A tile file is normally made from Aluminium oxide and is an essential piece of kit. Often when a tile is cut using a traditional tile cutter it has a very sharp edge, this is best removed with a tile file before the tile is fixed in position.
![tile file](/how-to/images/tiling/tools/tilefile.jpg)
Tile files come in several different types but the most common type is the piece of Aluminium oxide.
![sharp tile](/how-to/images/tiling/tools/sharp_tile.jpg)
This tile has been cut with a traditional score and snap tile cutter.
The cut edge is rough and can be sharp. This edge is best removed with a tile file.
![tile being filed](/how-to/images/tiling/tools/tile_file1.jpg)
To use the tile file hold the tile firmly, then use a forwards and backwards motion whilst applying light pressure.
You can also put the tile file down on a flat surface and then move the tile forwards and backwards to file the tile