This article shows you how to access the properties of a file stored on a computer and how to change them to suit your needs. You can change the attributes of a file on both a Windows computer and a Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows systems
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 2. Open a new "File Explorer" window by clicking the icon
It features a small folder and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.
Step 3. Choose the file you want to edit
Select its icon with a single click of the left mouse button.
Before you can locate the item in question you may need to access the folder where it is stored (for example the directory Documents) using the left sidebar of the "File Explorer" window.
Step 4. Go to the Home tab
It is visible in the upper left of the window.
Step 5. Press the Properties button
It is white in color with a rectangular shape and a small red tick in the center. It is visible within the "Open" group of the ribbon of the "File Explorer" window.
Step 6. Review the properties of the selected file
The list of attributes of a file varies slightly based on the type of file, but normally you will have this information available:
- File name - is visible at the top of the tab General of the window Property;
- Open with - is located in the center of the board General. Press the relevant button Change to change the default program that will be used by the operating system to open the file in question;
- Previous versions - this tab allows you to restore a previous version of the file in question, provided that at least one exists. For this option to work, you must have created a system restore point.
Step 7. Save your changes
Push the button Apply located in the lower right corner of the "Properties" window. At this point, press the button OK to close the latter.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Open a Finder window
Click the blue stylized face icon visible within the System Dock.
Step 2. Choose the file you want to edit
Select its icon, visible within the Finder window, with a single click of the left mouse button.
- Before you can locate the item in question, you may need to access the folder where it is stored using the left sidebar of the Finder window.
- You can select the item All my files located in the upper left corner of the Finder window to view a list of all files on your Mac.
Step 3. Access the File menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the Mac screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 4. Choose the Get Info option
It is located approximately in the middle of the menu File appeared. The properties window of the selected file will be displayed.
Step 5. Review the information about the chosen file
Most files stored on a Mac have the same attributes listed in the middle or bottom of the "About" window:
- Name and extension - in this section you can change the file name and format. You can also select the "Hide extension" checkbox to prevent the extension of this specific file from being displayed;
- Comments - allows you to add annotations regarding the file in question;
- Open with - allows you to change the program with which the file is usually opened;
- Preview - allows you to preview the contents of the file;
- Sharing and permissions - allows you to indicate who can view or modify the content of the file in question.
Step 6. Save your changes
After modifying the properties of the chosen file, simply click on the small red circular icon located in the upper left corner of the "About" window. All changes will be saved and applied automatically.
Advice
You will notice that when using a system administrator account you can change more file properties than when using a normal user account
Warnings
- Sometimes it is possible that some attributes of a specific file cannot be changed.
- The editable properties of a file vary according to the type of element in question.
