The crossword answer for the clue “File type” (NYT, January 1, 2026) is RASP.

Core answer

  • The most recent major use of the clue “File type?” in the New York Times (Jan 1, 2026) has the 4-letter answer RASP , referring to the tool used for filing surfaces rather than a digital file format.

Why it’s RASP

  • In this clue, “file” is used in the sense of a tool that smooths or shapes materials, and a rasp is a coarse variety of that tool, so it fits the wordplay “type of file.”
  • The enumeration matches: the published solution specifies a 4-letter answer for “File type?” and confirms RASP as the latest official answer for that date’s puzzle.

Related clue variant

  • A plural variant “File types” has also appeared with the answer RASPS , using the same idea of types of physical files rather than computer file formats.

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