Compound File Binary Format (CFBF), also called Compound File, Compound Document format,[1] or Composite Document File V2[2] (CDF), is a compound document file format for storing numerous files and streams within a single file on a disk. CFBF is developed by Microsoft and is an implementation of Microsoft COM Structured Storage.[3][4][5] The file format is used for storing storage objects and stream objects in a hierarchical structure within a single file.[6]
Microsoft has opened the format for use by others and it is now used in a variety of programs from Microsoft Word and Microsoft Access to Business Objects.[citation needed] It also forms the basis of the Advanced Authoring Format.[7]