How to change the file type on Windows, macOS and Linux

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

This simple operation can be performed with just a few clicks.

The type, or rather, the file format, is a kind of identifier that any data on the computer has. It is needed so that the system understands in which application they should be opened. The file format is indicated as an extension - two or three characters after the period at the end of the name. For example: photo.jpg, document.txt, song.mp3.

Basically, changing a file type is converting it to a different format using a converter. And what most users mean by this procedure is actually an extension change.

This can be done when you need to open one of the file format options in an application that does not want to work with it. For example, change the extension of an audio file from M4A to MP3 and slip it into the player. It will work for such simple manipulations, but will not help in cases of converting video to audio or EPUB books in FB2.

If you are interested in converting, check out other Lifehacker articles on this topic.

If you need to change the file type in order for it to open in your application, read on.

How to change the file type in Windows

File extensions are not visible in Windows by default. Therefore, to edit them, you first need to enable the display in the "Explorer" settings. In Windows 10, to do this, open the folder with the desired file, go to the "View" menu and check the box next to the item "File name extensions".

In older versions, you need to use the generic method. Open "Control Panel" → "Folder Options", and then on the "View" tab, uncheck "Hide extensions for registered file types" and click the "Apply" button.

Now, when the extension is displayed in the file name, to change it, it is enough to rename it by entering a new one after the period - through the standard menu or by clicking on the highlighted name. If something goes wrong, it will be similarly easy to put everything back.

How to change the file type on macOS

macOS also hides file extensions by default, so you'll need to change the appropriate option first. To do this, start Finder and open its preferences by pressing Command + <or through the Finder → Preferences menu. And in the "Add-ons" section, check the "Show all file name extensions".

It remains to rename the file by pressing Enter or by making two clicks on the name. Instead of the old extension, you need to enter a new one, then press Enter and confirm the action by clicking "Use …".

How to change the file type in Linux

In Linux distributions, everything is much simpler. The file extension is always displayed here. Therefore, in order to change it, you just need to select "Rename" in the context menu by right clicking and set a new name with the required extension.