An open file format is a
file format for storing
digital data,
defined by an openly published
specification usually maintained by a
standards organization
A standards organization, standards body, standards developing organization (SDO), or standards setting organization (SSO) is an organization whose primary function is developing, coordinating, promulgating, revising, amending, reissuing, interpr ...
, and which can be used and implemented by anyone. Open file format is licensed with
open license
A free license or open license is a license which allows others to reuse another creator’s work as they wish. Without a special license, these uses are normally prohibited by copyright, patent or commercial license. Most free licenses are ...
. For example, an open format can be implemented by both