For the New York Times crossword clue “File type” from the January 1, 2026 puzzle, the answer is RASP.

What “file type” means here

  • The clue plays on “file” as a tool used to smooth or shape materials, not a computer file.
  • A rasp is a coarse kind of file used in woodworking and metalworking, which fits the 4-letter pattern the NYT Mini used for that date.

Why RASP is the accepted answer

  • Multiple crossword-answer archives list RASP as the 4-letter solution for “File type” in NYT puzzles, including the May 6, 2021 instance and the January 1, 2026 Mini.
  • Other possibilities like “.doc” or “.pdf” do not fit the pattern or the way NYT typically clues tool-related wordplay.

Tip for similar NYT clues

  • When the clue is short and a bit vague, think about non-digital meanings of words like “file,” “type,” “case,” or “charge.”
  • NYT Minis especially like everyday objects (like tools) and simple wordplay, so physical meanings are often the first place to look.

TL;DR: For “file type nyt,” you’re looking for the crossword answer RASP.

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