.AU File Extension

Audacity Audio File

Developer	Audacity
Popularity	Average rating 3.9 / 5. Vote count: 27
Category	Audio Files
Format	.AU
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an AU file?

The AU file extension is primarily associated with audio files, particularly in Unix-based systems. This format is known for its simplicity and ability to be used across various software and hardware platforms.

More Information.

Introduced in the early days of Sun Microsystems, the AU format was intended as a straightforward, uncomplicated format for storing audio data. Its initial purpose was to provide a standardized audio file format for Unix systems.

Origin Of This File.

The AU format was originally developed by Sun Microsystems for their Unix-based operating systems. Its design reflects the Unix philosophy of simplicity and effectiveness.

File Structure Technical Specification.

An AU file typically begins with a header of 24 bytes, followed by an optional annotation block and the audio data itself. The header contains important metadata including the audio data size, encoding format, sample rate, and number of channels.

How to Convert the File?

Converting AU files to other audio formats can be done using various software and applications across different operating systems.

Here’s how to convert AU files on Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS:

Windows

1. Using Audacity:

Download and install Audacity from its official website.
Open Audacity, drag and drop the AU file into the program.
Go to “File” > “Export” and choose your desired format (e.g., MP3, WAV).
Follow the prompts to save the converted file.

2. Using Online Converters:

You can also use online audio converter websites.
Upload the AU file, choose the target format, and start the conversion.
Download the converted file once the process is complete.

Linux

1. Using SoundConverter:

Install SoundConverter through your distribution’s package manager.
Open SoundConverter, and add your AU file.
Select the desired output format and convert.

2. Using FFmpeg:

Install FFmpeg via the terminal.
Use a command like ffmpeg -i file.au file.mp3 to convert the AU file to MP3.

Mac

1. Using Audacity:

Install Audacity for Mac.
Import the AU file and export it in your preferred format.

2. Using All2MP3:

Download and install All2MP3.
Drag and drop the AU file into the application and convert it to MP3.

Android

1. Using Media Converter:

Download and install a media converter app from the Google Play Store.
Open the app, select the AU file, choose the output format, and start the conversion.

2. Using Online Audio Converter:

Visit an online audio converter website using a web browser.
Upload the AU file, select the desired format, and convert it.

iOS

1. Using The Audio Converter:

Download “The Audio Converter” app from the App Store.
Open the app, select your AU file, choose the format you want to convert to, and start the conversion.

2. Using Online Services:

Access an online audio converter through Safari or any other browser.
Upload the AU file, choose the output format, and download the converted file after conversion.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Cross-Platform Compatibility: AU files are easily supported on various operating systems.
Simplicity: The format is straightforward to parse and process.

Disadvantages:

Limited Features: Lacks advanced features compared to newer formats.
Compression: It does not inherently support modern compression techniques, potentially leading to larger file sizes.

How to Open AU?

Open In Windows

1. Use VLC Media Player:

Download and install VLC Media Player from the official website.
Right-click on the AU file, select “Open with,” and choose VLC Media Player.
Alternatively, open VLC, go to “Media” > “Open File,” and select the AU file.

2. Windows Media Player:

Windows Media Player might also support AU files with the right codec installed.
Just double-click the AU file to open it if the appropriate codec is present.

Open In Linux

1. Rhythmbox:

Most Linux distributions come with Rhythmbox, which can play AU files.
Simply double-click the AU file, and it should open in Rhythmbox.

2. Command-Line with aplay:

Open the terminal.
Type aplay .au and press Enter.

Open In MAC

1. QuickTime Player:

Double-click on the AU file.
If QuickTime is the default audio player, it will open and play the file.

2. VLC for Mac:

Install VLC from the official website.
Right-click the AU file, select “Open with,” and choose VLC.

Open In Android

Using a Media Player App:

Download a media player app like VLC for Android from the Google Play Store.
Locate the AU file using a file manager app.
Tap on the file and choose to open it with the installed media player app.

Open In IOS

VLC for Mobile:

Download VLC for Mobile from the App Store.
Transfer the AU file to your device via iTunes file sharing or cloud storage.
Open VLC for Mobile, locate the file, and play it.

Open in Others

For other platforms or devices not mentioned (like Chrome OS, non-Android mobile devices, etc.):

Convert the File:

Use an online audio converter to convert the AU file to a more widely supported format like MP3.
Once converted, the file can be played using the native media player of the device.

Third-Party Applications: