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

CPP file extension

C++ Source Code File

Developer Files

CRDOWNLOAD file extension

Chrome Partially Downloaded File

Misc Files

DOC# file extension

Microsoft Word Document

Text Files

DXF file extension

Drawing Exchange Format File

CAD Files

MAX file extension

3ds Max Scene File

3D Image Files

MSI file extension

Windows Installer Package

Misc Files

PL file extension

Perl Script

Developer Files

SQL file extension

Structured Query Language Data File

Database Files

SRT file extension

SubRip Subtitle File

Video Files

SWF file extension

Shockwave Flash Movie

Video Files

TGA file extension

Targa Graphic

Raster Image Files

TMP file extension

Temporary File

Backup Files

VCF file extension

vCard File

Data Files

WPD file extension

WordPerfect Document

Text Files

ZIPX file extension

Extended Zip File

Compressed Files