ZDNet Definition for: Export

To save a copy of the current open document, database, image or video into a file format required by a different application. Applications may export to a variety of popular formats. The Save As command in a program gives you access to the export filters in a program. Contrast with import. See foreign format, graphics formats and Save As.

Not Always Identical
Just because an application imports and exports a file format does not mean it converts the format 100% correctly. It takes years to perfect the translations so that the copy in the new format is as identical to the original as possible. Graphics formats are the most difficult. Of the two images below, the top one is the original, and the bottom one was created using the JPEG export filter in the application. They may be similar, but are by no means identical.






Original (top) and JPEG Equivalent (bottom)
Export filters don't always work perfectly. If exact replication is required, be sure to test your application's export filters long before you are on deadline to finish the job. (Original image courtesy of Cedar Waxwing Design.)

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.