A4P File

What are A4P files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an A4P file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your A4P files.

What is an A4P file?

An .A4P file is an Authorware Packaged file.

The Authorware Packaged File is a compiled version of a multimedia course or piece created with Adobe Authorware, intended for distribution rather than editing. It is generated when you use Authorware's "Package" or "Publish" command and select the option to package "without runtime." This format wraps up the flowline, media files, icons, external libraries, and interactivity into a single package that still relies on a separate Authorware runtime or web player to run. Users of the package cannot edit its content beyond running it as a finished piece.

Authorware tools make .A4P files by packaging a project in Authorware version 4 for delivery via local drives or networks under the condition that the end user already has the appropriate runtime environment installed. After packaging without runtime, the .A4P file serves as input for further conversion when targeting web delivery: tools like the Authorware Web Packager (also called Afterburner in older versions) segment the .A4P into smaller pieces and generate support files such as map/index files (e.g. .AAM/.AAS) for web download.

The file begins with a distinctive binary signature: at offset zero the first bytes are 41 43 52 53 BE BC AD AC (ASCII "ACRS" followed by four non-ASCII bytes).

How to open A4P files

Important: Different programs may use files with the A4P file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your A4P file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single A4P opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 16, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of A4P files. Remember, different programs may use A4P files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about A4P file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.