Which file format is used for final transcripts?

• A. PDF
• B. XML
• C. WAV
• D. TXT

Answer: (A)

Final transcripts need a format that preserves the exact layout, pagination, and appearance of the document for reliable court submissions and archival. PDF does this by capturing the final formatting—including fonts (when embedded), margins, headers, footers, and page breaks—so every recipient sees the same document regardless of device or software. It’s widely accepted in legal settings and can include security features to protect against unauthorized edits, which helps maintain the transcript’s integrity.

WAV is an audio format and not readable text, so it isn’t used for final transcripts. TXT is plain text and lacks the formatting and pagination required for official records. XML is structured data and isn’t the standard for delivering finalized, human-readable transcripts, even though it can carry content in a structured way. PDF is the best fit because it preserves appearance and is universally accessible and trusted in the legal workflow.