A file name extension is a set of characters added to the end of a file name to indicate the file format and the application that can open it. Showing file extensions in the Catalog window can be helpful when browsing for CAD datasets that have the same name but were created by different CAD programs.
To configure ArcGIS for Desktop to show file extensions, uncheck the Hide file extensions check box in the ArcCatalog Options dialog box.
- Open ArcCatalog.
- Choose Customize from the pull-down menu and click ArcCatalog Options.
- Click the General tab and uncheck Hide file extensions.
- Click OK.