You are probably wondering how to save as any extensions in TextEdit for MacOS. While it is possible, it can not be done by default because TextEdit usually starts in Rich Text Format instead of plain text. This situation usually happens when you want to save a simple file like example file, test file, and other short term intentions, so you want to do it without opening up your code editor.
Let’s say you just opened TextEdit and have this very simple code like this.
Note that the extension immediately changed to .rtf even though you have not saved it yet. When you try to save as other extension, it won’t allow you to modify the extension according to your needs.
Converting the File to Plain Text
To save as any extensions you want, you need to make the file plain text by going to Format –> Make Plain Text.
After you do so, klik OK on the confirmation dialog. Your file extension will immediately changed to txt. Now you can save as any other extensions you want. The way you do it is by simply renaming the file from the title bar or going to File –> Rename.
So that is how you save as any extensions in TextEdit for MacOS. You can save to any extensions you want, such as txt, php, doc, py, and other. For more advanced code editor, check out my post about Visual Code Editor.
