Are you looking for File Types in Computers TIFF? INDD? GIF? To the untrained eye, these might seem like nicknames that you give to your friends. However, anyone who spends time downloading and saving files knows that they are different types of file extensions.
Whether you’ve been a computer user for 20 years or bought your first computer last year, it’s important to understand the different file extensions and what they do.
Keep reading to learn about five common file types in computers and what each one of them does.
1. JPG
JPG, or JPEG, stands for “joint photographic experts group”. People use these files for image files that they’ve compressed down to hold large amounts of information. In most cases, images you find on the web or pictures you take with your phone will be JPGs.
Because a JPG is a compressed version of a photo, it means that they don’t look as great when you try to print them. However, the smaller file sizes make it easy to send them over the internet.
2. PDF
PDF stands for portable document format files. John Warnock, the co-founder of Adobe, invented the PDF in 1991. He created it to help users view graphics and documents on any device.
Unlike other file types, PDFs don’t sacrifice quality. This makes them great for both sending over the web or printing. It does mean that file sizes are often larger than other file extension types. Check out this guide to learn how to convert ASPX to PDF.
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3. GIF
Graphic Interchange Format files, or GIFs, are similar to JPGs in that they compress images into smaller file sizes. However, there are some differences between the two extension types.
If you’re a fan of internet culture, then you’ll know that GIFs can be animated, making them a popular file type of memes. They also have a small color range, making them best for digital use only.
4. DOC
Do you often type documents on a program like Microsoft Word? If you do, then you should be familiar with DOC files. People use them to save different types of document files, such as letters, essays, and resumes.
Today, there are more modern versions of the older DOC file, such as DOCX. These files are more efficient, and have less of a chance of getting corrupted, unlike older DOC files.
5. MP3
If you’re a music fan, then odds are you’re familiar with MP3 files. MP3 extensions are the most common way to save audio files.
The MP3 extension compresses audio files down to a point that allows people to share them without a problem, without compromising audio quality. However, file types such as AIF provide clearer audio.
Understand the Different File Types on Your Computer
As you use your computer you’ll run into many different file types, and it’s important that you have an understanding of each one. As this guide explains, there are a few commonly used file types that you can expect to see. Understanding these five will give you a better experience as you work on your computer.
Do you now have a better understanding of some of the different file types in computers? If you do, make sure to take a look at some of our other articles for more tech-related guides and tips.
