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

CSR file extension

Certificate Signing Request File

Web Files

CUR file extension

Windows Cursor

System Files

DRV file extension

Device Driver

System Files

GIF file extension

Graphical Interchange Format File

Raster Image Files

GPX file extension

GPS Exchange File

GIS Files

MIM file extension

Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Message File

Encoded Files

MPG file extension

MPEG Video File

Video Files

PPS file extension

PowerPoint Slide Show

Data Files

PSPIMAGE file extension

PaintShop Pro Image

Raster Image Files

RPM file extension

Red Hat Package Manager File

Compressed Files

SAV file extension

Saved Game

Game Files

THM file extension

Thumbnail Image File

Raster Image Files

XLR file extension

Works Spreadsheet

Spreadsheet Files

ZIP file extension

Zipped File

Compressed Files