What file format is commonly used for sharing documents while preserving formatting?

The PDF format is widely recognized for its ability to preserve the formatting of documents across various platforms and devices. When a document is converted to PDF, it maintains the original layout, fonts, colors, and images as intended by the creator. This characteristic makes it an ideal choice for sharing documents that need to look the same for all viewers, regardless of the software or operating system they are using.

In contrast, other file formats have limitations in how they handle formatting. While DOCX is a Word document format that may retain formatting well when viewed in compatible software, it can appear differently when opened in other word processors. TXT format is a plain text file that strips away all formatting, presenting only the text content itself without any fonts, colors, or layout features. XLSX is a spreadsheet format used primarily for data organization, which is not suitable for document sharing meant for reading.

Due to its universal compatibility and reliability in maintaining document integrity, the PDF format is the preferred choice for sharing formatted documents.