The FAT (File Allocation Table) file system, which comes in multiple formats such as FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, and exFAT, has had a long history of use in various computer systems due to its simplicity and compatibility. It was initially designed for small disks and simple folder structures. Today, it's still in wide use for secondary storage in general-purpose computers (like flash memory cards), as well as in embedded systems to name a few. To harness the usefulness of this old but reliable system, it's handy to know what possible formats exist and how to open/use files with FAT file extensions. Here are some key points to keep in mind.
Understanding FAT and its Formats
Originally developed in 1977 for use on floppy disks, the FAT file system has evolved into four main formats: FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, and exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table).
- FAT12 - This is the original format. It uses a 12-bit file allocation table to manage disk space and was used on floppy disks.
- FAT16 - An improved version of FAT12, FAT16 uses a 16-bit file allocation table. It was designed for larger disks and allowed for longer filenames.
- FAT32 - This format uses a 32-bit file allocation table, hence, the name FAT32. It allows for even greater disk capacity and size of individual files. This is probably the FAT file system most people are familiar with.
- exFAT - The latest version of the FAT file system, exFAT was designed for flash drives and other similar storage devices. It removes the 4GB file size limit of FAT32 and supports files and partitions larger than 32GB.
How to Open/Use Files with FAT File Extensions
The FAT family of file systems is supported by virtually all existing operating systems, meaning files with FAT file extensions can be opened and used on almost any computer or device. The most straightforward way to open these files is to link your FAT format storage device (like a USB flash drive, SD card, or external hard drive) to your computer and navigate to the file you wish to open using your system's file explorer (Windows File Explorer, Mac Finder, etc.). Most applications will readily recognize and open files stored on FAT-formatted devices.
FAT File Important Information
With exFAT as its latest format, the FAT file system continues to be widely used. While it has been largely surpassed by NTFS on Windows systems for the primary drive, FAT is still widely used for USBs and other forms of removable storage. When it comes to handling FAT file extensions, users should recognize the need for proper handling and maintenance of their storage devices to ensure longevity. This includes safely ejecting the storage device and avoiding the mishandling that could lead to corruption.
It is likewise important to keep in mind the limitations of each FAT format. Older FAT12 and FAT16 systems have limitations on disk size and the length of file names. FAT32, while supporting larger disk sizes and files, still caps files at 4GB. exFAT removes many of these restrictions but does require more recent operating systems to function. Familiarizing with these facts allows users to make the most out of their FAT-stored files.
