Word vs PDF vs InPage vs .TXT vs Excel: What Do These File Types Even Mean?

word vs pdf vs Inpage vs txt vs excel, what do these file types even mean - safar-e-adab

Imagine you’re trying to send your short story to a publisher (👋 hello, that’s us!). You open your laptop, attach the file… and then suddenly, you’re hit with 5 options:

  • .docx
  • .pdf
  • .txt
  • .xlsx
  • .inp

Your brain goes: “Wait… am I emailing a story or launching a spaceship??”

Don’t worry. Let’s break these down.

1. Word File (.doc / .docx)

Think of it as: A notebook that lets you write, erase, highlight, bold, italicize, and scream in ALL CAPS.

  • Extension: .doc (older) or .docx (newer)
  • App used: Microsoft Word or Google Docs
  • Can be edited? YES!
  • Perfect for: Writing stories, essays, letters, and anything with pretty formatting.

2. PDF File (.pdf)

a picture of adobe acrobat viewing a pdf file of an urdu novel by safar-e-adab

Think of it as: A photo of your Word file. What you see is what you get — neat, clean, unchangeable (mostly).

  • Extension: .pdf
  • App used: Adobe Acrobat, browser preview, etc.
  • Can be edited? Not easily.
  • Perfect for: Final drafts, contracts, ebooks, and files that shouldn’t change.

3. InPage File (.inp)

a picture of a new .inp udu document in the inpage software - safar-e-adab

Think of it as: The Urdu typewriter of the digital age.

  • Extension: .inp
  • App used: InPage (specifically made for Urdu, Arabic, Sindhi, and Persian scripts)
  • Can be edited? Yes, but ONLY in InPage!
  • Perfect for: Writing in Nastaleeq script. Not suitable if your publisher needs Unicode (more on that below).

4. Unicode/Text File (.txt)

a picture of a text being typed in a notepad, using it as an example to explain what a text, unicode, or .txt file is - safar-e-adab

Think of it as: A plain white sheet with just words — no makeup, no frills.

  • Extension: .txt
  • App used: Notepad, any basic text editor
  • Can be edited? Absolutely
  • Perfect for: Submitting plain text (especially Urdu in Unicode), writing code, or sharing quick notes.

💡 Fun tip: Always send your Urdu work in Unicode if the publisher asked for it. If it opens in English gibberish, that’s probably InPage.

5. Excel File (.xls / .xlsx)

an excel workbook to show what it looks like - safar-e-adab

Think of it as: A giant calculator with boxes. Great for tracking stuff!

  • Extension: .xls or .xlsx
  • App used: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
  • Can be edited? Yep
  • Perfect for: Budgets, sales records, attendance sheets, royalty tracking — anything with rows and columns.

Wait, What’s an Extension Again?

File extension = those few letters after the dot in your file name (.docx, .pdf, .xlsx… you get it!)

It tells your computer:
“Hey, open me with Microsoft Word!”
Or: “I’m a PDF, don’t mess with my formatting!”


💡 TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read?)

File TypeExtensionUse CaseCan Be Edited?App
Word.docxWriting stories✅ YesWord/Docs
PDF.pdfFinal version/ebook❌ Not easilyAcrobat/Browser
InPage.inpUrdu in Nastaleeq script✅ YesInPage
Text/Unicode.txtSimple, clean Urdu or text✅ YesNotepad
Excel.xls/.xlsxData, numbers, stats✅ YesExcel/Sheets

Need more help figuring out what file to send us? Read our Publishing Guide or email our support team! 📩

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