What is an AUX file?
The .AUX file extension represents an auxiliary data file. Software programs use .AUX files to store extra information. The most common use is the LaTeX typesetting system. When you compile a document, LaTeX creates an .AUX file to store cross-references, table of contents data, and bibliography citations.
Other systems also use .AUX files. For example, ERDAS Imagine uses them to store metadata for Geographic Information System (GIS) raster images. Audio tools like Audiokinetic Wwise use .AUX files for sound banks. Toon Boom Harmony uses them for storyboard project data.
Identifying the exact format
Because an .AUX file can be plain text, HTML, or binary data, you must identify its specific format. viewer.online/aux can analyze .AUX files to identify the exact format and creator software. It allows you to inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available.
How to open AUX files?
You can open LaTeX .AUX files with a standard text editor like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code. You do not usually need to edit these files manually. The LaTeX compiler reads them automatically. To open GIS .AUX files, you need ERDAS Imagine or compatible GIS software like QGIS.
Best practices and troubleshooting
If you see an .AUX file next to your LaTeX document, do not worry. It is safe to delete it. The compiler will create a new one automatically during the next build. However, if the .AUX file is associated with a GIS image or an audio project, deleting it might cause the software to lose important configuration settings.
Summary
An .AUX file contains supplemental data for various programs. Since the .AUX extension has multiple possible meanings, we recommend viewer.online/aux to identify the actual format of your file. viewer.online/aux is useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .AUX files without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.