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

ASPX file extension

Active Server Page Extended File

Web Files

CBR file extension

Comic Book RAR Archive

Compressed Files

DEB file extension

Debian Software Package

Compressed Files

DOC# file extension

Microsoft Word Document

Text Files

GAM file extension

Saved Game File

Game Files

GED file extension

GEDCOM Genealogy Data File

Data Files

JSP file extension

Java Server Page

Web Files

PSPIMAGE file extension

PaintShop Pro Image

Raster Image Files

PY file extension

Python Script

Developer Files

RA file extension

Real Audio File

Audio Files

SWF file extension

Shockwave Flash Movie

Video Files

VCD file extension

Virtual CD

Disk Image Files

WAV file extension

WAVE Audio File

Audio Files

XML file extension

XML File

Data Files

ZIP file extension

Zipped File

Compressed Files