We all manage file extensions on a daily basis. However, sometimes they go unnoticed. Despite being modest, they play a very important role. Therefore, it is a good idea to know and understand them. Let's talk about that.
The file tree and its difference from folders
On any computer, there are only two fundamental categories: files and folders. If we had to visualize this structure, we could compare it with a tree. The hard drive would be the trunk, from which countless branches or folders emerge. Some of these branches bifurcate into subfolders, and at the end of them, there are the leaves, our files.
Folders are simple containers with names, but files carry a more detailed identity: a name and an extension. The latter, located after the dot in the file name (for example: File.pdf or Photo.jpeg), is vital, as it indicates to the operating system what type of file it is and with which application it should be opened.
In practice
There are thousands and thousands of extensions, but on a daily basis, we only handle a few. Recalling the four ways to find the complete path of any file on our Mac, let's look at some examples.
Image files
- .png: Uncompressed image file, supports transparency.
- .jpeg or .jpg: Compressed image file (smaller size but less quality).
- .tiff: Highest quality image file, supports layers.
- .gif: Ideal web image file, supports animation.
Sound files
- .mp3: Compressed sound file (smaller size, but less quality).
- .m4a: Sound file of superior quality to mp3, standard on Apple.
Video files
- .mp4: Video file, Apple standard, AAC encoding. Much smaller size than .mov
- .mov: QuickTime video file, format developed by Apple.
- .avi: Video file native to Windows systems, needs to be converted to be viewed on Mac or have a specific app for it.
Files
- .epub: Electronic book.
- .pdf: Image —like a printout, but digital— of any kind of document.
- .zip: Compressed file.
- .rar: Compressed file (requires specific app on Mac).
- .tmp: Temporary file, for example, a download.
- .pages: Pages file.
- .numbers: Numbers file.
- .keynote: Keynote file.
- .txt: Plain text file.
- .doc or .docx: Word file (Opens and edits with Pages).
- .xls or .xlsx: Excel file (Opens and edits with Numbers).
- .ppt or .pptx: PowerPoint file (Opens and edits with Keynote).
File extensions, often overlooked, are essential in our digital experience, providing a crucial clue about the content and purpose of a file. Knowing and understanding the most common extensions makes managing, organizing, and accessing our data easier. And as we can see, it's really simple to get to know the most common ones.
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