Hovedformat

Hovedformat is a Norwegian term commonly used in publishing, printing, and information management to denote the main or reference format of a document, object, or system. It refers to the principal size, shape, and orientation that governs production and handling, and from which other formats are derived.

In publishing and printing, hovedformat designates the canonical page size and layout that defines a work's identity and production workflow. The main format guides typography, margins, and binding, while supplementary formats—such as inserts, jackets, or folded sheets—may be produced from variations of the hovedformat.

In libraries and archives, the term can describe the physical characteristics of a work in catalog records, including dimensions and binding. Identifying the hovedformat helps with shelving, handling, and planning digitization or reproduction.

In digital contexts, some organizations use hovedformat to indicate the primary display or delivery format, such as the target aspect ratio or resolution for a project. As with print, other formats may be used to accommodate different devices or workflows.

Usage varies by country and field, and hovedformat is not a universally standardized label. It is most common in Scandinavian publishing and library practice, where it often contrasts with secondary formats or derived sizes.

See also: format, page size, aspect ratio, publication design, cataloging.