BAU File

What are BAU files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BAU 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 BAU files.

What is a BAU file?

A .BAU file is an Apache OpenOffice AutoText Configuration file.

Apache OpenOffice AutoText Configuration files store collections of reusable text elements (plus tables, graphics, and formatted fields) that the Writer program can insert quickly using abbreviations or keyboard shortcuts. These files group AutoText entries by category and allow centralized storage and sharing of snippets to speed up writing and ensure consistency.

Such a file is produced by Apache OpenOffice when the user or administrator defines or exports AutoText content in Writer and assigns it to a category. The AutoText system then saves all entries in that category into a single file. Other instances of OpenOffice read the file to display the categories and to insert the stored content based on its abbreviation or shortcut. Administrators can distribute AutoText files system-wide, or users can install them per-user; OpenOffice finds them using configured AutoText paths.

The file is encoded as a ZIP-compatible archive containing XML files that describe each AutoText entry: the content text (which may include formatting, tables, fields or graphics), a manifest of what it includes, possibly style definitions, block lists, etc. It uses internal XML files such as CONTENT.XML, STYLES.XML, MANIFEST.XML and BLOCKLIST.XML, and retains ZIP signatures (for example the initial "PK" magic number). Lines in the BlockList.xml file identify categories.

How to open BAU files

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

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

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

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