The New York Times crossword clue “File type” is typically answered with RASP , referring to a type of file used for shaping wood or metal rather than a computer file format.

Core answer

  • In recent New York Times crosswords, the clue “File type” has been clued with the answer RASP (4 letters), most recently associated with the January 1, 2026 puzzle, as well as earlier dates.
  • Other resources that catalog NYT clues also list RASP as the primary solution for “File type” in past New York Times grids.

Why “RASP” fits

  • A rasp is a coarse file used in carpentry and metalwork, so “File type” is a straightforward definition-style clue: what type of file? → RASP.
  • Crossword answer databases that track NYT puzzles show RASP (4 letters) as the 100% match for the “File type” clue, confirming it as the expected fill for NYT solvers.

Related trivia and variants

  • Some databases also list other possible entries like RATTAIL (7 letters) and PDF (3 letters) under broader “File type” clues, but those are not the standard NYT Mini/NYT main answer for the recent “File type” clue; RASP is.
  • Other crosswords (e.g., LA Times) have used a punny version, “File type?” with answers like OFFICE CLERK , but that’s a different publication and clue style, not the core NYT answer you’re asking about.

TL;DR: For the NYT crossword clue “File type,” the answer you want is RASP (4 letters).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.