AUS File

What are AUS files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AUS 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 AUS files.

What is an AUS file?

An .AUS file is an AutoREALM Symbols file.

AutoREALM Symbols files store graphic symbols used by the AutoREALM mapping program in fantasy / role-playing map creation. These files group reusable symbol designs (collections of vector objects) each with a name and metadata such as whether the symbol is a favorite. AutoREALM - written by Andy Gryc - reads these files at startup to populate its symbol libraries.

Each file begins with a file header identifying it as a symbol library, followed by version information specific to symbol files. Inside, multiple symbols are listed; each symbol has a name, the set of vector and object-data that draw it (lines, curves, fills, or combinations thereof), and a flag marking it as a toolbar favorite. AutoREALM uses these symbol files to allow placing consistent iconography across maps.

Symbols file headers use a magic identifier of ASCII "AutS" at the start (bytes 0x41 0x75 0x74 0x53) and a file version number of 1 (stored as a 4-byte unsigned little-endian integer). Within the symbol data, each symbol includes a string for its name, object chunks (OB type) defining its graphic shape, optional comment (CO), and a Boolean "Favorites" flag. An EndOfFile chunk signals the end of each symbol's data.

How to open AUS files

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

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested five different AUS openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of AUS files. Remember, different programs may use AUS 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 AUS file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.