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

ASF file extension

Advanced Systems Format File

Video Files

CPL file extension

Windows Control Panel Item

System Files

DNG file extension

Digital Negative Image File

Camera Raw Files

DXF file extension

Drawing Exchange Format File

CAD Files

GAM file extension

Saved Game File

Game Files

GBR file extension

Gerber File

Data Files

JSP file extension

Java Server Page

Web Files

PRF file extension

Outlook Profile File

Settings Files

RA file extension

Real Audio File

Audio Files

SAV file extension

Saved Game

Game Files

SVG file extension

Scalable Vector Graphics File

Vector Image Files

TGA file extension

Targa Graphic

Raster Image Files

VCF file extension

vCard File

Data Files

3DM file extension

Rhino 3D Model

3D Image Files

3GP file extension

3GPP Multimedia File

Video Files