File formats

When submitting documents, bear in mind that the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek will only archive one electronic document version in cases where different versions with identical content are submitted. In order to help you choose between a number of different versions of the same document in different file formats, a priority list has been drawn up. This makes it possible to select the most suitable format in terms of long-term preservation. This simplifies the task of ensuring permanent usability of the documents.

The priority list, given below in descending order, is currently as follows:

1. PDF/A

2. Other PDF versions

3. HTML

4. PS

5. Other XML-based formats, TXT

6. Other (DVI, RTF, etc.)

PDF documents and containers/archive files can be transmitted using the web forms for submitting online publications. It may not be possible to handle special file formats submitted in the archive file.