List of File Formats

This is a list of file formats organized by type, as can be found on computers. Filename extensions are usually noted in parentheses if they differ from the format name or abbreviation. In theory, using the basic Latin alphabet (A–Z) and an extension of up to three single-cased letters, 18,279 combinations can be made (263+262+261+260). When other acceptable characters are accepted, the maximum number is increased (very possibly to a number consisting of at least six digits). Many operating systems do not limit filenames to a single extension shorter than 4 characters, like what was common with some operating systems that supported the FAT file system. Examples of operating systems that don't have such a small limit include Unix-like systems. Also, Microsoft Windows NT, 95, 98, and Me don't have a three character limit on extensions for 32-bit or 64-bit applications on file systems other than pre-Windows 95/Windows NT 3.5 versions of the FAT file system. Some filenames are given extensions longer than three characters.