How to Check the File Format of a Document or Photo on iPhone

Downloading attachments or files on your iPhone can be convenient, but it can also lead to compatibility issues. While most apps on the iPhone do not display file extensions, there are ways to view them. By knowing the format or file extension of a document, video, or photo, you can ensure compatibility in the long run. Here are a few methods to view file extensions on your iPhone.

One method involves using an option in the native Files app, which is quick and painless. The other method involves creating a file extension shortcut, which takes time but can be useful in specific cases. Let’s explore both methods.

Use Info Option in Files App

The Files app on your iPhone allows you to access files stored in iCloud Drive and other cloud storage services. It also displays files created by certain apps that use local storage. You can easily view additional details of any file, such as the format or extension. To do this, go to the location of the document, video, or image and perform a Haptic Touch gesture by long-pressing on the item. Then, tap Info in the menu that appears.

You can see the file format listed next to the file name. Additional information regarding the file is also visible, such as the size, resolution (if it’s an image), and the time it was last modified.

Certain iPhone apps, like Photos, don’t allow file access through the Files app. In this case, share the document or image to a location within the Files app, preferably the On My iPhone location. To verify the format, long-press on the file and tap Info. It’s important to note that when sharing images from the Photos app, it’s recommended to use the Share to Files option on the file’s Share Sheet. Copying and pasting images may lead to automatic format conversion (e.g. HEIC to JPG).

Create and Use Shortcut

The Shortcuts app on your iPhone can reveal the file extension as a notification, which is useful when you can’t access a file or photo through the Files app or your iPhone’s photos. If you can’t find the Shortcuts app, refer to the troubleshooting guide before proceeding. Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app.

Step 2: Switch to My Shortcuts tab and tap Create Shortcut. Tap ‘Search for apps and actions’ and add the two actions below in order:

– Get Details from Files

– Show Notification

Step 3: Tap the icon with three dots in the upper-right corner of the shortcut. On the following screen, turn on the switch next to Show in Share Sheet. Tap Done to return to the previous screen.

Step 4: Make the following adjustments to the actions added in Step 2:

– Get Details of Files: Tap Detail, select File Extension from the menu, then tap File, choose Select Magic Variable, and tap on the Shortcut Input at the top.

– Show Notification: Tap ‘Hello World,’ delete those words, and select File Extension.

Note: The Show Notification action has a default sound. To remove it, expand the action (tap Show More), and turn off the switch next to Play Sound.

Once finished, tap Next.

Step 5: Name the shortcut (e.g. Show Extension), and tap Done.

The shortcut is ready. To check a file format in a native or third-party app, access the Share Sheet and tap the shortcut name, such as Show Extension. Look at the screenshot below.

The file extension will appear as a notification. Cool, right?

Note: The shortcut also works in the Files app, but using the Info context menu option reveals file extensions faster.

Know Your Format

The two methods above are useful for determining the format of any file. Using the Files app is convenient, but building a file extension shortcut can be invaluable for checking the extension of documents or photos in other apps.

Here’s a quick tip: You can also use the third-party Google Photos app to check image extensions easily. Just perform a Swipe Up gesture on a photo to reveal the format.

Next up: Google Photos can also backup your iPhone photos. Check the next article to learn how to move your pictures to Google Photos from iPhone.