21 Different Types of Files and How to

Use Them
If your career involves computers, emails, social media or software, you
may need to send and receive files. When saving a file, you can choose
from a variety of different types and formats. Learning more about these
file types and their qualities can help you determine which file extension is
best for your professional task.In this article, we explain why it's important
to know and use different types of files and provide a list of 21 common file
types organized by their media format.

Why is it important to know different types of

files?
In your career, it's important to know different file types so you can select
the right one for your tasks. Professionals in many industries, including
business, marketing, teaching and technology, may need to save and share
different types of files. Understanding the file formats can help share
information efficiently with your clients, colleagues and managers.Certain
software programs or emails only accept a particular file format. Learning
about the different types can help prepare you for a variety of
responsibilities in your workplace. If you're saving a file, you may need to
choose from several options, and learning more about the file types can
help you select the best one for the particular task. For example, when
sending a graphic design for your company's logo, you want to select the
right image format to ensure the picture maintains resolution and quality
on your website.

5 types of image files

You may send images to display logos or graphics for a website or
presentation. Here are some of the most common image file types you
might encounter in the workplace:

1. Joint photographic experts group (JPEG or JPG)

This is one of the most common image file types. You might use this file
when sending images for your company's website or social media page.
This file compresses the image but maintains colors and graphics clearly. If
you save this file multiple times, it will continue to compress, which means
it will lose quality, so consider using this file when you plan to use it
immediately

2. Graphics interchange format (GIF)

When working with short animated graphics, you may use a GIF file. This
file type support short clips or moving images. You may use this on a
website, communication site or social media platform. This file is best for
small or simple animated files.

3. Scalable vector graphics (SVG)

This file type is most common in website design. If you're designing a logo
or graphic for a client's website or your company's website, you may work
with SVG files. This extension supports smaller image files and short
animations. This file type maintains a clear resolution and may work well
with search engines, which could help clients find your graphic.

4. Portable networks graphic (PNG)

You can use a PNG format for sending images for web pages, such as logos
or photographs. This format maintains its size and quality throughout
multiple saves and changes. It's lower resolution than other file types, so
it's best for websites rather than printed images.

5. Tagged image file format (TIFF or TIF)

A TIFF file is a high-quality image file type. You may use this file type when
scanning documents, using a desktop publisher program or printing high-
quality items. For example, if you are publishing a marketing pamphlet, you
may upload TIFF files for the photographs. This can help you print high-
resolution images. This is a large file type, so it's best to use an alternative
image file type for your websites and web pages.

5 types of document files

You may use text files when sending documents to your colleagues or
clients. Here are some of the most popular text file formats you might use:

1. Portable document format (PDF)

A PDF file is a common file type in many work environments. This file
maintains the original document layout, which makes it helpful for signing
paperwork and sharing plans. You can email, print and scan using this file
format. This is a popular choice when sending or uploading resumes, as it
maintains the document's original layout and formatting.

2. Word document (DOC and DOCX)

This file format, created by Microsoft, is the standard file type for
documents in the Word processing software. If your company uses this
software, you may use this file type to send and receive documents. You
may also use this file format to share and edit documents with a variety of
individuals. Some hiring managers prefer this file type for resumes and
cover letters, so you may use it when sending job application materials if
the job posting specifies this preference.

3. Hypertext markup language (HTML and HTM)

Developers and other professionals building websites or web content may
use HTML files. This type of file works online and changes text into various
elements on a website. For example, when making a website you can use
HTML language to change the font and layout of the text.

4. Microsoft excel spreadsheet file (XLS and XLSX)

These are common spreadsheet file types you might see in your workplace.
If you share spreadsheets, graphs or databases, you may save and share
files in this format. You can use spreadsheets to measure and track a
variety of information, such as numbers and contact information

5. Text file (TXT)

The TXT file supports simple text documents. You may use a TXT to write
notes, instructions or plain text. This file can work on different computers
and processing software programs. If you want to create advanced formats
or use different fonts, you may consider choosing a different file type.

5 types of video files

You may use video files for your company's website, marketing campaigns
or presentations. Here are some of the most common video file types you
might work with:

1. Moving picture experts group layer four (MP4)

The MP4 file format is a popular video format. Most computers and mobile
devices can open and play MP4 videos, making it a common choice for
professionals and companies sharing video content. You can use this file to
send, upload and receive videos for your company's website or social
media platforms. This file saves visual and audio information accurately,
but it has a lower resolution than other video format types.

2. Audio video interleave (AVI)

This video file format, created by Microsoft, is another popular format you
may encounter in the workplace. It is a large file type, which means it can
take up a lot of space on your computer or cloud system. It maintains
quality throughout multiple saves and changes. You may use this file
format to share videos on social platforms or through your company's
website.

3. QuickTime Movie file (MOV)

The MOV file, created by Apple, is a file type professionals may use with
QuickTime software. This file works well for movies and longer videos,
although the files can be large. You can edit these files in different
sections, which may be helpful for longer projects. Depending on your
industry, you may use this file to create training videos or promotional
films.

4. Flash video format (FLV)

The FLV file format works well on streaming services and websites. It's a
popular type of file that's small and easy to share, but it may not work with
all mobile phones. If you're sharing content with clients on their phones,
you may choose another file type. If you're uploading a video to a streaming
website, this file may work well.

5. Advanced video coding, high definition (AVCHD)

Professional videographers may use this file format. It maintains high-

quality images for short and long projects. If you're creating a professional
video, for real estate, marketing or entertainment purposes, you may work
with this file format.

3 types of presentation files

Depending on your position, you may use presentation files to prepare for a
meeting or training. Here are some of the most common presentation file
types:

1. PowerPoint presentation (PPT or PPTX)

This file type, created by Microsoft, is a popular way to share and upload
presentations and slideshows. If your company using PowerPoint software,
you may use the file type to save your slideshows. This file type helps you
create and share visual presentations with your team members or clients.
For example, you may share a PPT file with your team members after a
meeting so they can refer to the slides and notes.

2. Open document presentation (ODP)

The ODP file format works with OpenOffice programs. If your organization
uses this software program, you may share a presentation in this file
format. You can create and share slideshows with text, graphics and
animations.

3. Apple Keynote file (KEY)

The KEY file format works with Apple's Keynote program, where
professionals can create and share visual presentations. You may add text
slides, images, sounds and transition elements in this file format. You may
choose to use this file type if your company, team members or clients use
this software, or if you're sharing a presentation directly from your
computer and you have this program installed.

3 types of audio files

You may use an audio file to upload readings or sound recordings. This is
common in certain industries, such as education or writing. Here are the
most common audio files you may use in the workplace:

1. MPEG 4 audio (M4A)

The M4A is a common type of audio file. This file type is a compressed
format, which makes the file size smaller. This can make it easier to share
and upload. It also maintains relatively high quality. You may use this type
to record your readings for a lecture or presentation or to save audio notes
for yourself or your team. It may not work with all computer systems, so
consider checking your favorite audio programs to ensure you can listen to
the completed file.

2. MPEG layer audio 3 (MP3)

This file format compresses audio files into smaller sizes, making them
easier to share with others. It also keeps a high level of sound quality and
works with a variety of software platforms. You may use this file type to
record and share your readings or audio comments.

3. Waveform audio file (WAV)

The WAV file is another common audio format that maintains high quality.
Professionals may use this format if they work with Microsoft Windows
programs. Typically, these files and not compressed, which means they
may maintain sound quality, but they may be larger than other compressed
types.