Tips to open AUX file

Can't open the AUX file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open AUX files as well as a list of programs that support AUX files.

AUX file extension

File Name TeX/LaTeX Auxiliary References Format
File Category Settings Files

The AUX file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the AUX files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the AUX file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 3
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is AUX file?

The file with the extension AUX is the Settings Files file type. Additionally, the Settings Files category contains 1305 of other files. TeX/LaTeX Auxiliary References Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is TeXworks. This was created by TeX Users Group. There are also 4 alternative programs to handle the AUX file. MiKTeX, TeX Live, LaTeX will apply when it is not possible to use TeXworks.

How to open AUX file?

The most common problem when using TeX/LaTeX Auxiliary References Format is that a specific AUX is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open AUX, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the AUX file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install TeXworks

In this case, you should first verify that the TeXworks application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name TeXworks in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file AUX with TeXworks. Below is a list of programs that support the file AUX.

Programs to open AUX file

Remember to download programs supporting AUX files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of TeXworks with AUX files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the AUX file to open in the TeXworks application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the AUX file with the TeXworks program.

Step 3. Update TeXworks to the latest version

If, however, after binding TeXworks with TeX/LaTeX Auxiliary References Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the TeX Users Group website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the AUX file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the AUX file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our AUX file. Sometimes virus-infected AUX files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of AUX file may not always be supported by the latest software version. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair AUX file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file AUX except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the AUX file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the AUX file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the AUX file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the AUX file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.