Although you could just rename the file and change it to a different format, it isn’t as simple as that and might not work perfectly. And, if done incorrectly, you may corrupt the file or lose some data in the process.So how do you actually change the file type? In this article, we have mentioned various ways to change the file type successfully.
How to Change File Type?
Since renaming doesn’t always work as expected, you can use the application’s save as/export feature to change the file type.Likewise, you can also use a third-party application or convert it using online converters.
Check File Type
By default, file type/ file extension isn’t displayed on both Windows and Mac systems. However, you can easily view the extension of any file.After a file is downloaded, your system’s security flags them as a virus or not based on their file type. For instance, if a supposed text file you downloaded off the Internet is in EXE format, it’s likely a virus. Furthermore, you can also reveal the file type to rename and change it to a different format.Nonetheless, here’s how you can view the file extension on Windows and Mac.On WindowsOn Mac
Rename the File
While you can rename the file and change its file type, it won’t work most of the time. Instead, you get an error like “Can’t open this file” or receive garbage text which makes no sense.This happens because renaming doesn’t actually change the file format. For instance, even if you rename and change a .jpg file to a .mp3 file, your image wouldn’t magically convert to an audio file. On the other hand, changing file type may work in the case of similar files like DOC to TXT, MP3 to WAV, or MP4 to MKV. Now, this works only because the application is smart enough to differentiate between different kinds of files (audio, video, text document). But, it fails to work when you change the file format to a completely different file type. However, if someone wrongfully changed the file extension, you can rename it to the correct file type to open a file. Likewise, sometimes a file doesn’t have an extension and is of FILE file type. Or, if a file isn’t opening, you can try changing its file format to a different one and try opening it. For instance, if a video file isn’t opening, try changing it to another format such as MKV, and the video might play.Nonetheless, here’s how you can rename your file for both Windows and Mac systems.
Using the Save As or Export Feature
Many applications provide an option to save as/export your file into a different format. So, after completing the work, you can convert your file to your preferred file type.For instance, if you are working on a Word document, you can change its file type as follows.
Using Online Conversion Tools
You can use various third-party file conversion tools to convert the file type. Here’s how you can use them.Likewise, you can find various applications that can convert files into different formats. However, if you upload a password-protected file/document, even the online converters won’t be able to convert it.
How to Change the Default Application to Open Specific File Types?
If changing the file type doesn’t work well, you can set another compatible application to open it. Here’s how you can do it.On Windows 10On Windows 11Alternatively, right-click on a file for which you want to change the default app to open. Then, hover over Open with and select another app. If you don’t find the preferred app, click Choose another app and click More apps. Finally, enable the Always use this app to open … files to set the new default app for that specific file type.On Mac
Related Questions
How to Change an Image’s File Type on Mac?
You can easily use the Quick Actions feature on Mac to change your image file type. Follow the steps below to do it.
I Downloaded a File but It Doesn’t Have an Extension. How Do I Open It?
Sometimes when downloading a file from the Internet, your file may not have any extension. And, when you view its file type, it has FILE file type. You can use the above methods to change its file type to a suitable one.
title: “How To Change File Type On Your Pc” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-14” author: “Bobbie Ramon”
Although you could just rename the file and change it to a different format, it isn’t as simple as that and might not work perfectly. And, if done incorrectly, you may corrupt the file or lose some data in the process.So how do you actually change the file type? In this article, we have mentioned various ways to change the file type successfully.
How to Change File Type?
Since renaming doesn’t always work as expected, you can use the application’s save as/export feature to change the file type.Likewise, you can also use a third-party application or convert it using online converters.
Check File Type
By default, file type/ file extension isn’t displayed on both Windows and Mac systems. However, you can easily view the extension of any file.After a file is downloaded, your system’s security flags them as a virus or not based on their file type. For instance, if a supposed text file you downloaded off the Internet is in EXE format, it’s likely a virus. Furthermore, you can also reveal the file type to rename and change it to a different format.Nonetheless, here’s how you can view the file extension on Windows and Mac.On WindowsOn Mac
Rename the File
While you can rename the file and change its file type, it won’t work most of the time. Instead, you get an error like “Can’t open this file” or receive garbage text which makes no sense.This happens because renaming doesn’t actually change the file format. For instance, even if you rename and change a .jpg file to a .mp3 file, your image wouldn’t magically convert to an audio file. On the other hand, changing file type may work in the case of similar files like DOC to TXT, MP3 to WAV, or MP4 to MKV. Now, this works only because the application is smart enough to differentiate between different kinds of files (audio, video, text document). But, it fails to work when you change the file format to a completely different file type. However, if someone wrongfully changed the file extension, you can rename it to the correct file type to open a file. Likewise, sometimes a file doesn’t have an extension and is of FILE file type. Or, if a file isn’t opening, you can try changing its file format to a different one and try opening it. For instance, if a video file isn’t opening, try changing it to another format such as MKV, and the video might play.Nonetheless, here’s how you can rename your file for both Windows and Mac systems.
Using the Save As or Export Feature
Many applications provide an option to save as/export your file into a different format. So, after completing the work, you can convert your file to your preferred file type.For instance, if you are working on a Word document, you can change its file type as follows.
Using Online Conversion Tools
You can use various third-party file conversion tools to convert the file type. Here’s how you can use them.Likewise, you can find various applications that can convert files into different formats. However, if you upload a password-protected file/document, even the online converters won’t be able to convert it.
How to Change the Default Application to Open Specific File Types?
If changing the file type doesn’t work well, you can set another compatible application to open it. Here’s how you can do it.On Windows 10On Windows 11Alternatively, right-click on a file for which you want to change the default app to open. Then, hover over Open with and select another app. If you don’t find the preferred app, click Choose another app and click More apps. Finally, enable the Always use this app to open … files to set the new default app for that specific file type.On Mac
Related Questions
How to Change an Image’s File Type on Mac?
You can easily use the Quick Actions feature on Mac to change your image file type. Follow the steps below to do it.
I Downloaded a File but It Doesn’t Have an Extension. How Do I Open It?
Sometimes when downloading a file from the Internet, your file may not have any extension. And, when you view its file type, it has FILE file type. You can use the above methods to change its file type to a suitable one.
