(transitive) To submit (a story) to a newspaper or similar publication.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(transitive) To store a file aggregation of data on a storage medium such as a disc or another computer.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To submit a formal request to some office.
She filed for divorce the next day.
The company filed for bankruptcy when the office opened on Monday.
They filed for a refund under their warranty.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(intransitive) To move in a file.
The applicants kept filing into the room until it was full.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
(transitive) To smooth, grind, or cut with a file.
I'd better file the bottoms of the table legs. Otherwise they will scratch the flooring.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
An orderly collection of papers, arranged in sequence or classified for preservation and reference; as, files of letters or of newspapers; this mail brings English files to the 15th instant.
It is upon a file with the duke's other letters.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
Course of thought; thread of narration.
Let me resume the file of my narration.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A collection of data on a digital recording medium treated as a unit for the purpose of recording, reading, storage, or indexing; - such a file is typically accessible by computer programs by the use of a file name. The data may be of any type codable digitally, such as simple ASCII-coded text, complex binary-coded data, or an executable program, or may be itself a collection of other files.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A steel instrument, having cutting ridges or teeth, made by indentation with a chisel, used for abrading or smoothing other substances, as metals, wood, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
Anything employed to smooth, polish, or rasp, literally or figuratively.
Mock the nice touches of the critic's file.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A shrewd or artful person.
Will is an old file in spite of his smooth face.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To set in order; to arrange, or lay away, esp. as papers in a methodical manner for preservation and reverence; to place on file; to insert in its proper place in an arranged body of papers.
I would have my several courses and my dishes well filed.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To bring before a court or legislative body by presenting proper papers in a regular way; as, to file a petition or bill.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To put upon the files or among the records of a court; to note on (a paper) the fact date of its reception in court.
To file a paper, on the part of a party, is to place it in the official custody of the clerk. To file, on the part of the clerk, is to indorse upon the paper the date of its reception, and retain it in his office, subject to inspection by whomsoever it may concern.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To march in a file or line, as soldiers, not abreast, but one after another; - generally with off.
My endeavorsHave ever come too short of my desires,Yet filed with my abilities.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To rub, smooth, or cut away, with a file; to sharpen with a file; as, to file a saw or a tooth.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To smooth or polish as with a file.
File your tongue to a little more courtesy.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
To make foul; to defile.
All his hairy breast with blood was filed.
For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind.
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Oct 19, 2023
File
Office furniture consisting of a container for keeping papers in order
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Oct 19, 2023
File
A steel hand tool with small sharp teeth on some or all of its surfaces; used for smoothing wood or metal
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Oct 19, 2023
File
Record in a public office or in a court of law;
File for divorce
File a complaint
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Oct 19, 2023
File
File a formal charge against;
The suspect was charged with murdering his wife
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Oct 19, 2023
File
Any discrete data set in a computer, including documents, images, or programs.
The file was too large to send via email.
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Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What qualifies as a document?
Any written or printed work that contains text or information.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can documents be shared digitally?
Yes, typically as an electronic file via email or other means.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a file be a physical object?
Traditionally, no. However, a physical "file" can refer to a folder holding paper documents.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are all documents files?
In a digital context, yes, but documents can also be physical papers.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a file exist without a computer?
No, a file is specifically a digital unit stored on electronic devices.
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Nov 08, 2023
What types of files are there?
Numerous, including document files, image files, audio files, and more.
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Nov 08, 2023
Are emails documents or files?
Emails are considered documents, and when saved, they are files.
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Nov 08, 2023
What is a file extension?
It's a suffix at the end of a file name indicating its format.
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Nov 08, 2023
What is the purpose of a document?
To record, convey, or store information in written form.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is a PDF a document or a file?
A PDF is a type of document that is saved as a file on a computer.
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Nov 08, 2023
How do I create a document?
Using word processing software or by writing/printing on paper.
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Nov 08, 2023
How do I create a file?
In digital terms, by saving data in a specific format on a computer.
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Nov 08, 2023
What's a common document file type?
Common types include .docx for Word documents and .pdf for portable documents.
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Are photos considered files or documents?
Photos are considered files, and specifically image files.
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Nov 08, 2023
How do I convert a document to a file?
A document is converted to a digital file by scanning or saving it on a computer.
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Do all files have a size limit?
Yes, depending on the file system and storage medium.
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What is the difference between saving and exporting a document?
Saving retains the document in its current format; exporting converts it into a different format file.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a file be edited?
Yes, if it's a type of file that is designed to be editable, like a text document.
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Nov 08, 2023
How are files organized?
Files are organized by directories or folders in a file system.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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