Either because you have a file that you want to transform into another similar format to save space or because simply, even if it is correct, it has an erroneous extension, it is very possible that you will ever see the need to change the extension of a file in macOS.
And as we already did [with Windows], today we’re going to show you how to change the extension to a file. We’ll start by explaining how to make your operating system correctly display the extensions of each file, and then we ‘ll show you two methods so you can easily change them.
How to show file extensions
Before you can change anything it is important that you know what file extension you are using , especially to assess which other extension you want to change it. To do this you must configure your macOS to show them next to the file names.
To do this go to the top bar of the operating system, where you have to click on Finder . You will be presented with a menu in which you must choose the Preferences option . Once you enter the preferences go to the Advanced tab , and in it make sure to choose the option Show extensions of the file names .
Change the extension to force
The first way to change the extension is to force. With this you will be able to correct all those files that have a wrong extension or badly written , although it can give you problems if you try, for example, to convert a jpg file into a png.
To do it first you have to make a single left click on the file to change to select it. Then make a second normal left click on your name so that the text box opens and you can edit it. You will see that with the extension in view you can also change it in addition to the name.
Change extension with any program
The best way for extension changes to be made correctly is to use specific programs with which to manage the files you have. For example, a photographic application such as Photoshop or any other can help you to convert your jpg file into a PNG or any other compatible type, and a video likewise.
All you have to do is open the file whose extension you want to test with a specific program to manage it. Then you have to go to File to see the saving options, where you will see that almost always next to the Save option you will find another call Save as . It is this second one that will always allow you to save the same file with another extension, being the best way to change it, resulting in a file that does not cause problems.