Filter to different "formats" vs "formattings" [closed]

I always get confused with when to use format vs formatting.

I understand that we should use formatting when we say we want to change the formatting of something.

But what about the following?

1. Filter to the different formats/formattings

2. Sort by format/formatting

Both are used as nouns. Can someone please elaborate on when would be the most appropriate to use each of these words?

Thanks in advance!

Solution 1:

The format usually describes a kind of logical or physical container for content, as in LP or EP format (the format here describes the length of music that the item can hold). If you see a document prepared a certain way, you might say that it's in APA format. In those cases, you would not say APA formatting or EP formatting. So, in your examples:

1. Filter to the different formats (Honestly though I've never heard of filter to...; I have often heard/seen filter by.)
2. Sort by format

In both cases, what you are after is a list of items prepared a certain way (by format), or perhaps a list of the available ways to arrange items (the formats available).

Hope this helps!