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

CRDOWNLOAD file extension

Chrome Partially Downloaded File

Misc Files

DB file extension

Database File

Database Files

DMP file extension

Windows Memory Dump

System Files

EPUB file extension

Open eBook File

eBook Files

GPX file extension

GPS Exchange File

GIS Files

ICS file extension

iCalendar File

Misc Files

ISO file extension

Disc Image File

Disk Image Files

MIM file extension

Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Message File

Encoded Files

MSI file extension

Windows Installer Package

Misc Files

PART file extension

Partially Downloaded File

Misc Files

PCT file extension

Picture File

Layout Files

RM file extension

Real Media File

Video Files

RTF file extension

Rich Text Format File

Text Files

SVG file extension

Scalable Vector Graphics File

Vector Image Files

XLR file extension

Works Spreadsheet

Spreadsheet Files