A file, or document, is a digital or physical collection of information that is stored for future reference. It can contain text, images, or other data types and is often created using software applications like Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. Files are commonly used for various purposes, including reports, letters, and presentations. Files are organized in a hierarchical structure within a computer's file system, allowing users to easily locate and manage their documents. They can be shared via email or cloud storage services like Google Drive and can be edited or viewed by multiple users, depending on the permissions set.