A digital IDP is the same translation document travelers have carried for decades, delivered the modern way — as a file you can show from your phone the moment it's approved, with a physical card following behind it.
The underlying format hasn't changed: your license details restated across several major languages, so an officer or rental agent who doesn't work in your language can still verify who you are. What's changed is how fast you can get one and how you carry it.
Going digital first means you're not stuck waiting on the mail before a trip that's coming up fast. Your digital copy typically arrives the same day your application is approved, with the physical card arriving separately for situations where a printed document is expected.
One thing that doesn't change with the format: requirements and recognition still vary by country and shift over time. Entry, driving, and car-rental requirements can change and vary by destination. Always confirm current rules with the relevant embassy, consulate, or local authority before you travel.