Several methods are used to store data on physical disks. These methods organize data on the disk so the data can be stored and retrieved efficiently. The basic method of disk organization is called formatting. Formatting prepares the hard disk so that files can be written to and retrieved from the disk by using a prearranged storage pattern.

Two methods are used to store information on formatted hard disks: physical-storage layout and logical-storage layout. VxVM uses the logical-storage layout method.