Common File Extensions
Extension Purpose or Application
386 Used by Windows 3.x for device drivers
AI Adobe Illustrator
BAT Used in DOS environments for batch files. Combines executable
commands into one file and uses one command to start the batch
file.
BMP Bitmap file
CAB Cabinet file—a compressed file that holds operating system or
application files
COM Command file—an executable file that opens an application or
tool
DLL Dynamic Link Library file—contains executable code that can be
used by more than one application and is called upon from other
code already running
DOC Microsoft Word
DRV Device driver—a piece of software that enables an operating
system to recognize a hardware device
EPS Encapsulated postscript file
EXE Executable file—a file that opens an application
GIF Graphics interchange file
HLP Windows-based help file
INF Information or setup file
INI Initialization file—Used in Windows 3.x environment to control
applications and the operating environment. Used in 95, 98, NT,
and 2000 to be backwards compatible with Windows 3.x.
JPG or JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group file format—graphics file
MPG or MPEG Movie clip file
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