What is the difference between .STU, .STA, .ZEF, and .XEF files in EcoStruxure Control Expert?

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EcoStruxure Control Expert has four formats .STU, .STA, .ZEF, and .XEF.

STU

This file type is used for daily working tasks. This format is used by default when opening or saving a user project.
The .STU file is a work file and it can not be used to switch from one version to another EcoStruxure Control Expert software. In this case, you should use the archive format (.STA file) or use the export function in the project and create a .ZEF or .XEF file.

STA

This file type is used for archiving projects and can be created only after the project has been generated. This file type allows forward compatibility between the different versions of Control Expert.
The .STA file is very compressed (approximately 50 times more so than the STU file). It is used to transfer projects to networks (local or Internet).

ZEF

This file type is used for exporting projects with global DTMs configuration and can be created at any stage of a project.
The export file contains all the unprotected information: configuration of the inputs/ outputs, sections, SR program modules, events processing, unprotected DFB types, DDTs, variables, animation tables, references to the protected DFB types, global DTMs configuration (ZEF file only).

XEF

This file type is used for exporting projects in an XML source format and can be created at any stage of a project.
Export a project without global DTMs configurations

For more information, please see EcoStruxure™ Control Expert - Operating Modes and User Application and Project File Formats in EcoStruxure Control Expert help.