File Extension Lookup

Understand Any File Extension

Clear explanations, compatible software, and practical guidance for file extensions.

8+ Categories
12+ Popular Types
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File Guide

How to identify and open unknown file types

File extensions help your operating system and applications understand what kind of data a file contains. With FileTypes, you can search an extension, learn what it is used for, and find compatible software before opening the file.

Explore extensions
1
Search the extension Enter a file extension such as PDF, DOCX, JPG, ZIP, or MP4.
2
Check compatible software Find programs that can open, view, edit, or convert the file type.
3
Open files safely Be careful with unknown files and scan suspicious downloads before opening them.
What You Can Do

File Extension Tools

Tools to identify file types, check compatibility, and find alternatives

Find Any File Type

Identify file extensions, learn what they are, and how to open them.

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Software Compatibility

Check which programs can open specific file types across platforms.

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Find Alternatives

Discover similar file formats with better compatibility and support.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about file extensions

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about file extensions

A file extension is the suffix at the end of a file name (such as .pdf or .jpg) that identifies the file type and determines which programs can open it.

To open an unknown file, first identify its file extension. Once identified, you can use compatible software or convert the file to a supported format if necessary.

On Windows and macOS, file extensions are generally not case sensitive. However, on many Linux systems and web servers, file extensions can be case sensitive.

If a file won't open, make sure you are using the correct program for its file type. Updating the software, checking for file corruption, or converting the file may help.

Changing a file extension does not convert the file format and may cause the file to stop working. To properly change formats, use a file conversion tool designed for that file type.