5 Ways to Change a File Extension on a Computer

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Learn how to change the format of a file
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Do you need to change the extension of a file so you can open it in a different program? Renaming a file in Finder or File Explorer won't be enough—you'll need to save the file in a different format from a program. But don't worry—it's super easy! This wikiHow article will teach you how to change a file's extension by saving it in a different format. We'll also show you how to show hidden file extensions in Windows and macOS so extensions are always visible.

How do you change a file type?

Open the file as you normally would and select "Save As" from the File menu. Choose where you'd like the file to be saved, and use the "Save as type" drop-down menu to change the extension for your file. Then, hit "Save"—you can find the file wherever you chose to save it.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Changing a File Extension in Nearly Any Program

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  1. Open a file in its default software program.
  2. [1]
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  7. The original file will still be open in the software program. [2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Renaming an Extension With Right-Click

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  1. Make sure you're right-clicking the original file rather than the shortcut.
    • On Mac, you'll need to control-click.
  2. This is in the drop-down menu.
  3. For example, in file.txt , you'll erase the .txt part.
  4. If you want the file to convert into a Word file, you'll type .doc or .docx .
  5. This will save the new extension name.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Making File Extensions Visible on Windows

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  1. Click the Start menu, and then click Control Panel . If you're using Windows 8 , click here .
  2. You can find this in the Control Panel. [3]
    • On Windows 8, in the ribbon, click Options.
  3. [4]
  4. [5]
  5. In the Advanced settings list, scroll down until you see Hide extensions for known file types. Click the box to uncheck it. [6]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Making File Extensions Visible on Mac OS X

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  1. You can also click the Desktop to switch to the Finder. [7]
  2. This is in the top toolbar.
  4. [8]
  6. The files will now show their file extensions.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Making File Extensions Visible on Windows 11

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  1. [9]
  2. [10]
  3. [11]
  4. When you open a new Windows Explorer window, file extensions are visible.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I change the program that my computer uses to open a file?
    Community Answer
    In order to change which program your computer uses to open a file, right-click on the file in the File Explorer and select "Open with..." to choose your desired program.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 9
  • Question
    How do I change the file extension on Windows 10?
    Community Answer
    Go into the explorer, hit "View" and select "Show File Extensions", then rename the file you wish.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 26
  • Question
    How do I change from a txt to a simple file within any extensions?
    Community Answer
    Files in general require an extension. You can change it to a different extension, but you can't simply remove all extensions.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 14
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-to-change-file-extension-in-windows/
      2. ↑ https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-to-change-file-extension-in-windows/
      3. ↑ https://www.thewindowsclub.com/show-file-extensions-in-windows
      4. ↑ https://www.thewindowsclub.com/show-file-extensions-in-windows
      5. ↑ https://www.thewindowsclub.com/show-file-extensions-in-windows
      6. ↑ https://workforce.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Information_Technology/Computer_Applications/Word_Processing_Essentials_(Busbee)/05%3A_Appendix/5.01%3A_Show_Hide_File_Extensions
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/show-or-hide-filename-extensions-on-mac-mchlp2304/mac
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/show-or-hide-filename-extensions-on-mac-mchlp2304/mac
      9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/file-explorer-in-windows-ef370130-1cca-9dc5-e0df-2f7416fe1cb1
      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/common-file-name-extensions-in-windows-da4a4430-8e76-89c5-59f7-1cdbbc75cb01
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/common-file-name-extensions-in-windows-da4a4430-8e76-89c5-59f7-1cdbbc75cb01

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open the file in its default program.
      2. Click the File menu.
      3. Click Save As .
      4. Select a saving location.
      5. Name the file.
      6. Click the “Save as Type” menu.
      7. Select a different extension.
      8. Click Save As .

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