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# Defining media data layouts

Use efficient media layouts.

## Overview

The QuickTime file format provides a great deal of flexibility in how media data is physically arranged within a file. However, it also allows media layouts to be created that may be inefficient for playback on a given device. To complicate the matter, a media layout that is inefficient for one device may be, in fact, very efficient for another. Review [Using QuickTime files and media layouts](/documentation/QuickTime-File-Format/Using_QuickTime_files_and_media_layouts) for some common uses of QuickTime files and media layouts in these circumstances.

## Topics

### Defining data layouts

[Using QuickTime files and media layouts](/documentation/QuickTime-File-Format/Using_QuickTime_files_and_media_layouts)


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