Types of documents

Understanding file types

Every document or image you download from the internet has what is called a file type. This tells your computer which application it should use to read a document, display an image, or start playing a video.

The file type is usually indicated by a three or four-letter code at the end of the file name. For example, a Word document might have a .docx code at the end, and the file might be named bus timetable.docx. This tells your computer to open the Microsoft Word program to read the file.

You may not see the file type

Windows computers don't usually show the file type code unless you switch that on in the settings menu. These codes are used by your computer so it knows which program to use to open the file. E.g., the .docx file type tells the computer to automatically start your word processing program to view the file.

You can tell the document type from the icon next to the file name.

How to read a Word document

To read a Word document you need a program called Microsoft Word installed on your computer. A Word document is a word processor file into which you can type and add pictures.

Some computers come with Microsoft Word pre-installed, or you may need to pay for it separately. You can also use the free online version of Microsoft Office to read Word files, and you can learn more about this in the Microsoft OneDrive apps course.

How to read a PDF document

To read a PDF document, you can use a number of different types of software, but since your web browser can view PDF files, that’s the most likely way you’ll see them. An example of a different program is Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a paid program that allows you to read and create PDF's.

Types of PDF documents

A PDF document may be a read-only file, meaning you can't make changes to it. Instruction manuals, maps and timetables are examples of this type of PDF.

However, some PDF documents do allow you to make changes to them. For example, many forms that can be downloaded from the internet may be fillable PDFs that let you add information, such as personal details and your signature.

How to download a PDF

To read a PDF document, you can use a number of different types of software, but since your web browser can view PDF files, that’s the most likely way you’ll see them. An example of a different program is Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a paid program that allows you to read and create PDF's.

.mp3 files

There are many other file types you can download from the internet, and each type requires a different program to run the file. Let's have a look at some other types of files you might come across.

MP3 files: You may come across this type of file when you are playing music on your computer. This file type has a .mp3 suffix.

.jpeg files

A .jpg file is an image or photo file and has a .jpg suffix. Other common image files are .png and .bmp.

.mp4 files

An .mp4 file is a video file and has a .mp4 suffix.

Well done!

You’ve completed the Types of documents activity, and learned about some of the common file types your computer uses, and how you can identify them.

Next up, if you have registered and are logged into the Be Connected website, you'll now be able to take a short quiz to finish the Downloading and saving documents course. If you're not registered, you are now at the end of the course.