Show file extensions in Mac OS X and Windows

OS X and Windows both hide file extensions by default. However, if you're like me, you like being able to see them so you know what type of file you're working with, or to change them when you want. You can change either OS to show the file extensions using the following instructions:

In Mac OS X:

1. Open Finder

2. On the menu bar, go to Finder->Preferences

3. Go to Advanced

4. Check the box that says "Show all file extensions"

In Windows 2000, XP, and Vista

1. Open My Computer

2. On the menu bar, go to Tools->Folder Options ... (in Vista, if you don't see the Tools menu, press the Alt key)

3. Click on the View tab

4. In the Advanced settings section, uncheck the box that says "Hide extensions for known file types"

5. Click OK

Along those same lines, if you'd rather hide the file extensions, simply follow the same instructions but make sure the box to hide them is checked.

Now, if you're looking to have Mac OS X automatically check files and add the correct extension if they don't already have one, you may want to check out my other post