What is a BUF file?
A .BUF file is a data file that serves multiple purposes depending on the creator software. The extension commonly stands for Buffer, representing temporary data storage. However, .BUF files are also used as proprietary game data files by HoYoverse to store 3D character blend shapes and model texture coordinates. Additionally, they can act as accounting data files encoded in UTF-16 for BUSY Accounting Software, or as meteorological data representation files used by the World Meteorological Organization.
How to open BUF files?
Because .BUF files have many possible formats, you must first identify the correct software. If the file belongs to BUSY Accounting Software, you must open it directly within that application to view the financial data. If it is a 3D game file from HoYoverse, the game engine reads it automatically, though developers might inspect it using specialized 3D extraction scripts.
If the file is a generic buffer, you can inspect it with a text editor like Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code. For binary data, a hex editor like HxD can reveal internal text strings and file signatures.
Best practices and troubleshooting
Do not manually rename or delete .BUF files located in game directories or accounting database folders. Doing so can cause game crashes or corrupt financial records. If you open a .BUF file in a text editor and see scrambled characters, it means the file is saved in a binary format rather than plain text. In this case, do not save changes, or you risk breaking the file structure.
Summary
Since .BUF has multiple possible meanings, it is not always clear which application you need. viewer.online/buf can analyze .BUF files to identify the exact format and creator software, inspect the file structure, extract readable text, and check whether an online preview is available. Ultimately, viewer.online/buf is useful for identifying, inspecting, and understanding .BUF files without installing software or dealing with compatibility problems.