The File Information Dashboard.

Find out more about file extensions and computer programs.

Insights

Common File Types

It is a good idea to know the most common file types, as computer programs can save files in many different file formats.

How to Open a File

The file type tells you what kind of information the file contains, and often also what program and operating system you can use to open it.

Naming Your Files

When you name and save your files according to good practices, you will quickly find the vital information.

File type

The file can contain text, video, or other material. When content is saved in a specific, commonly known format, we are talking about a particular file type.

Examples of File Types

For example, an image taken with a camera is often saved as a JPEG-type image file and a word processing document as a DOCX-type or RTF-type document file.

File Extension

In Windows, the type of file is indicated by a suffix (usually three letters) after the dot in the file name. Therefore, this file extension tells you in which format the information contained in the above file is stored.

Recent Articles

How to Open an STL File Free (View It in Minutes)

An .stl file is easy to open free, with nothing to install. A free online viewer or your 3D printing slicer shows it in minutes, on Windows or Mac.

Read More How to Open an STL File Free (View It in Minutes)
How to Open a DXF File (Free Viewers and Editors)

A .dxf file is the easy CAD format to open. Free viewers, free editors and laser or CNC software all read it. Here is how, for every use case.

Read More How to Open a DXF File (Free Viewers and Editors)
How to Convert a STEP File to STL for 3D Printing

Converting a .step file to .stl for 3D printing? Check if your slicer opens .step files directly first, then use FreeCAD or Fusion for free.

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How to Open a STEP File Free (.step and .stp)

Don’t own SolidWorks or Inventor? You can open a STEP file free online or in FreeCAD, and even edit the 3D geometry. Here’s how.

Read More How to Open a STEP File Free (.step and .stp)
How to Open a NEF File (Nikon RAW) for Free

A NEF file is Nikon’s RAW photo format. Here’s how to view, edit, and convert it for free without any paid software.

Read More How to Open a NEF File (Nikon RAW) for Free
How to Open a PAGES File on Windows (Apple Pages)

A .pages file is made by Apple Pages on Mac or iPhone. On Windows, you cannot open it directly. Here is what to do instead.

Read More How to Open a PAGES File on Windows (Apple Pages)

Guides & Help

In addition to file types, this site introduces you to many other ways to make everyday computing easier, such as compressing and decompressing files.

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Data Storage

A file refers to data stored on a hard drive or other storage medium stored as a separate entity.

For example, a sales presentation can be saved as a file, as can a slide show or photo.

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Directory Structure

A directory, also known as a folder, refers to the location where files or other directories are stored.

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Typical features of files

1. The file always has a name.

2. The file always takes up some storage space.

3. The file is always saved in a specific format: a text is saved in one of many text file formats, a photo in one of many photo storage formats, etc.

4. The file stores information about when it was created and when it was last modified.

5. Especially online, files are usually assigned permissions. The files are stored either on the user’s computer or the network.

Learn More About the File Extensions!

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