Should you format a usb flash drive every time you want to take information off or just delete the files?

You should not format a USB flash drive every time you want to take information off it; simply deleting the files is typically sufficient for regular use. Formatting erases all data on the drive and resets the file system, which is unnecessary if you're just looking to remove specific files. However, formatting may be useful if you're experiencing issues with the drive or need to prepare it for a different file system. In general, deleting files is quicker and preserves the drive's structure.