File extensions – definition and basic information


File extensions are the integral parts of the files that are on each computer. Often, when working on a computer, we encounter a wide range of files, such as docx, ppt, part, mp3 or rmvb. We realize that they are there – but we often do not know what they are for on our computer.

File extension, also known as the filename extension is a suffix added to the name of a computer file, usually consisting of a number of characters placed after the last dot in the filename, which gives us information about its coding. In other words a file extension is a file format. It allows the operating system (e.g. Windows) to recognize what program it should try to open the file.

In the table below you will find a random selection of popular file extensions.


File extension The full name of the file Category

ASP file extension

Active Server Page

Web Files

C file extension

C/C++ Source Code File

Developer Files

CAB file extension

Windows Cabinet File

System Files

CFG file extension

Configuration File

Settings Files

FNT file extension

Windows Font File

Font Files

HQX file extension

BinHex 4.0 Encoded File

Encoded Files

LUA file extension

Lua Source File

Developer Files

MAX file extension

3ds Max Scene File

3D Image Files

OBJ file extension

Wavefront 3D Object File

3D Image Files

PPS file extension

PowerPoint Slide Show

Data Files

PS file extension

PostScript File

Vector Image Files

PY file extension

Python Script

Developer Files

RA file extension

Real Audio File

Audio Files

SVG file extension

Scalable Vector Graphics File

Vector Image Files

TORRENT file extension

BitTorrent File

Misc Files