How to Change a File Extension: Step-by-Step Guide

This updated guide explains how to Change a File Extension through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 4:

Changing a File Extension in Nearly Any Software Program

Open a file in its default software program.
Click the File menu, and then click Save As.
Choose a location for the file to be saved.
Name the file.
In the Save As dialog box, look for a dropdown menu labeled Save As Type or Format.
Choose a new file type for the file from the dropdown menu.
Click the "Save As" button. The original file will still be open in the software program.
Find the new file where you chose to save it.

Method 2 of 4:

Making File Extensions Visible on Windows

Open the Control Panel. Click the Start menu, and then click Control Panel. If you're using Windows 8, click here.
Click Appearance and Personalization. You xan find this in the Control Panel.
- On Windows 8, in the ribbon, click Options.
Click Folder Options.
Click the "View" tab, in the Folder Options dialog box.
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.
click Apply, and then click OK.
Open the Windows Explorer file browser to see the file extensions.

Method 3 of 4:

Making File Extensions Visible on Windows 8

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

Method 4 of 4:

Making File Extensions Visible on Mac OS X

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

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Change a File Extension?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.