Businesses often rely on virtual data for executing various organizational operations. This requires employees to get acquainted with different types of apps and tools for downloading, viewing, and processing data for further use.
Whether you are using a macOS, Windows, or any other computer, there are file types specific to each platform. In this article, we will learn the basics of file formats.
What Are Common File Types?
The file types enable the operating system to determine and identify what the file is and what program you would need to open the file. For instance, the computer can recognize that PNG is an image file, so it will automatically open it in a photo app.
The most common type of file formats supported by macOS, Windows, Linux, and other operating systems are:
- .pdf for a PDF file
- .jpg for an image file
- .doc for Microsoft Word document
- .png for an image file
- .mp4 for a video file
- .gif for animated, moving image
Why Do You Need to Change File Type?
Sometimes, the file has an incorrect label, and your computer uses an inappropriate application to process it. In that case, you need to change the file type to make the file appropriate for the program.
Other than that, changing file type also helps improve the quality of the file. Conversion of file formats allows you to use the file more efficiently on your computer. Your company might need a specific type of platform for which you need to convert the files you receive.
For example, if you are a Mac user and receive an email from a colleague using the Windows Outlook email client, you might be thinking about how to open a Winmail DAT file on Mac.
In that case, changing the file format can help you open the file and view its content.
You should know how to change the file type to make any file appropriate for use on the operating system running on your computer.
How to Make File Types Visible on Mac?
You must have noticed that most file extensions are not visible on your Mac computer. To change the file formats to the appropriate ones that your computer supports, first, you should be able to view them.
Follow the steps given below to make the file extension visible on Mac.
- Click on the Finder option displayed at the top of the screen to open the Finder window. Alternatively, click on the Finder app in the Dock.
- Select the Preferences option from the drop-down. In the Preferences window, select the Advanced option available in the top section of the window.
- Tick mark the checkbox that says Show all filename extensions. Exit and reopen the Finder window to see files with their respective extensions.
How to Change File Types on Mac?
After you are able to view file extensions on Mac, you can change it to the required format. To change the file extensions, follow the steps given below:
- Go to the Finder window and locate the file that you want to change. Alternatively, open the file by typing in the name in the Spotlight Search or Find command.
- Double-click on the filename to convert it to the editable textbox. Now, type in the preferred extension next to the name of the file after the dot (.).
- Press Enter on the keyboard, and the file extension will be changed to the provided one. A confirmation window will appear, click Ok or Confirm to proceed further.
How to Change One Image File Extension to Another?
Image files are one of the most used file types on Mac, Windows, or any other computer. Using the Preview app, you can change the image file extension to another.
- In the Preview app, locate and click the image file you want to change. Right-click the file and select Open with and then click the Preview option.
- In the Preview window, tap on the File option displayed at the top of the page. Next, select Export from the File menu.
- A pop-up window will appear; select a file type from the Format option. The list of options includes all the file extensions supported by your computer.
- Last, click on the Save button in the pop-up window. This will convert your image file to the selected file format.
Closing Thoughts
So, these were some of the ways you can view and change the file extensions to make the file supported over your computer. Make sure to back up all the files before you attempt to change the file extension.
If anything goes wrong, you may end up losing data. Having a backup on external storage media or a Cloud drive will save you from losing important information. Keep the backup file secure and use a complex password, if required.