Q: What are media file types?

Media file types are the various ways in which media can be encoded in order that they play back in expected ways for different purposes. File types are denoted by the 3 (or 4) characters after the name of the file and preceded by a period.

File types contain specific codecs that allow the media to be read by an operating system, media player or application. While many codecs play on many current devices, they are not standardized and universally compatible. A common file type such as one listed below may have been compressed using an uncommon or defunct codec, resulting in a file that will no longer play.

Sometimes, media files need to be converted from one file type to another to be used in an application. If the file is quite old and uses a defunct codec, it may not be able to be converted.

Common video file types are: .mov; .mp4; .avi; .mpg

Common audio file types are: .mp3; .wav; .m4a; .aiff

Common still image file types are: .jpg medi; .jpeg; .png; .gif