.AUX File Extension

LaTeX Auxiliary File

Developer	Microsoft
Popularity	Average rating 4.3 / 5. Vote count: 10
Category	Settings Files
Format	.AUX
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an AUX file?

The .AUX file is used by TeX and LaTeX compilers to store auxiliary information generated during the typesetting process. It contains data such as cross-references, citations, and other information needed for correct compilation and typesetting of documents.

More Information.

.AUX files were designed to facilitate the accurate typesetting of documents that include citations, cross-references, table of contents, and other complex structures that require multiple passes of compilation to resolve dependencies correctly.

Origin Of This File.

TeX, developed by Donald Knuth in the late 1970s, introduced .AUX files as part of its system to manage complex typesetting tasks. LaTeX, which is built on top of TeX, also uses .AUX files extensively.

File Structure Technical Specification.

Content: The content of .AUX files typically includes references to labels, citations, and other document-specific data.

Format: It is a plaintext file with structured data readable by TeX and LaTeX compilers.

Location: .AUX files are usually located in the same directory as the main .tex file.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

Open and Edit: Use any text editor like Notepad, Notepad++, or specialized LaTeX editors (e.g., TeXworks, TeXstudio).
Backup: Make copies of .AUX files as needed for version control or recovery purposes.
Cleaning: If issues arise with .AUX files (e.g., corruption), you may delete them, as TeX and LaTeX will regenerate them during the next compilation.

Linux

Text Editors: Use terminal-based editors like Vim or GUI editors such as TeXworks, TeXstudio, or Kile.
Commands: Use command-line tools to manipulate or view .AUX files (e.g., cat, vim, nano).

macOS

TextEdit: Use TextEdit for basic viewing and editing.
LaTeX Editors: TeXShop is a popular choice for macOS users for LaTeX editing and managing .AUX files.

Android

Apps: Use specialized LaTeX editors like VerbTeX, which can handle .AUX files indirectly through their management of LaTeX projects.

iOS

Apps: Use LaTeX-specific apps like TeX Writer, which manage LaTeX projects and their associated .AUX files.

Other Platforms

Cross-Platform Tools: Use online LaTeX editors or platform-independent text editors that support LaTeX syntax highlighting and management of .AUX files.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Essential for accurate document typesetting in TeX and LaTeX.
Stores critical information required for multiple-pass compilation.

Disadvantages:

Can become corrupted if editing or compilation processes are interrupted.
Not directly readable as a final document format; requires interpretation by TeX or LaTeX engines.