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

APP file extension

Mac OS X Application

Executable Files

AZW file extension

Amazon Kindle eBook File

eBook Files

CFM file extension

ColdFusion Markup File

Web Files

CPP file extension

C++ Source Code File

Developer Files

CRDOWNLOAD file extension

Chrome Partially Downloaded File

Misc Files

CUE file extension

Cue Sheet File

Disk Image Files

DB file extension

Database File

Database Files

DBF file extension

Database File

Database Files

FLV file extension

Flash Video File

Video Files

JAR file extension

Java Archive File

Executable Files

PSPIMAGE file extension

PaintShop Pro Image

Raster Image Files

RPM file extension

Red Hat Package Manager File

Compressed Files

VCF file extension

vCard File

Data Files

XCODEPROJ file extension

Xcode Project

Developer Files