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

AI file extension

Adobe Illustrator File

Vector Image Files

BMP file extension

Bitmap Image File

Raster Image Files

CRX file extension

Chrome Extension

Plugin Files

GAM file extension

Saved Game File

Game Files

INDD file extension

Adobe InDesign Document

Layout Files

MID file extension

MIDI File

Audio Files

PRF file extension

Outlook Profile File

Settings Files

PY file extension

Python Script

Developer Files

RA file extension

Real Audio File

Audio Files

TAX2012 file extension

TurboTax 2012 Tax Return

Data Files

TEX file extension

LaTeX Source Document

Text Files

TGA file extension

Targa Graphic

Raster Image Files

VCXPROJ file extension

Visual C++ Project

Developer Files

WMV file extension

Windows Media Video File

Video Files

WSF file extension

Windows Script File

Executable Files