What is a common file format used for formatted text in word processing?

The choice of .doc or .docx as a common file format for formatted text in word processing is accurate because these formats are specifically designed to support rich text formatting, including elements such as different fonts, sizes, colors, tables, images, and other complex layouts that go beyond plain text.

Furthermore, .doc is the older binary file format used by Microsoft Word before the introduction of the .docx format, which is now the default and widely used format for Microsoft Word documents. The .docx format not only maintains compatibility with various features of MS Word but also uses a more efficient XML-based structure that promotes better integration with other applications and improved file compression.

Other formats like .txt, .pdf, and .rtf have their uses, but they are not as versatile for formatted text in the same way. For instance, while .txt is a plain text file format that does not support any formatting, the .pdf format is primarily intended for fixed layout documents, preserving the document's formatting across platforms rather than for editing. The .rtf format does allow for some basic formatting but lacks the advanced features of .doc and .docx, making .doc or .docx the most common choices for complex word processing tasks.