Proprietary file types include .docx (Microsoft Word), .psd (Adobe Photoshop), .xls (Microsoft Excel), .ai (Adobe Illustrator), and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint). Open file types include .txt (Plain Text), .png (Portable Network Graphics), .pdf (Portable Document Format), .csv (Comma-Separated Values), and .odt (OpenDocument Text).
Awareness of digital obsolescence is important because file formats, software, and hardware can become outdated, making it difficult to access or use old digital files. Converting essential documents to widely supported or open formats helps ensure long-term accessibility.