Can I use the LinkFixer Advanced Modify Links process to change the extensions of my links?

Can I use the LinkFixer Advanced Modify Links process to change the extensions of my links?

Can I use the LinkFixer Advanced Modify Links process to change the extensions of my links?

Modified on: Wed, 18 Mar, 2026 at 9:20 AM

Answer

Yes, you can. By creating a rename rule with simple text substitution, you can change the extension component of your links.

Important caution

While possible, this is usually not recommended. Here's why:
  1. The rule only changes the extension text of the link.
  2. It does not change the internal structure of the file itself.
  3. Applications expect the file's internal structure to match its extension.
Example
  1. A DOTX file (Word template) has a different internal structure than a DOCX file (Word document).
  2. If you rename the extension from .dotx to .docx, Word will expect a DOCX structure.
  3. Since the file is still a DOTX internally, World will display an error.
  4. Windows Explorer also warns that changing extensions can make files unusable.

Key takeaway

Unless you have another utility that can convert the internal file structure to match the new extension, using LinkFixer Avanced to only change extensions is not a good idea.