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

ASF file extension

Advanced Systems Format File

Video Files

ASX file extension

Microsoft ASF Redirector File

Video Files

CBR file extension

Comic Book RAR Archive

Compressed Files

CLASS file extension

Java Class File

Developer Files

GBR file extension

Gerber File

Data Files

GPX file extension

GPS Exchange File

GIS Files

ICO file extension

Icon File

System Files

KMZ file extension

Google Earth Placemark File

GIS Files

LNK file extension

Windows File Shortcut

System Files

MPA file extension

MPEG-2 Audio File

Audio Files

RM file extension

Real Media File

Video Files

RTF file extension

Rich Text Format File

Text Files

WAV file extension

WAVE Audio File

Audio Files

ZIP file extension

Zipped File

Compressed Files