Extension for a file that can be opened with a word processor

The file extensions File formats that can be opened with a word processor include .docx, .odt, .txt, .rtf, .pages, and .doc. Each file format corresponds to a specific program, and the right choice depends on the program installed on your computer.

Video tutorial on choosing the right extension for a text file

This video directed by Alucare.fr shows you how to navigate 2 minutes among all the extensions available.

Explanatory video in French by Alucare, ideal complement to the page. View video (you can use YouTube's automatic translation)

What is a file extension?

A file extension is a suffix placed after the file name, separated by a point. For example, in report.docx, .docx is the extension. It tells the operating system what type of file what it is, and what software must open it.

Do not confuse the file name and its extension. The name is whatever you choose. The extension is the technical section which defines the format and the formatting of the data.

In ITeach format type corresponds to a use specifies: text, image, sound, video, spreadsheet, etc. For the text files, six extensions dominate.

What file extensions can be opened with a word processor?

It exists six extensions Key points to know for the text files :

• .docx
• .odt
• .txt
• .rtf
• .pages
• .doc

Here's a summary table to help you find your way around quickly:

1. .docx

It is the’most common extension for the documents created with Microsoft Word, one of the software most widely used word processors in the world. The .docx format allows you to insert text, of the pictures (jpg, png…) and a formatting complete.

This file format is based on a structure XML compressed. That is why it is compatible Windows, macOS and mobile without any loss of formatting.

You can check out our dedicated article for everything know on the document .docx if you uses often this format.

2. .odt

The expansion .odt is used for documents created using office suites open source as LibreOffice Where OpenOffice.

It's not a format owner: this is a open standard ISO (the format OpenDocument), which is simply adopted by default by these software. There formatting complete list of document is entirely possible.

3. .txt

This is the most basic extension. A .txt file contains only characters unprocessed, without formatting, without image nor color.

Its biggest advantage is its universal compatibility. Virtually all systems and all software know how to have a good time. It's the perfect choice for content simple.

For example, the developers often use the txt file to store information raw or data configuration.

The encoding is in ASCII Where UTF-8, which ensures a coverage universal.

4. .rtf

The expansion .rtf (Rich Text Format) refers to files that accept a formatting : specific fonts, bold, colors, and sometimes pictures. There most Some word processors can open it, but the display may vary slightly depending on the software. The apps Microsoft manage this format of way more faithful.

5. .pages

This extension is reserved for documents created with Pages, l'application word processing software from’Apple on macOS and iOS. For Open the file, you have three options:

• On Mac : Download the’application Pages since the’App Store, then install it.
• On Windows : convert the file in .doc Where .docx, a format readable on your computer.
• Via iCloud if you have access to the platform.

Choose this extension if you uses check the products regularly Apple.

6. .doc

This is the former extension of Microsoft Word, used before the arrival of the .docx. Older versions of Word They still use it, but the .docx has largely replaced it today.

If you come across a format that your software If it doesn't recognize it, an online converter can help you edit the file.

You can also check out how to get Office 365 cheaper in our dedicated article.

File extensions by type: images, videos, audio files, and spreadsheets

The file extensions are not limited to text files. Every type of file has its own extensions. Here are the most common ones by category.

Image file extensions

The file formats ofpictures The most common ones are .jpg, .png, .gif and .webp. the .jpg format is ideal for photos. The .png supports transparency. These two guys are compatible with virtually all apps.

Audio and Video Extensions

For audio, .mp3 is the format the most common. For the video, .mp4 is the current standard. These extensions specify which media player should open the file.

Spreadsheet Add-ins

The files Microsoft Excel use the extension .xlsx. the format The open-source equivalent is .ods, used by LibreOffice.

For the data separated by commas; that is the format .csv that stands out. A CSV file follows the same logic as the others guys : its extension tells you right away which program opens it.

Web and PDF Extensions

The files Web pages have the extension .html. The documents to be implemented shape frozen use the .pdf format. For edit a .pdf file, a software as Adobe Acrobat where the site ofAdobe does the job very well. To convert a .pdf in .docxthese tools remain the gold standard.

How do I change a file extension?

Edit An extension changes the format apparent from the file, but not its content actual. This is a procedure that must be performed with caution.

Change the file extension in Windows

By default, Windows hides the extensions. To display them, open the’file explorer, click on Display, then check Extensions of name of file. You can then rename the file and edit the extension directly. The system will let you know that the file may no longer function properly.

Change the file extension on macOS

On macOS, do a right click on the file, select Get information, then modifies the extension in the field Name and extension. the system asks you to confirm before applying the change.

When should you change an extension?

The most common example: converting a .doc in .docx to improve compatibility. But edit The extension doesn't actually convert the format from file. For a true conversion, use the function Save as of your software, or an online converter.

What should you do when you encounter an unknown file extension?

You download a file And doesn't the file extension ring a bell? Here's how to fix it.

• Search for the name of the extension on a site specializing in fileinfo.com to identify the format type.
• Try to’open the file with a software versatile like LibreOffice, which manages numerous file formats.
• Use an online converter to edit the format toward a kind compatible.
• If you don't have any information on the origin of the file, be careful: some files with unknown extensions may contain data malicious.

How do I open a file with a specific file extension using a word processor?

Open a file text with the correct one software It only takes a few seconds. Here are the steps to follow.

Check your word processing software

Start by making sure that a software compatible app is properly installed on your device. The software The most commonly used ones are Microsoft Word, LibreOffice and OpenOffice. In the menu of your computerunder Windows as on Apple, search by name to verify that the program is definitely there.

Locate the file

Find the file on your computer and identifies its extension—that is, the letters after the point to the end from name. A file in .docx, .odt Where .txt t’indicates right away which software opens it.

Double-click to open

Make a double-click on the file. It opens automatically in the associated word processor, along with its content appears on the screen.

What should I do if the file opens with the wrong program?

Sometimes the system opens the file with the wrong one application by default. You can force the correct one software by making a right click on the file, and then by selecting Open with and by selecting your word processor from the list.

You can check the box for the’use by default, so that each document of the same format opens directly with the coupon program.

Working Online with Text Files

You don't necessarily need a software installed on your computer. Google Docs lets you create and edit of the documents directly from your browser. You can then download your work to the .docx format, .odt, .txt, .pdf or even .html.

For the users ofOffice, Microsoft also offers an online version of Word via Microsoft 365.

These tools online platforms manage the main file types and are compatible with formats trends. Check out how to get Office 365 cheaper if you uses regularly these apps.

What about you? Which extension of file uses-How often do you do it? Let us know in the comments.