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

APK file extension

Android Package File

Executable Files

CUR file extension

Windows Cursor

System Files

DRV file extension

Device Driver

System Files

EPUB file extension

Open eBook File

eBook Files

GBR file extension

Gerber File

Data Files

GPX file extension

GPS Exchange File

GIS Files

JAR file extension

Java Archive File

Executable Files

JS file extension

JavaScript File

Web Files

MSG file extension

Outlook Mail Message

Text Files

PART file extension

Partially Downloaded File

Misc Files

PL file extension

Perl Script

Developer Files

ROM file extension

N64 Game ROM File

Game Files

RTF file extension

Rich Text Format File

Text Files

TORRENT file extension

BitTorrent File

Misc Files

VCD file extension

Virtual CD

Disk Image Files