How to Fix Video File Extensions
A file extension is the part of the file name that comes after the period. For example, the file name "video.mp4" has a file extension of "mp4." This implies that the video is an MP4 and can be played by MP4 players. Most video software relies in part on file extensions to properly identify video. If the file extension is wrong, the video application might not recognize the video and will refuse to load it. If you are sure the file extension is wrong, you can change it to properly reflect the true format of the file.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Open your file navigation system (i.e., Windows Explorer or Mac Finder).
-
2
Navigate to the folder containing the video file extension you want to fix.
-
-
3
If you are a Windows user and the file extensions do not appear in the names of the files, go to "File" or "Organize" and select "Folder and search options." Under the "View" tab, uncheck the box marked "Hide extensions for known file types." This will display the file extensions throughout your file navigation system.
-
4
If you are a Windows user, right-click the video whose extension you want to fix, and select "Rename" from the context menu. Mac users can just click inside the file name.
-
5
Delete the characters that comprise the extension you want to fix and replace them with the proper extension.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not confuse file extensions with file formats. A file extension is a simple description of the contents of the file. A file format is the actual contents of the file. Changing a file extension will not change the file format. It will only help software and human users to recognize how the file is to be used.
Do not fix a file extension if you do not know what the file format is. This can sometimes render the file unusable. To determine the true format of a video, open "Properties" from your file navigation system and view its "File Type." If the video file extension turns out to be correct but a video program refuses to open it, it means the file and the program are incompatible. You will need to convert the video file format to one the program accepts using a video conversion program. See the Resources section for a list of suggested converters (some free, some paid).
