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

CFG file extension

Configuration File

Settings Files

CUR file extension

Windows Cursor

System Files

DB file extension

Database File

Database Files

FLA file extension

Adobe Flash Animation

Developer Files

GPX file extension

GPS Exchange File

GIS Files

ISO file extension

Disc Image File

Disk Image Files

NES file extension

Nintendo (NES) ROM File

Game Files

PART file extension

Partially Downloaded File

Misc Files

PDB file extension

Program Database

Database Files

PPT file extension

PowerPoint Presentation

Data Files

RM file extension

Real Media File

Video Files

SAV file extension

Saved Game

Game Files

THM file extension

Thumbnail Image File

Raster Image Files

TOAST file extension

Toast Disc Image

Disk Image Files

WAV file extension

WAVE Audio File

Audio Files