Introduction

In a recent previous post, we talked about turning on file extensions in Windows. It only makes sense that we look at how to do it on a Mac as well.

Hiding file extensions in mac has proven to be more dangerous when compared to other operating systems. When a file extension is hidden in windows OS, the operating system assigns a specific icon automatically that helps to establish the file type even when the extension is hidden. However, for mac, when file extension functionality is deactivated, malicious files may be allocated icons meant to confuse the user. When the user clicks on the icon, the file runs and causes damage.

The word ‘FILE’ in a mac generally refers to two types of files. First, it refers to those files that are native to the MAC operating system and cannot be transferred to a non MAC operating system. The other types of files are those files that travel across different operating system platforms through USB devices, internet, Bluetooth and other channels. File extensions are helpful for web content developers because they help them determine which types of files to use.

Another disadvantage of hiding file extensions arises in the case where the file name has several decimal points. For example, a file named ‘James 4.5.1991’ may appear as ‘James4.5’ hence denying the user some useful information. Removing file extensions also denies a file its app dimension. Therefore, before turning on and off file extensions, it’s important to differentiate between native mac OS files and nonnative files.

Turn on File Extensions for a Single File

Below are some of the basic steps to follow in Mac when turning on file extensions for a specific file:

Step: 1

The first thing to do is to select the file you want to on its extension.

Step: 2

After selecting the file, press the plus command (+), you can do this by hitting the button letter which is between O and U. When the plus command is detected, a new dialog window opens. The window has various options and has the selected file name as its header.

Step: 3

Under the displayed option, you will find a sub-menu named ‘Name and Extension’. Click on the triangle before ‘Name & Extension’. When you click on the triangle bar, an info dialog expands and more options are displayed.

Step: 4

From there, you will see a check box written ‘Hide Extension’. Clear the check box. When the check box is cleared the statement returns false and hide extension functionality will be automatically disabled.

Step: 5

Finally, close the dialog window to save the changes. When changes are saved file extensions will automatically be shown.

Turn on File Extensions for all Files

Alternatively, you can turn on file extensions of all files by following the below procedure.

Step: 1

Go to your mac OS desktop and pull down the’ finder’ Menu. Under the Finder Menu, choose ‘Finder Preference’.

Step: 2

Under the finder preferences, you will find ‘Advanced’ option with a gear icon select it. Under this option, you will find a check box labeled ‘Show all file-name extensions’. Check it and close the dialog.

Now, all the files extensions on your mac computer will be displayed. The second method is the easiest way to turn on file extensions on a Mac. However, it’s good to be selective when turning on file extensions for security purposes.