A document created in ms word has the extension. File formats (types)

Almost all Windows files have their own extension, which tells the operating system what type or format of the file it is and what program to open it with. We also discussed how to hide and show file extensions. There are different programs for opening the same file type, and they can be changed depending on your preferences.

In this article, we will look at the most popular file formats that are used in the Windows operating system, what they stand for, and what extensions they have.

Basically, the file extension determines its format (music, graphics, video files, archives, and so on). So, the most popular file extensions are:

1. mp3 - Compressed music files, as a rule, are various music, including songs. These files can be opened and listened to with the standard Windows Media Player, but it's more convenient for me to use Winamp.
2. avi - video files - movies, video clips, and in general any video. The abbreviation AVI stands for Audio Video Interleaved. These files can also be opened and viewed with the standard Windows Media Player, but I also prefer to use either Media Player Classic or the very handy BSPlayer.
3. mp4 - also video files in MPEG-4 format. Strictly speaking, * .mp4 files are a "container" inside which there can be several audio streams (or, as they are also called, audio tracks), subtitles, and so on. Due to its versatility, this format is more common than avi. There are also several different multimedia containers, for example, mkv, but we will not dwell on them separately. Programs for viewing these files are the same as in the previous paragraph.
4. exe Are the so-called executable files that are used to launch various programs, installations, and so on. This is usually the most common file type on Windows. No special programs are required to open this type of files; they are launched by a normal double-click with the left mouse button on these files.
5. rar - archive files, as a rule, packed (compressed) with WinRar (or just Rar). We examined the installation and parameters of the WinRar program in, and discussed how using this program you can reliably protect your data.
6. zip - also archive files, but in a slightly different format - Zip. Such programs can be created both by the WinRar program, since it is universal, and by the WinZip program. Usually, the WinRar program, which is indicated in the previous paragraph, can easily handle unpacking zip archives.
7. jpg Is one of the most popular graphic formats. This format usually stores all the files of pictures, photographs and other graphics on your computer. In fact, there are many graphic formats (bmp, gif, png, tif, etc.), but jpg is one of the most common. Graphic file formats (including jpg) are also opened using standard Windows tools, in particular, the Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 7, Picture and Fax Viewer in Windows XP, and Paint in any Windows version are suitable for this. I use IrfanView, which has a number of advantages over standard Windows viewers, and which I plan to talk about in one of my next articles.
8. pdf - a universal file format for text-graphic documents, which opens with the free Adobe Reader program, which can be downloaded from the official Adobe website. The abbreviation PDF stands for Portable Document Format, which in turn can be translated as "portable, portable document format." This file format was developed with the aim of accurately transferring on other computers with other operating systems the exact appearance of the text and images of the document that was converted by the user to PDF format. In simpler terms, if you have a text file with pictures in MS Word format, and you want to send it to a colleague who does not have MS Word, but this document should look exactly the same as it looks on your computer - just convert this file in PDF format and send it to your colleague, knowing that he will easily open and see this file in exactly the same form in which you see it in your text editor Word. Thus, the convenience of this type of file is that it is cross-platform, that is, it will open and look the same on any computer, tablet or smartphone, regardless of the operating system installed on them (however, there may be problems with fonts if the device does not have the fonts that were used in the original file on the computer where the file was created).
9. doc and docx - as a rule, these are file formats created in the MS Word editor. Files created in this text editor prior to Word 2007 have the doc extension, while files created in versions of Word 2007 and later have the docx extension. The main difference between doc and docx formats is that the docx format is an analogue of an archive file, inside which the files that make it up are collected, and the doc file is an ordinary single file. Due to the fact that docx files are analogous to a compressed archive with files, they are smaller than doc files with the same internal content as docx files.
10. xls and xlsx - file formats of the MS Excel spreadsheet editor. By analogy with the previous paragraph, files created in this spreadsheet editor before Excel 2007 have the xls extension, while files created in Excel 2007 and higher versions have the xlsx extension. The xlsx format is also analogous to an archive, inside which the constituent parts of this file are collected, and it is usually also smaller in size than an xls file with the same data content.
11. ppt and pptx - presentation file formats created in MS PowerPoint editor. Everything is exactly the same as in the previous two paragraphs - files created in versions of PowerPoint 2007 and higher have the pptx extension, and they are smaller in size than files with similar slides in ppt format.

If a file has an extension, then the file icon when displayed visually usually shows the program that will open this file by default, that is, if you just double-click on it with the left mouse button, or right-click and select the "open" menu. I have Windows XP on my work computer and the file formats described above are as follows:

Note that I have turned on the display of all file extensions that are visible after the dot at the end of each file.

In Windows 7, I have slightly different programs configured to open the same file types, and there they look a little differently:

Of course, it is impossible to consider all possible file types in one article, so in this article we have considered the most popular Windows file formats, discussed what extensions they have and what programs can be used to open these file types. And in I plan to show you how to solve the problem with recognizing the file type, if suddenly, when transferring or inaccurately renaming a file, its extension was accidentally erased or lost, and you do not know what type of file you are dealing with.

