AQX File

What are AQX files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AQX 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 AQX files.

What is an AQX file?

An .AQX file is an Aquarius+ Machine Language Program Executable file.

Aquarius+ Machine Language Program Executable files are binary programs made for the Aquarius+ home computer. They hold compiled machine code intended to be run directly by its Z80 CPU, enabling software written in languages like C or Z80 assembly to execute on the physical hardware or in the Aquarius+ emulator. These executables are produced by the Aquarius+ toolchain, for example using z88dk with flags such as "-subtype=aqx -create-app."

These program executables typically include their own loader or bootstrap so that the Aquarius+ system can load and start them via commands like RUN after copying them onto an SD card or into the emulator drive. They are used alongside supporting files when more complex builds include separate data banks or secondary binaries; the executable is the main entrypoint.

Internally the file begins with a signature at offset zero: a sequence of bytes roughly matching "…AQPLUS…" embedded in an otherwise reserved header region, followed by expected control fields including "0E39 0A00 DA" and a recognizable sequence "31343630383A80…" which in ASCII corresponds to "14608:…".

How to open AQX files

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

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 18, 2026

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