When working with computers on a daily basis, being able to identify what type of file you're dealing with is essential.

Whether you're working with different program applications or browsing online, one of the main concerns of handling an unidentified file format is determining what program applications are needed to open it.

Even blind file transfers can produce the same uncertainty since an unidentified file type on your computer can either compromise your work or your entire system. Both sender and receiver rely upon both the compatibility and integrity of a single file.

Where different platforms are involved, verifying a file format to troubleshoot issues between digital files and computer devices can be difficult because the categorization of files can vary from one system to the next. Finding a solution first requires knowing the platform to which the file belongs before anything else can be resolved.

The file categorization of different systems becomes a major factor when identifying files. To illustrate, one of the major differences that sets the UNIX system apart from the Windows system is the difference in their file naming conventions. While Windows uses a three letter file extension and a distinctive icon, UNIX files don't.

In addition, UNIX file extensions don't necessarily reveal the file's function or contents as the .doc or .ppt file extensions do at a single glance. Thus, identifying any file format simply by looking at its filename is no longer a reliable way of classifying it. You need to analyze the file internally.

The File Utility

To do so, you can use the File utility, a command line tool used to identify an unknown file format. This UNIX utility can determine the nature of a file's content by examining the file's digital information.

The iConv File utility can do the same for any unidentified file formats located on your computer. Thus, without the need of a UNIX interface, you can use this online routine to inspect the file you upload. It will return information about the file type in your browser.