CIF format specifications

The CIF (Crystallographic Information File) format is a standardized digital file used to store detailed information about crystal structures. It includes data such as atom types, their locations within the crystal, unit cell dimensions, symmetry operations, and experimental parameters. CIF files are structured in plain text with specific tags for each data type, making them easily readable and shareable among scientists. This format helps researchers document, analyze, and reproduce crystal structures efficiently in the field of crystallography.