A file extension is a group of letters at the end of a file name. It comes after a dot (.). File extensions tell us the type of file. They also tell the computer which software to use to open the file. Let’s look at the most common file extensions and understand them in detail.
Examples of Common File Extensions
There are the following examples of common File Extensions
Text File Extensions
These are text file fxtensions
.txt
.txt stands for a plain text file. It contains only simple text. There are no images, colors, or special designs in a .txt file. You can open it with Notepad or any basic text editor. Students use .txt files to write notes or small lists.
.doc / .docx
.doc and .docx are Microsoft Word file extensions. They are used for creating documents. These files can have text, images, tables, and different fonts. Teachers and students use .docx files to write assignments, reports, and letters.
.pdf means Portable Document Format. It keeps the text, images, and layout the same on all devices. You cannot easily edit a PDF file. It is used for ebooks, forms, and official documents. You can open .pdf files with Adobe Reader or web browsers.
Image File Extensions
These are image file fxtensions
.jpg / .jpeg
.jpg and .jpeg are image file extensions. They are used for pictures and photos. These files are small in size because they are compressed. Websites and social media often use .jpg images.
.png
.png files are also image files. They keep high quality and support transparent backgrounds. Designers use .png files when they need clear and sharp images.
.gif
.gif files can show moving images or animations. They play short, repeating clips without sound. People use .gif files to share fun or expressive images online.
.bmp
.bmp stands for Bitmap image. These files are large and uncompressed. They show high-quality pictures. However, they take more storage space, so people use them less often.
Audio File Extensions
These are audio file fxtensions
.mp3
.mp3 is the most common audio file extension. It compresses sound to make the file smaller. Music, podcasts, and audiobooks often use .mp3 format. It gives good sound quality with a small file size.
.wav
.wav files are audio files with high sound quality. They are bigger in size because they are not compressed. Musicians and sound engineers use .wav files for professional work.
.aac
.aac stands for Advanced Audio Coding. It offers better sound than .mp3 at the same file size. Many mobile phones and music apps use .aac files.
Video File Extensions
These are video file fxtensions
.mp4
.mp4 is a very popular video file extension. It stores video, audio, and sometimes subtitles. You can play .mp4 files on almost all devices and apps. Most online videos are in .mp4 format.
.avi
.avi stands for Audio Video Interleave. It keeps good video and audio quality. However, .avi files are larger in size. Some older devices prefer .avi files.
.mkv
.mkv stands for Matroska Video. It supports high-definition video, multiple audio tracks, and subtitles. People use .mkv files for movies and big video files.
Compressed File Extensions
These arec ompressed file fxtensions
.zip
.zip files compress one or more files into a smaller size. You can send many files together in one .zip file. You need to extract or unzip them to use the files inside.
.rar
.rar files are like .zip files but offer better compression. They also need special software like WinRAR to open.
.7z
.7z files are highly compressed files. They reduce file size a lot. You need software like 7-Zip to open .7z files.
Executable File Extensions
These are executable file fxtensions
.exe
.exe stands for executable file. It is used to install or run programs on Windows computers. When you double-click a .exe file, it starts a program or software.
.bat
.bat files are batch files. They contain a list of commands. When you run a .bat file, the computer follows all the commands step by step.
.apk
. apk stands for Android Package Kit. It is used to install apps on Android phones. You can download and install apps using. apk files.
Web File Extensions
These are web file fxtensions
.html / .htm
.html or .htm files are web page files. They use HyperText Markup Language. Browsers like Chrome or Firefox open .html files to show websites.
.css
.css stands for Cascading Style Sheets. It controls the design, colors, and layout of web pages. Without .css, websites look plain.
.js
.js files are JavaScript files. They make websites interactive. For example, when you click buttons or see animations, .js files do the work.
Spreadsheet & Presentation File Extensions
These are spreadsheet & presentation file fxtensions
.xls / .xlsx
.xls and .xlsx files are Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. They store data in rows and columns. Students and businesses use them for calculations, lists, and charts.
.ppt / .pptx
.ppt and .pptx files are PowerPoint presentation files. They contain slides with text, images, and animations. Teachers use them to present lessons. Students use them for projects.
.csv
.csv stands for Comma-Separated Values. It stores data in a simple table format. Each value is separated by commas. You can open .csv files in Excel or text editors.
System & Other Important File Extensions
These are system & other important file fxtensions
.dll
.dll means Dynamic Link Library. Windows systems use .dll files to run programs. They contain instructions that programs need.
.iso
.iso files are disc image files. They are copies of CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. You can use .iso files to install software or games.
.json
. json stands for JavaScript Object Notation. It stores data in a simple, readable format. Many websites and apps use. json files to exchange data.
.xml
.xml stands for Extensible Markup Language. It stores data in a structured way. Software and websites use .xml files for data sharing.
