This standard specifies the format of the MXF generic container. The MXF generic container is the native essence container of the material exchange format (MXF) file body. The MXF generic container is defined for the interchange of streamable audio-visual material.

This standard defines the data structure at the signal interfaces of networks or storage media. This standard does not define internal storage formats for MXF compliant devices.

Appropriate essence and metadata payloads that can be mapped into the MXF generic container are defined in associated documents.

The MXF specification includes operation pattern specifications that may define restrictions on the way in which this essence container type should be implemented. The reader is advised to carefully study the appropriate operational pattern document for compliance to a defined implementation.