Каждый файл на компьютере хранит в себе данные of a certain type. For example, it can be text information, program codes, image, sound or something else. Intuitively, you already understand what a file extension is. Therefore, today we will fill the gaps in knowledge and try to delve deeper into the topic.
Definition
The extension is the second part of the file name,located after the point. As a rule, it consists of 2-4 characters. This designation simplifies the operation of the operating system, prompting it what information is contained in the document and which program to use to open the file.
When installing any new program in the registryWindows makes data about which formats it can work with. Thanks to this, the pictures are opened in special galleries, and the music - with the help of a multimedia player. If you wish, you can change the program that will be used to open files of a certain type.
Popular Extensions
It is useful to know not only what a file extension is, but also what data types are stored in different documents. Here is a list of the most common in Windows:
- Text: txt, .doc (.docx), .rtf.
- Web pages: .htm and .html.
- Archives: .zip, .rar.
- Images: .jpg (.jpeg), .png, .bmp, .gif, .tiff.
- Audio: .mp3, .wav, .wma, .cda.
- Video: .avi, .wmv, .mpg (.mpeg), .MPEG-4, .wmv, .flv, .vob, .mdv, .swf.
- Presentations: .ppt (.pptx).
- Tables: .xls (.xlsx).
- Fonts: .ttf, .otf.
- Electronic books: .pdf, .epub, .fb2, .djvu.
- Databases: .mdb, .accdb.
- Executables (running or installing programs): .exe, .bat.
Tip:when working with documents of unknown formats, the Russian-language service Open-File.ru helps a lot. Just type in the name in the search in the directory, and you will see the basic information: what data the document contains (image, text, etc.), what a suitable file extension program in which you can open it.
Setting the display extensions
By default, the operating system automaticallyshows the format of the document next to its name. However, at any time you can make so that the file extensions in Windows are not displayed or, conversely, include them. What do I need to do?
- Go to the "Control Panel".
- Find the item "Folder Options". In Windows 7, it is called "Folder Options," and in Windows 8 and 10, it is "Explorer Options."
- In the window that appears, select the "View" tab.
- Find the item "Hide extensions for registered file types" in the "Advanced options" list and put a tick in front of it.
- Click "Apply" and close the window.
Обратите внимание:if the file extension in Windows 7 or another version of the OS is disabled, you need to be careful when renaming any documents. If you accidentally delete or change this registry, the file will not be open.
How to change the extension
Now that you know what an extension isfile, let's talk about how it can be converted. This is necessary if you, for example, want to open a file intended for one program in another application.
Strictly speaking, there are two ways to do this:
- Rename the document - just enter the name you need (for example, .html instead of .txt) instead of the "native" extension.
- Use special software converters. Some are installed on a PC, others are available online. They are resorted to in case you need to completely change the coding of the document.
If you want the information in another program to be displayed as correctly as possible, it is better to use fully-fledged converters.
Из популярных сервисов такого типа можно отметить Convertio. This online converter supports most common file extensions, and also has a number of additional tools, such as compressing and merging PDF documents, a URL converter for extracting music and video from sites, as well as recognizing scanned text.
How to change the program to open
And finally, consider the situation when you downloadednew application and want to use it to work with certain documents. For example, change the standard program for viewing photos in Windows on Microsoft Office Picture Manager. How to do it?
- Select the desired file and open the context menu (right mouse button).
- Find the item "Open with"> "Choose another application".
- Select the desired program from the list that appears and tick the box "Always use this application ...".
- Click OK.
This means that the file extension is a system.will now open with the program that you have selected. In Windows 8 and 10, if no suitable application is found on the PC, you also have the opportunity to find it in the "Store".
