reformat

Reformat is a verb meaning to change the format or structure of something, often by reorganizing layout, data representation, or file systems. The term is widely used in computing but also applies to editing text, data, or media for a new presentation or compatibility.

In computing, reformatting a storage device typically means erasing existing data and applying a new file system, effectively reinitializing the device for use. This can fix problems, change the file system (for example, from FAT to NTFS), or prepare a device for a fresh installation. Reformatting generally destroys data, so backups are essential before proceeding.

Reformatting also occurs when converting data to a different format or adjusting the presentation of content. Examples include reformatting a document to fit a new page size or style, converting files from one format to another (such as CSV to JSON), or restructuring data to meet the requirements of a target system or application.

In publishing and design, reformatting refers to altering the layout to suit a different medium or audience, such as adapting a print layout for digital viewing, changing typography, margins, line length, and column structure.

In software development, reformatting code means reindenting or reorganizing source code to improve readability, often guided by a style guide or automated formatter, without changing the program’s behavior.

Overall, reformat implies changing format or structure rather than content alone, and the specific implications depend on the domain and whether data integrity is preserved.