About Wotsup.org

Wotsup.org is a community-driven resource providing file format specifications, data structures, and programming documentation. The site serves developers, digital archivists, and anyone working with file formats.

What We Provide

  • Format Specifications: Detailed documentation for hundreds of file formats
  • Technical Documentation: Data structures, protocols, and implementation guides
  • Community Knowledge: Contributions from developers worldwide
  • Free Access: All content is freely available to everyone

Our Mission

We maintain a comprehensive library of file format specifications to support:

  • Software Development: Build parsers, converters, and compatibility tools
  • Interoperability: Understand how different systems exchange data
  • Digital Preservation: Keep legacy formats readable and accessible
  • Education: Learn about data structures and file formats

Technology

This site is built with:

  • Jekyll: Static site generator for fast, simple pages
  • GitHub Pages: Free hosting with version control
  • GitHub: Open collaboration and contributions

The entire source code is available on GitHub, making it easy for anyone to contribute.

Get Involved

Wotsup.org thrives on community contributions:

  • Add Format Specs: Share documentation for file formats
  • Fix Errors: Correct inaccuracies or broken links
  • Improve Documentation: Help make the site more useful
  • Spread the Word: Share Wotsup.org with other developers

Visit our contributing page to get started, or explore the GitHub repository.

History and Origin

Wotsup.org builds on the foundation of the original Wotsit.org archive. From the mid-1990s through the 2000s, Wotsit.org — created by Paul Oliver and contributors worldwide — provided an essential collection of file format specifications and implementation notes. When that site went offline around 2009, an important body of knowledge became harder to access.

This project continues that legacy by preserving and modernizing the archive. We combine the original collection with community contributions and maintain an open, reviewable repository so formats remain discoverable and usable.

Acknowledgments

We’re grateful to Paul Oliver and the contributors to the original Wotsit.org. Their work established the foundation for Wotsup.org.

If you have materials from the original archive or can help verify sources, please contribute via our GitHub repository or open an issue to discuss.