Documents appear different across computers because they rely heavily on the specific software, fonts, and settings available on the machine opening them. Different versions of software (like Microsoft Word or LibreOffice) may interpret formatting rules slightly differently. Crucially, if the font used in the document isn't installed on the second computer, the operating system will substitute a different font, altering spacing, text size, and overall layout. Screen size and resolution can also affect how a document is displayed, particularly concerning page breaks or image placement.

For example, a presentation designed in the latest Microsoft PowerPoint version might display bullet points and animations differently when opened in an older version or in a web-based viewer like Google Slides. Similarly, a document using specific corporate fonts might look significantly altered on a home computer lacking those fonts, causing unexpected text shifts and rewrapping, disrupting tables or designed layouts.

The main advantage of this reliance is document flexibility and editability. However, key limitations are inconsistent rendering and potential loss of intended design across devices. This necessitates careful collaboration, including using widely available fonts or embedding fonts if possible. Converting critical documents to PDF ensures reliable, consistent appearance for final distribution but sacrifices easy editability. Future solutions involve cloud-based platforms and standardized web document formats offering more predictable rendering regardless of local hardware.