Searching by file type lets you filter results to specific document formats, using extensions like .pdf for PDFs or .docx for Word documents. These extensions act as identifiers for the file format and associated application. This method differs from searching by filename or content, as it targets the file's inherent structure rather than its name or text.

Common examples include locating all PDF manuals in a cluttered "Downloads" folder using a file manager like Windows File Explorer or macOS Finder. Researchers might use it within Google Drive to quickly find .pptx presentation files among various documents by typing type:pptx alongside keywords in the search bar.

This technique significantly speeds up finding relevant documents, especially among large collections of files. However, it relies solely on the file extension, which can be misleading if a file is mislabeled or uses a non-standard extension. Its effectiveness remains fundamental across operating systems and cloud platforms, though future improvements may integrate more robust content-based recognition alongside extension filtering.