Chapter Two

Types of Files

Definitions and Common Uses

If we involve with computers, emails, social media, or software, we may need

to send and receive files. When saving a file, we can choose from a variety of
different types and formats. Learning more about these file types and their
qualities can help us determine which file extension is best for our
professional task. It's important to know and use different file types and
provide a list of 21 common file types organized by their media format.

Why is it important to know different types of files?

It's important to know different file types so we can select the right one for
our tasks. Professionals in many industries, including business, marketing,
teaching, and technology, may need to save and share different types of files.
Understanding the file formats can help us share information efficiently with
our clients, colleagues, and managers.

Certain software programs or emails only accept a particular file format.

Learning about the different types can help prepare us for a variety of
responsibilities in our workplace. If we are saving a file, we may need to
choose from several options, and learning more about the file types can help
us select the best one for the particular task. For example, when sending a
graphic design for a company's logo, we want to select the right image format
to ensure the picture maintains the resolution and quality of the website.

❖ 5 types of image files

We may send images to display logos or graphics for a website or
presentation. Here are some of the most common image file types might
encounter in the workplace:

1. Joint photographic experts group (JPEG or JPG)

This is one of the most common image file types. we might use this file when
sending images for a company's website or social media page. This file
compresses the image but maintains colors and graphics clearly. If we save

11
this file multiple times, it will continue to compress, which means it will lose
quality, so consider using this file when we plan to use it immediately.

2. Graphics interchange format (GIF)

When working with short animated graphics, we may use a GIF file. This file
type support short clips or moving images. We may use this on a website,
communication site, or social media platform. This file is best for small or
simple animated files.

3. Scalable vector graphics (SVG)

This file type is most common in website design. If we are designing a logo
or graphic for a website or a company's website, we may work with SVG files.
This extension supports smaller image files and short animations. This file
type maintains a clear resolution and may work well with search engines,
which could help clients find a graphic.

4. Portable networks graphic (PNG)

We can use a PNG format for sending images for web pages, such as logos or
photographs. This format maintains its size and quality throughout multiple
saves and changes. It's lower resolution than other file types, so it's best for
websites rather than printed images.

5. Tagged image file format (TIFF or TIF)

A TIFF file is a high-quality image file type. We may use this file type when
scanning documents, using a desktop publisher program, or printing high-
quality items. For example, if we are publishing a marketing pamphlet, we
may upload TIFF files for the photographs. This can help us print high-
resolution images. This is a large file type, so it's best to use an alternative
image file type for websites and web pages.

❖ 5 types of document files

We may use text files when sending documents to our colleagues or clients.
Here are some of the most popular text file formats we might use:

12
1. Portable document format (PDF)

A PDF file is a common file type in many work environments. This file
maintains the original document layout, which makes it helpful for signing
paperwork and sharing plans. We can email, print and scan using this file
format. This is a popular choice when sending or uploading resumes, as it
maintains the document's original layout and formatting.

2. Word document (DOC and DOCX)

This file format, created by Microsoft, is the standard file type for documents
in the Word processing software. If a company uses this software, we may use
this file type to send and receive documents. We may also use this file format
to share and edit documents with a variety of individuals. Some hiring
managers prefer this file type for resumes and cover letters, so we may use it
when sending job application materials if the job posting specifies this
preference.

3. Hypertext markup language (HTML and HTM)

Developers and other professionals building websites or web content may use
HTML files. This type of file works online and changes text into various
elements on a website. For example, when making a website we can use
HTML language to change the font and layout of the text.

4. Microsoft excel spreadsheet file (XLS and XLSX)

These are common spreadsheet file types we might see in our workplace. If
we share spreadsheets, graphs, or databases, we may save and share files in
this format. We can use spreadsheets to measure and track a variety of
information, such as numbers and contact information.

5. Text file (TXT)

The TXT file supports simple text documents. We may use a TXT to write
notes, instructions, or plain text. This file can work on different computers
and processing software programs. If we want to create advanced formats or
use different fonts, we may consider choosing a different file type.

