AWL File

What are AWL files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AWL 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 AWL files.

What is an AWL file?

AWL files have multiple uses, and AWL Programming Language is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

AWL Programming Language

.AWL files are files that contain source code written in the AWL programming language. AWL stands for "Automatisierungs-Workbench für S7-300/400" which in english translates as "Automation Workbench for S7-300/400".

This specialized programming language is designed for programming Siemens programmable logic controllers (PLCs) of the S7-300/400 series. These controllers are widely used in modern industrial automation and control systems, allowing mangement of highly complex tasks with precision and accuracy.

The AWL, or instruction list, language was developed to allow manipulation of data types such as variables, arrays, and more. It is a powerful tool that allows programmers to easily create instructions using a set of instructions constituted of symbols which can then be read by the processor in the PLCs. This makes the process more efficient than manual programming methods.

AWL programs are used in conjunction with other programming languages such as function block diagram (FBD) and structured control language (SCL) for PLC program creation. These AWL programs are compiled into bytecode, which is uploaded to the PLC and runs as controller logic.

How to open AWL files

Important: Different programs may use files with the AWL file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your AWL 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 AWL opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

All known file formats using extension .AWL

While AWL Programming Language is a popular type of AWL-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .AWL file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Animation Works PlayList

Animation Works PlayList files store a list of animation/movie items and settings used by Gold Disk's Animation Works software as a simple playlist format. They are text- or script-like configuration files that tell Animation Works how to sequence or present one or more Animation Works Movie (".AWM") files, along with options like looping, playback mode (fullscreen vs windowed), and sound behavior.

Each PlayList file is generated by Animation Works when a user sets up multiple animations or presents a sequence of scenes. The software reads the playlist to apply attributes such as disable-input, repeat mode, fullscreen or window rectangle settings before launching the listed .AWM animations. These playlists simplify managing multiple movie files under one set of playback parameters rather than configuring each file individually.

Internally the format is human-readable ASCII text. It begins with a signature header "[awmlist]" at the start of the file, followed by entries such as "0=" to identify the first listed movie. Keywords found in the file include DISABLEINPUT, BLACKONLOAD, FULLSCREEN, WINDOWRECT, REPEAT, SOUNDS, and references to the .AWM movie file extension. These keywords control how and when individual movie files are played.

Various apps that use files with this extension

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

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