How to see file type in file explorer is a common question among computer users, especially those who are new to the world of technology. Knowing how to view file types can help you organize your files more efficiently and understand the content of each file at a glance. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing your file explorer settings to display file types in Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
First, let’s focus on Windows. To view file types in Windows File Explorer, follow these steps:
1.
Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
2.
Click on the “View” tab at the top of the window.
3.
In the “Show/Hide” section, check the box next to “File name extensions.” This will reveal the file extensions, which indicate the file type.
4.
Additionally, you can click on “Options” in the toolbar and select “Change folder and search options” from the dropdown menu.
5.
In the “View” tab of the Folder Options window, check the box next to “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.” This will ensure that hidden files, including file extensions, are visible.
6.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
On macOS, the process is quite similar:
1.
Open Finder by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock or pressing Command + Space and typing “Finder” in the Spotlight search.
2.
Go to the “View” menu at the top of the screen and select “Show View Options” from the dropdown menu.
3.
In the View Options window, check the box next to “Show all filename extensions.” This will display the file extensions in the Finder window.
4.
Click “OK” to save the changes.
For Linux users, the process may vary depending on the distribution and desktop environment. However, most Linux file explorers have a similar setting:
1.
Open your file explorer (such as Nautilus, Thunar, or Dolphin).
2.
Go to the “View” menu at the top of the window and select “Show hidden files” or a similar option.
3.
Additionally, you can right-click on the file explorer window and select “Properties” or “Preferences.” Look for an option to show file extensions and check the box if available.
By following these steps, you should now be able to see file types in your file explorer. This knowledge can help you better manage your files and understand their content, leading to a more organized and efficient computing experience.