❖ 5 types of video files

We may use video files for a company's website, marketing campaigns or
presentations. Here are some of the most common video file types we might
work with:

13
1. Moving picture experts group layer four (MP4)

The MP4 file format is a popular video format. Most computers and mobile
devices can open and play MP4 videos, making it a common choice for
professionals and companies sharing video content. We can use this file to
send, upload and receive videos for a company's website or social media
platforms. This file saves visual and audio information accurately, but it has
a lower resolution than other video format types.

2. Audio video interleave (AVI)

This video file format, created by Microsoft, is another popular format we

may encounter in the workplace. It is a large file type, which means it can take
up a lot of space on our computer or cloud system. It maintains quality
throughout multiple saves and changes. We may use this file format to share
videos on social platforms or through a website.

3. QuickTime Movie file (MOV)

The MOV file, created by Apple, is a file type professionals may use with
QuickTime software. This file works well for movies and longer videos,
although the files can be large. We can edit these files in different sections,
which may be helpful for longer projects. Depending on our industry, we may
use this file to create training videos or promotional films.

4. Flash video format (FLV)

The FLV file format works well on streaming services and websites. It's a
popular type of file that's small and easy to share, but it may not work with all
mobile phones. If we are sharing content with phones, we may choose another
file type. If we are uploading a video to a streaming website, this file may
work well.

5. Advanced video coding, high definition (AVCHD)

Professional videographers may use this file format. It maintains high -quality
images for short and long projects. If we are creating a professional video, for
real estate, marketing, or entertainment purposes, we may work with this file
format.

14
 ❖ 3 types of presentation files
Depending on our position, we may use presentation files to prepare for a
meeting or training. Here are some of the most common presentation file
types:

1. PowerPoint presentation (PPT or PPTX)

This file type, created by Microsoft, is a popular way to share and upload
presentations and slideshows. If a company uses PowerPoint software, we
may use the file type to save our slideshows. This file type helps us create and
share visual presentations with team members or clients. For example, we may
share a PPT file with team members after a meeting so they can refer to the
slides and notes.

2. Open document presentation (ODP)

The ODP file format works with OpenOffice programs. If our organization
uses this software program, we may share a presentation in this file format.
We can create and share slideshows with text, graphics, and animations.

3. Apple Keynote file (KEY)

The KEY file format works with Apple's Keynote program, where
professionals can create and share visual presentations. We may add text
slides, images, sounds, and transition elements in this file format. We may
choose to use this file type if a company, team members, or clients use this
software, or if we are sharing a presentation directly from our computer and
we have this program installed.

❖ 3 types of audio files

We may use an audio file to upload readings or sound recordings. This is
common in certain industries, such as education or writing. Here are the most
common audio files we may use in the workplace:

1. MPEG 4 audio (M4A)

The M4A is a common type of audio file. This file type is a compressed
format, which makes the file size smaller. This can make it easier to share and
upload. It also maintains relatively high quality. We may use this type to
record our readings for a lecture or presentation or to save audio notes for
ourselves or our team.

15
2. MPEG layer audio 3 (MP3)

This file format compresses audio files into smaller sizes, making them easier
to share with others. It also keeps a high level of sound quality and works with
a variety of software platforms. We may use this file type to record and share
our readings or audio comments.

3. Waveform audio file (WAV)

The WAV file is another common audio format that maintains high quality.
Professionals may use this format if they work with Microsoft Windows
programs. Typically, these files and not compressed, which means they may
maintain sound quality, but they may be larger than other compressed types.

List of File Extensions

This page lists the filename extensions, or suffixes, used in the source code.

File Extension File Type

.a UNIX static library file.

.asm Non-UNIX assembler source file.

.asp Active Server Page.

.awk An awk script file.

.bat MS-DOS batch file.

.bmp Bitmap image file.

.btm 4NT batch file.

.BTM 4NT batch file.

.c C language file.

.class Compiled java source code file.

.cmd Compiler command file.

.CPP C++ language file.

.csv Comma-separated value file.

16
File Extension File Type

.cur Cursor image file.

.cxx C++ language file.

.CXX C++ language file.

.db Module interface and type descriptions database

file (type library).

.def Win32 library definition file.

.dlg Win32 dialog resource file.

.dll Win32 dynamic linked library.

.don Contains successful message following the

execution of bmp.

.dpc Source dependency file containing list of

dependencies.

.dpj Java source dependency file containing list of

dependencies.

.dtd Document type definition file.

.dump Library symbols file.

