File types

All executable files

All executable files are files used to run applications or command-line scripts on devices that are running Windows, Mac, iOS, or Linux operating systems.

Audio files

Audio files are a list of digital media formats used for storing and playing audio content. The audio content, for example, may be available as online music, podcasts, voice recordings, and streaming services.

Backup files

The backup files category includes individual file backups and files related to backup software. Individual backup files are often generated automatically by software programs. Backup software files include incremental backups and full system backups.

Compressed files

Compressed files use file compression in order to save disk space. Compressed archive formats can also be used to compress multiple files into a single archive.

Configuration files

Configuration files store settings for the operating system and applications. These files are not meant to be opened by the user, but are modified by the corresponding application when the program preferences are changed. Configuration files may also be called preference files or settings files.

Database files

Database files store data in a structured format, organized into tables and fields. Individual entries within a database are called records. Databases are commonly used for storing data referenced by dynamic websites.

Developer files

The developer files category contains files related to software development. These include programming project files, source code files, code libraries, header files, and class files. Compiled objects and components are also included in this category.

Disk image files

Disk image files contain an exact copy of a hard disk or other type of media. They include all the files, as well as the file system information. This allows disk images to be used for duplicating disks, CDs, and DVDs. They are often used for backup purposes as well.

Document files

Document file format could be described as a text or binary data file type, used to store formatted documents such as texts, pictures, cliparts, tables, charts, multiple pages, and multiple documents.

Dynamic files

Dynamic files are file types used to generate dynamic web content. They allow web servers to process code, interact with databases, and produce customized HTML pages for web users.

Encoded files

Encoded files are files that store data in an encoded format. These include encrypted files, uncompressed archives, and binary-encoded text files. Files are often encoded for security purposes and to keep them from being corrupted during data transfers.

Executable files

Executable files are files used to run applications or command-line scripts on devices running the Windows operating system.

Image files

Image files are common image formats used for storing and accessing digital graphics.

Page layout files

Page layout files are documents that may contain both text and image data. They also include formatting information, which defines the page size, margins, and how content is organized on the page. Page layout documents are often used for creating printable publications, such as newspapers, magazines, and brochures.

Plugin files

Plugin files provide extra features and functionality to existing programs. They are commonly used by image, video, and audio editing applications, as well as Web browsers. Plugins are also referred to as add-ons and extensions.

System files

The system files category includes files related to Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. Some examples include system libraries, icons, themes, and device drivers. Files output by the system are also included in this category.

Video files

Video and multimedia file formats used to store and play digital video content. Video delivery, for example, may be available as streaming videos, tutorials, advertisements, presentations, and interactive media.

Web files

The web files category includes files related to websites and web servers. These include static and dynamic webpages, web applications, and files referenced by webpages.