What file format is used to retain basic formatting information like font styles and sizes?

The RTF (Rich Text Format) file format is specifically designed to retain basic formatting information such as font styles, sizes, and colors, while also being compatible with various word processing applications. This means that when a document is saved in RTF format, it can be opened across different platforms and applications without losing its formatting characteristics. RTF files allow for simple text formatting, making them ideal for preserving the layout and design of a document while ensuring compatibility.

Other formats like PDF are primarily used for finalized documents that maintain their formatting, but they are not typically used for editing. DOC is a proprietary format associated with Microsoft Word that also retains rich formatting, but it may not be as universally compatible as RTF. ODF, or Open Document Format, is used for open-source applications and retains formatting, but it is less common than RTF for simple text files. Thus, RTF stands out as a versatile and widely supported format for retaining basic text formatting.