"filename" vs "file name"

Question

"filename" vs "file name"

Both "filename" and "file name" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Filename" is a single word used to refer to the name of a file in computing, while "file name" is two separate words used in general English to refer to the name of a file.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use "filename" as a single word when specifically talking about the name of a file in computing.

Examples:

The filename extension indicates the type of file.
Please enter the filename in the appropriate field.

Alternatives:

file name
name of the file
title of the file
document name
file title

Use "file name" as two separate words when talking about the name of a file in everyday language.

Examples:

What is the file name of the document?
Please save the file with a descriptive file name.

Alternatives:

filename
name of the file
title of the file
document name
file title

Answer 1

filename

This is correct when referring to the name of a file in computing.

Answer 2

file name

This is correct when referring to the name of a file in general English.

"filename" vs "file name"

filename

file name

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