If you have any questions about this article, please ask them in the comments.

Hello! Recently, a lot of people have begun to ask me to help open the file in the form of a Word document, since the users did not succeed. Going to their computer, I noticed that most users are trying to open a document with the extension " docm". As you know, this document format contains macros and is intended for new versions of Microsoft Word 2007/2010 / 2013. And since many have an outdated version of the office, this created certain inconveniences.

When I answered users like this, they immediately asked the question, how then can it be opened? Well, of course, I started to tell that it is only worth change file extension to the standard one and everything will work. But before I had time to finish this, the question was again raised how to change this extension. Of course, I told the user how this is done, not missing even the smallest details, how it is done and why, the file was opened and the users were satisfied.

So, after that I decided to tell you too, how can I change the file extension Windows 7, 8, 10, since I'm sure that not everyone knew about it.

What is needed to change the file type extension

Before you start changing and editing the format of your files, I recommend that you make a backup copy of it by putting it on the D drive and only after that proceed directly to the implementation of my recommendations. Why is this needed? For example, in order to prevent further damage to documents, since there is a chance that after changing the file extension it may not open, so the proverb is suitable here: "Warned is forearmed."

So, as you know, by default, the file format is not displayed in operating systems, because it is simply hidden from inexperienced users, so that they would not harm themselves. Therefore, I think you have already guessed that we should enable the display of the file type extension.

Method number 1:

Method number 2:

I have already written in more detail on this topic in a separate article entitled: "".

File extension change

There is nothing difficult about changing the file type extension, in principle, by following the steps that I will show you now, you will see for yourself.

Having opened access to the display of the file format, we click on our file, in my example it will be a Word document " TEST.docm", And call the context menu, where we select" Rename».

Now, for example, I need to rename from docm at docx, for this I go to the name of the file extension, which is located after the dot and indicate there " docx". After changing the file extension, the document should open in its normal form.

As I said, everything is so easy that you probably haven't even had time to tense up yet. Also, in a similar way, you can change the extension of files, objects such as: " 7zip" on " RAR" etc. In general, if documents do not open in this way, then just change the file extension and you will be happy.

Changing the file extension using the example of document.docm

If the .WORD file is known to your system, then it can be opened by double clicking the mouse or pressing ENTER. This operation will start applications associated with the .WORD file installed on your system. If the system encounters the file for the first time and there are no corresponding associations, then the action will end with the system's offer to find the appropriate software on the computer or the Internet.

Sometimes it happens that the files of the .WORD type a wrong program is assigned. This happens due to the action of hostile programs such as viruses or malware, but most often it is the result of mistakenly combining an application with the .WORD file extension. If, while serving a new .WORD file type, we point the system to the wrong program, the system will erroneously recommend its use whenever a file of this type is encountered. In this case, you should try again to select the appropriate application. Right-click on the .WORD file and then select from the menu the option "Open With ..." and "Choose default program". Now select one of the installed applications from the above list and try again.

Programs that will open the .WORD file

Manual editing of the Windows Registry

If our system does not cope with the extension .WORD and all automatic and semi-automatic methods of teaching him this art have failed, it remains to manually edit the Windows registry. This registry stores all information related to the operation of our operating system, including the connection of file extensions with programs for their service. Command REGEDIT inscribed in the window "Search programs and files" or „Run in the case of older versions of the operating system, it gives us access to the registry of our operating system. All operations performed in the registry (even not very complicated ones regarding the file extension .WORD) have a significant impact on the operation of our system, therefore, before making any modifications, you should make sure that a copy of the current registry is made. The section we're interested in is the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT... The following manual shows step by step how to modify the registry, specifically the entry in the registry that contains information about .WORD file.

Step by step

• Click the "start" button
• In the "Find programs and files" window (in older versions of Windows, this is the "Run" window) enter the "regedit" command and then confirm the operation with the "ENTER" key. This operation will launch the system registry editor. This tool will allow you not only to view existing records, but also to modify, add or delete them manually. Due to the fact that the registry of the Windows system is key for its operation, all operations carried out on it should be performed judiciously and deliberately. Careless removal or modification of an inappropriate key can permanently damage the operating system.
• Using the key combination ctr + F or the Edit menu and the "Find" option, find the extension.WORD you are interested in by entering it in the search engine window. Confirm by pressing OK or by using the ENTER key.
• Backup copy. It is extremely important to create a backup copy of the registry before making any changes to it. Every change has an impact on how our computer works. In extreme cases, erroneous modification of the registry can make it impossible to restart the system.
• The value you are interested in regarding the extension can be manually edited by changing the keys assigned to the found extension.WORD. Here you can also create your own entry with the a.WORD extension if there is no such in the registry. All available options are in the handy menu (right mouse button) or in the "Edit" menu after placing the cursor in the appropriate place on the screen.
• After finishing editing an entry for the .WORD extension, close the system registry. The introduced changes will take effect after restarting the operating system.

