FILExt - The File Extension Source

There are many ways to come to FILExt: search engine, various programs, referrals but, basically, you came here to search for the name of a program that uses a particular file extension. To do that use the search box. For more information continue reading.

What is a File Extension?

A file extension is nothing more than the last characters after the period in the name of a file. For a detailed explanation, examples, and a method of setting your system so that it shows file extensions please see this FAQ. If you are looking for a CODEC because an audio or video file won't play, please see this FAQ.

How do I Use FILExt?

FILExt is a database of file extensions and the various programs that use them. If you know the file extension you want to learn about simply enter it into the search box on the left and click on the Search button. If it's in any of the FILExt databases the data we have on that file extension will be shown on a results page. If it's not in any of the databases you will be given a link to a page with hints on how to do further research. Don't search on terms; just file extensions and only one at a time please. There will be another search box on the results page if you have multiple searches to do.

It's possible that the search will give you multiple results as there is no central registry for file extensions. If so, you will have some detective work to do; read the results page carefully as there will be hints on how to do this detective work.

Can I Make Coming to FILExt Easier?

Yes. If you find FILExt useful you can come here to the proper search page using a variety of methods...

• Come directly from Windows. Use FILExt Direct to change your registry so you come here when you click on a file Windows does not know how to open.
• Come via Google Toolbar. Add a button to your Google toolbar so when you highlight a file extension and click on the button you come directly to FILExt with your search.
• Come via Firefox Search. Add FILExt to your Firefox search box and come directly via a search box entry.
• Use a Google Desktop Gadget. FILExt has a Google Desktop Gadget which allows you to add basic search to your desktop with links to specific pages once you've found what you want.
• Query via Mobile Device Browser. Using a Boopsie channel you can query the FILExt database using a mobile device like a web-enabled phone.
• File Management Software. A number of file management software programs have a search link direct to the FILExt database built into them. A list of those FILExt knows about is here in alphabetical order...
  • ALToolbar. An application to help you surf the web faster, safer, and easier.
  • FileBoss. File manipulation to the max in a powerful file manager.
  • FlexTk. A file management toolkit with a free express version.
  • System Cleaner. Performance enhancing software to make Windows computers run better.

Can You Give Me Personal Support?

Sorry, no. FILExt does, however, run a discussion forum where you can register and then post questions. We have a number of folks who are well-versed in computer-related topics frequenting the forum and you might get lucky and have your question anwered there. Who knows, maybe you can even answer some for other people!

What Other Searches Can I do Here?

FILExt is only set up to search for programs that use a particular file extension. You can also search for file extensions starting with a particular letter using these links...

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Number | Symbol

The database is being revised to make it easier to do more complex searches so stay tuned.

What Can I Do To Help?

1) You Know About An Extension. If you know specific details about a file extension/program that we don't have, please use the "Tell Us About an Extension" link on the menu bar and submit those details. Please don't use the form for questions as it just wastes FILExt's time and frustrates you when you don't get an answer (all questions submitted via the submit form are deleted). Now and again that link may be down; if it is then you will see a date in the menu bar when you can expect the link to be back up. See the blog for details about why it might be down.

2) Submit All Registered Extensions on Your Computer. Windows registers file extensions with programs via a shortcut name in the Windows registry. FILExt has a method for you to submit a complete list of the registered file extensions on your system to FILExt. No personal data is included with this submission and it's a text file so you can examine it before sending it. If interested, please see this FAQ. If you have the Google Desktop installed get the FILExt Gadget as an easier way to do this.

Many public thanks to the people who have contributed information to this site. You make it the resource that it is! Particular thanks to S.R. in the UK and V.Y. in Perth, Australia for their extensive submissions and research. Special thanks to Anthony R. Nemmer for the use of his extensive file extension and MIME type collection.

Watch FILExt grow. We currently have 25,599 records in the main database; 50,890 registered filetype records;
and, 16,344 records in the Program/MIME type database.
A milestone! FILExt hit 25,000 main database entries on 5 Aug 2008. Onward toward 50,000!