The format defines the structure of the file, which determines how it is stored and displayed. Such information is written in the file name as an extension - a few letters after the name and the dot sign. To display the format, as well as get other information about the file, you must be able to use the components of the system.
Instructions
Step 1
Most common programs have fairly recognizable icons for their files, so you can navigate by the icons. But in cases where it is difficult or impossible to determine the file extension, it is better to configure the system to display formats. To do this, you need to perform several steps.
Step 2
Open the "Control Panel" via the Windows key or the "Start" button. In the Appearance and Themes category, click on the Folder Options icon. A new dialog box will open. You can call it in another way: open a folder on your computer in any directory and select the "Folder Options" item in the "Tools" menu.
Step 3
Go to the "View" tab in the dialog box that opens. Use the scroll bar to go down to the very end of the "Files and Folders" branch in the "Advanced Options" group. Uncheck the "Hide extensions for registered file types" checkbox. Save the new settings with the "Apply" button and close the properties window with the [x] icon or the OK button. After that, their extension will be added to the name of all files.
Step 4
To get detailed information about a file - find out its type, the program with which you can open it, see the date of creation and last modification of the file, and so on - open its properties window. To do this, move the mouse cursor over the file icon and right-click on it. Select Properties from the context menu. A new dialog box will open. Select the General tab and get all the information you need.
Step 5
If you need to change the file format, it is better not to use the "Rename" command. This method does not work in all cases. Better use a converter or run the program in which the file was created and save it with a different extension. Alternatively, use the Import and Export commands.