Printed documents are created and printed on one worksheet or in one workgroup. Further movement of the document takes place only in paper form.

Electronic documents in the Word processor format are handed over to the customer in the form of files. An electronic document is usually not final. The customer can modify, format, print or use its components to prepare their documents (books, magazines, collections of articles).

Web documents to work on the Internet. Widest choice of formatting tools and color management.

Techniques for working with texts in the Word processor

TO basic techniques work with texts include:

Document creation;

Text input;

Editing text;

Reviewing the text;

Text formatting;

Saving the document;

Printing a document.

Word allows you to directly create documents with the * .doc extension and a special document - template - with the extension * .dot. Templates can contain standard text or graphics, special formatting and everything that is often found in everyday life, such as letters, memoranda, front covers, fax sheets, newsletters, calendars. The user has the ability to create his own templates, for example, letterheads with logos, templates for contracts, invitations, etc.

Text entry rules

1. There is only one space between words.

2. There is no need to put spaces before punctuation marks, after the mark - it is necessary.

3. Words enclosed in quotation marks or brackets should not be separated from them by spaces.

4. Spaces must be placed before and after the dash.

5. Hyphens are used without spaces.

6. Do not use a blank paragraph as a means to indent the next paragraph, as this leads to inflexible formatting. For such purposes, you need to use Format->Paragraph->set indents and spacing.

7. You cannot use a tabulation character and, moreover, several spaces to indicate a red line.

8. When using headings, elements of one document that are identical in meaning and logical purpose are to be distinguished in the same way.

9. In the title of the heading at the end of the sentence, a full stop is not put. If there are two sentences in the title of the heading, then at the end of the first sentence the current is put, and at the end of the second - no.

10. No hyphenation is allowed in the title of the title.

Word toolbars

1. Standard - controls for file operations, editing, screen display.

2. Formatting - document formatting controls.

3. Visual basic - access to tools for creating and editing macros and Web-scripts, as well as configuring security when running macros.

4. Word-Art - to create artistic titles.

5. Autotext - a tool for quick access to setting up the auto text function.

6. Database - controls specific to working with a database (sorting, search, etc.).

7. Web components - a set of ready-made components for creating controls for a Web page or electronic form.

8. Web site - controls for navigation in Web data structures.

9. Image adjustment - controls for basic functions of setting up bitmaps.

10. Framework - controls for creating frames (not to be confused with frames created using the Tables and Borders panel). There are two types of frames. Frames in electronic documents are special rectangular areas designed to display multiple Web documents within a single Web page. Frames in printed documents are, for example, headers and footers.

11. Peer review - for editing and commenting on documents without distorting the original text.

12. Painting - to perform the simplest drawing and graphic works.

13. Merge - to work with merge documents containing constant and variable parts.

14. Statistics - allows you to get information about the volume of the document.

15. Structure - tools for working with the logical structure of the document. Allows you to control the titles and the order of logical parts of the text.

16. Tables and borders - to create tables and frame text blocks.

17. Forms - to develop standard forms.

18. Control elements - a set of ready-made ActiveX components for creating controls for Web-pages and Web-forms.

The DOC file extension is most commonly associated with documents created in a word processor Microsoft Word, the famous word creation and processing application that ships with all versions of the Microsoft Office suite. This is the default file format used in Microsoft Word 97-2003, while newer versions of MS Word (2007+) offer users to save documents in DOCX.

What's in DOC files

The DOC file was originally created in WordPerfect, which was widespread in the 1980s. But the DOC extension has been on everyone's lips since the introduction of Microsoft Word in the 1990s. Today it is the most widely used text document format.

Previously, files in DOC contained only formatted text, but over time it became possible to add a large number of built-in objects - such as any tables and various diagrams from other applications, as well as sounds, videos and images.

DOC conversion

To convert the DOC format, for example, convert DOC to - you can use any convenient online DOC converter or program, for example, Convertin.io.

How to open your DOC file

DOC files can be opened using the latest version of standard word processing applications such as Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer. Wordpad on Windows can also be used to open DOC files, although formatting is severely limited. As of Microsoft Office 2007, the format is the native format of this word processor and does not open in earlier versions of word processing programs without a compatibility pack.

The main program for opening DOC files is Microsoft Word (version 97 and higher), but it belongs to proprietary software (unless you are using a free trial version of MS Office). However, there are several free alternatives to the paid Microsoft Office that have support for DOC files - Kingsoft Writer, LibreOffice Writer, and OpenOffice Writer. With their help, you can not only open DOC files, but also edit them, saving them in the same format. And in the first two, DOC files are even successfully saved in Microsoft's new DOCX format. Also, you can open a Microsoft Word file online, for example, using the service