How to Change a File Extension

Last Updated: May 20, 2022 Tested

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Changing a File Extension in Nearly Any Software Program

1
Open a file in its default software program.
2
Click the File menu and then click Save As.

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3
Choose a location for the file to be saved.
4
Name the file.
5
In the Save As dialog box, look for a dropdown menu labeled Save As Type or Format.
6
Choose a new file type for the file from the dropdown menu.
7
Click the "Save As" button. The original file will still be open in the software program.
8
Find the new file where you chose to save it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making File Extensions Visible on Windows

1
Open the Control Panel. Click the Start menu, and then click Control Panel. If you're using Windows 8, click here.
2
Click Appearance and Personalization. You can find this in the Control Panel.
- On Windows 8, in the ribbon, click Options.
3
Click Folder Options.
4
Click the "View" tab, in the Folder Options dialog box.
5
Make file extensions visible. In the Advanced settings list, scroll down until you see Hide extensions for known file types. Click the box to uncheck it.
6
Click on Apply, and then click OK.
7
Open the Windows Explorer file browser to see the file extensions.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making File Extensions Visible on Mac OS X

1
Select a Finder window or open a new Finder window. You can also click the Desktop to switch to the Finder.
2
Click the Finder menu. Next, click Preferences.
3
Click "Advanced" in the Finder Preferences window.
4
Click the Show all filename extensions box to add a check.
5
Close the Finder Preferences window.
6
Open a new Finder window. The files will now show their file extensions.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making File Extensions Visible on Windows 8

1
Open Windows Explorer.
2
Click the View tab.
3
Check the File name extensions box in the View/Hide section.
4
Observe the location of file extensions. When you open a new Windows Explorer window, file extensions are visible.

Community Q&A

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.
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.
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.