Open AU File
The .au file extension has a couple of different uses, being tied to both audio data and authoring files. In either case, understanding how to open, manipulate, and use these files can help you make the most of them.
Dealing with AU Audio Files
AU files in the context of audio refer to a sound format developed by Sun Microsystems. The format has since become something of a standard for UNIX-based systems and has seen some amount of usage in web applications as a format for audio clips.
If you're faced with an AU file and need to open it, there are plenty of software options available. Many popular media players such as VLC Media Player and Winamp are capable of playing AU files. Notably, the Media Player Classic included with the K-Lite Codec Pack also supports the AU format.
For those looking to edit or manipulate AU files, software such as Audacity is ideal. Audacity not only supports AU files but also provides a variety of audio editing tools and features.
Diving into AU Authoring Files
On the other hand, AU files can also refer to authoring files used by applications like the now-discontinued AutoPlay Media Studio, an application development tool. These AU files contain project assets and information, often forming part of an application's source code.
Should you ever need to work with these AU files, your best bet would likely be AutoPlay Media Studio or a similar software application. Such software can typically open, edit, and save AU files and provide the tools necessary to work with the contained data. If there's a particular program that created the AU file, using that same program will typically yield the best results. However, given that AutoPlay Media Studio is discontinued, finding a reliable way to handle AU authoring files might be challenging.
AU File Important Information
Whether audio or authoring files, AU files are a valuable resource in the right context. But, always be mindful about opening such files from unknown sources, as they might contain malicious code. It's always crucial for your computer's safety to ensure that any files you are working with come from a trusted source and that your antivirus software is up to date and actively protecting your system.
How to open AU files
Typical AU application file locations:
%ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe /Open "%L"
C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe "%1"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe" /Play "%L"
Typical AU mime types:
audio/basic
Frequently used application names to open AU files:
- Windows Media Player
- QuickTime
Frequently associated Windows objects:
AUFile
QuickTime.au
WMP11.AssocFile.AU