In this article we provide an introduction and a guide to ISO DIS 8613, 'Office Document Architecture (ODA) and Interchange Format', describing the aims of this standard, its general concepts and the key principles under which this standard has been developed. The article then examines in more detail how two forms of computer graphical information, raster graphics and geometric graphics have been incorporated into the standard. The article finally indicates how the standard is likely to develop to support some of the additional capabilities required for advanced office automation applications.