How to Change a File Extension

How to Change a File Extension

How to Change a File Extension

File extensions tell your computer what a file is and what types of software programs on your computer should open the file. The easiest was to change a file's extension is to save the file as a different file type from within a software program. Changing the file extension in the file name won't change the file type, but will cause the computer to misidentify the file. In Windows and Mac OS X, file extensions are often hidden. This article describes how to save a file as another file type in almost any software program, as well as how to make the file extension visible in Windows and Mac OS X.

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.

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.