.dxp Exports definition file.

.exe Win32 executable file.

.flt Filter file.

.fmt Format file.

.font Font file.

.fp CDE Front Panel file.

.gif Graphics Interchange Format file.

.h C header file.

.H C header file.

.hdb Obsolete, formerly used with hedabu tool.

.hdl Generated C header or header declaration file.

.hid Help ID file.

17
File Extension File Type

.hpp Generated C++ header or header plus plus file.

.hrc An .src include header file.

.HRC An .src include header file.

.html Hypertext markup language file.

.hxx C++ header file.

.Hxx C++ header file.

.HXX C++ header file.

.ico Icon file.

.idl Component interface description (Interface

Definition Language).

.IDL Component interface description (Interface

Definition Language).

.ilb Intermediate StarOffice interface definition file.

.inc Include file.

.inf Installation file.

.ini Initialization file.

.inl Inline header file.

.ins Installation configuration file.

.java Java language file.

.jar Java classes archive file.

.jnl CVS journal file.

.jpg Bitmap graphics (Joint Photography Experts

Group).

.js JavaScript code file.

.jsp Java Server Page file.

.kdelnk KDE1 configuration file.

.l Lex source code file.

18
File Extension File Type

.lib In UNIX systems, a list of objects. In Win32

systems, a collection of objects.

.lin Incremental linking file.

.ll Lex source code file.

.lng File containing string and message definitions

for the setup program.

.lnk Linker response file.

.lnx Linux-specific makefile.

.LOG Log file.

.lst Project files to be delivered to solver. For

example, as in d.lst.

.lst ASCII database file used in solenv.

.mac Macintosh-specific makefile. This is now

obsolete.

.map Library map file.

.mk A dmake makefile.

.MK A dmake makefile.

.mod BASIC module file.

.o UNIX object file.

.obj Win32 object file.

.par Script particles file.

.pfa Type 3 font file.

.pfb Type 1 font file.

.pl Perl script

.PL Perl script

.plc Former build script file, now obsolete.

.pld Former build script file, now obsolete.

.PLD Former build script file, now obsolete.

19
File Extension File Type

.pm Perl module file.

.pmk Project makefiles.

.pre Preprocessor output from scpcomp.

.PS PostScript file.

.ptr Mouse pointer file.

.r Resource file for Macintosh.

.rc A dmake recursive makefile or a Win32

resource script file.

.rdb Interface and type description database (type

library).

.res Resource file.

.s Assembler source file (UNIX).

.S Assembler source file (UNIX).

.sbl BASIC file.

.scp Script source file.

.scr Windows screen saver executable file.

.sda Draw application document.

.sdb Base application document.

.sdc Calc application document.

.sdd Impress application document.

.sdg Storage file for Gallery.

.sdm Mail message.

.sds Chart application document.

.sdv Gallery storage file.

.sdw Writer application document.

.sdi Interface definition file.

20
File Extension File Type

.seg Function ordering instructions for Microsoft

linker.

.SEG Function ordering instructions for Microsoft

linker.

.sgl Writer master document file.

.sh Shell script.

.sid Slot id file.

.smf Math application formula document.

.sms Math application formula document template.

.so UNIX dynamic shared library

.sob - .soh These files contain information about color

palettes and various style elements.

.sob Bitmap styles.

.soc Color palettes.

.sod Line styles.

.soe Arrow styles.

.sog Gradients.

.soh Hatches.

.src Source resource string file.

.srs Screen resource string file.

.TFM Tagged Font Metric file.

.thm Storage file for Gallery.

.ttf TrueType font file.

.TTF TrueType font file.

.txt Language text file.

.TXT Language text file.

.unx UNIX-specific makefile. This is now obsolete.

21
File Extension File Type

.UNX UNIX-specific makefile. This is now obsolete.

.urd From an IDL-generated relational database (Uno

Reflection Data).

.url Uniform Resource Locator file.

.vor Writer document template.

.W32 Partly native Windows makefile.

.wav Waveform audio file.

.wmf Win32 metafile vector graphics file.

.xml Extensible Markup Language file.

.xpm X11 pixel map graphics file.

.xrb XML format file to generate Java properties in

language translation.

.y Yacc source code file.

.yxx Bison source code file.

.zip Zip file.

22