File Management Basics
How to zip files, show hidden files, understand file types, and organize your files
Knowing how to manage files saves you from a lot of frustration. This covers the essentials: zipping and unzipping, understanding common file types, showing hidden files, and finding things quickly.
Before diving into platform-specific steps, here are the file types you'll run into most often:
.pdf– Portable Document Format. Opens in any PDF reader or browser. Can't easily be edited.docx– Microsoft Word document. Needs Word, Google Docs, or a compatible editor.xlsx– Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.csv– Comma-separated values. A plain-text spreadsheet. Opens in Excel, Google Sheets, or any text editor.txt– Plain text file. Opens anywhere.jpg/.png– Image files. JPG is compressed (photos), PNG supports transparency (screenshots, graphics).mp4– Video file. Plays in most media players and browsers.zip– Compressed archive containing one or more files.exe– Windows program installer or application. Do not open these if you don't know where they came from.msi– Windows installer package. Similar to.exebut uses a standard install framework.dmg– macOS disk image. Mount it to install the app inside.pkg– macOS installer package. Runs a guided installation wizard.deb– Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) package file.AppImage– Linux portable application. Runs without installing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between zip and unzip?▾
Zipping compresses one or more files into a single .zip archive to save space or make sharing easier. Unzipping (extracting) reverses the process and pulls the original files back out.
Can I open .exe files on Mac or Linux?▾
No, .exe files are Windows executables. They won't run on macOS or Linux without compatibility software like Wine. macOS uses .dmg and .pkg files, and Linux uses .deb, .rpm, or .AppImage files.
Will showing hidden files break anything?▾
No. It just makes invisible files visible in your file manager. These files are hidden because most people don't need to touch them, not because they're dangerous. Just don't delete hidden files unless you know what they do.
How do I change what app opens a file type?▾
On Mac, right-click the file, click Get Info, and change the Open with app. Click Change All to apply it to all files of that type. On Windows, right-click the file, click Open with > Choose another app, and check Always use this app. On Linux, right-click, choose Properties or Open With, and set your preferred application.
What if I can't see file extensions?▾
Your operating system might be hiding them. Follow the "Show file extensions" steps for your platform above. Seeing extensions helps you identify file types and avoid opening something suspicious disguised as a document.