Format migration

Format migration is the preservation strategy of converting digital objects from obsolete or risky file formats into newer or more open ones so content remains renderable. It contrasts with emulation, which keeps the original bytes and recreates the old environment.

Trade-offs

Migration can lose features (macros, layout, proprietary metadata) and must be documented to preserve authenticity. Institutions often migrate in generations—e.g. from ageing office formats to PDF/A or other stewardship formats—guided by format registries.

See also

• Digital preservation
• File format obsolescence
• Born-digital

Sources

• Digital preservation textbooks and national-library guidance.
• Format registry documentation (PRONOM and similar).