Native format meaning

In legal practice, native format means an electronic document in the same file type and structure in which it was originally created and is ordinarily stored (for example, an .xlsx spreadsheet with formulae, a .msg email, or a database table). In England and Wales it is defined in cpr Practice Direction 31B, para 5(8), as an electronic document stored in the original form in which it was created by a computer software programme; the term continues to be used within the Business and Property Courts disclosure regime. In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland it is a descriptive eDisclosure/eDiscovery term rather than a formal rule-defined concept, and usage is broadly consistent. Key legal features and practical significance: native format preserves metadata, hidden content and functionality (such as formulae, pivot tables, hyperlinks and tracked changes). It is often required where authenticity, chronology, or data analysis is in issue, particularly for spreadsheets, databases, audio/video and CAD. In disclosure or discovery, parties usually agree whether documents are to be produced in native or in an alternative format (e.g. PDF/TIFF with load files), recognising that redaction and confidentiality may necessitate non‑native production.