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CUE File - What is a .cue file and how do I open it?
Learn about .CUE files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a CUE file? A CUE file is a cue sheet used to describe the layout and structure of a compact disc ( CD ) or Super Audio CD (SACD). It is a plain-text file containing information about each track on the disc, including the track type (audio or data), start time, length, title, and performer. CUE files serve as a guide for software to accurately interpret and reproduce the disc's structure (they do not contain the disc's audio or data).
More Information Users who work with CUE files include musicians, audio engineers, archivists, and hobbyists who need to burn or organize discs accurately. The files are often accompanied by binary disc image files (commonly .BIN or .ISO ) that contain the actual audio or data. Cue sheets are particularly useful for reproducing multi-track audio CDs, mixed-mode CDs, or archival disc images where track boundaries must be preserved.
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DeveloperEngelmann Media
Popularity2.9 | 21 Votes
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In-Depth
.CUE File Extension
2 file types use the .cue file extension.
Cue Sheet File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.8 | 70 Votes |
What is a CUE file?
A CUE file is a cue sheet used to describe the layout and structure of a compact disc ( CD ) or Super Audio CD (SACD). It is a plain-text file containing information about each track on the disc, including the track type (audio or data), start time, length, title, and performer. CUE files serve as a guide for software to accurately interpret and reproduce the disc's structure (they do not contain the disc's audio or data).
More Information
Users who work with CUE files include musicians, audio engineers, archivists, and hobbyists who need to burn or organize discs accurately. The files are often accompanied by binary disc image files (commonly .BIN or .ISO ) that contain the actual audio or data. Cue sheets are particularly useful for reproducing multi-track audio CDs, mixed-mode CDs, or archival disc images where track boundaries must be preserved.
How to open a CUE file
You can open CUE files with various disc-burning or playback applications, such as Roxio Toast , Smart Projects IsoBuster , and EZB Systems UltraISO . Since CUE files store plain text, you can also open them with a text editor to view or edit track information. You will need to follow the correct cue sheet syntax to avoid errors.
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Programs that open CUE files
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Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
Nero 2022
Paid
Roxio Creator NXT Pro 9
Paid
Foobar2000
Free
Smart Projects IsoBuster
Paid
EZB Systems UltraISO
Free Trial
Alcohol 120%
Free Trial
Lightning UK! ImgBurn
Free
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Any text editor
Mac
Roxio Toast 20
Paid
NTI Dragon Burn 4
Paid
Burn
Free
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Any text editor
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Category: Audio Files
Updated: January 8, 2026
CDRWIN Cue Sheet
| Developer | Engelmann Media |
| Popularity |
2.9 | 21 Votes |
A CUE file may also be a cue sheet used to describe the layout and structure of a CD or DVD disc image . It is saved in a syntax specific to CDRWin, a disc authoring and burning software, which is what separates it from other CUE sheet files. CUE files contain plain text instructions that define how tracks are arranged on the disc, including track order, start times, audio or data type, and indexing information (the files typically accompany a corresponding .BIN file, which stores the actual content of the disc).
More Information
CDRWin, and several other disc-imaging programs that support the CDRWin syntax, read the cue sheet to correctly burn or emulate the disc, ensuring that track boundaries, gaps, and audio/data designations are preserved. Users, such as musicians, audio engineers, archivists, and hobbyists, who create or distribute CD or DVD images rely on CUE files to maintain the original disc's structure, especially for audio CDs, mixed-mode discs, or multi-track compilations.
NOTE: Engelmann Media no longer develops CDRWIN.
How to open a CUE file
You can open CUE files with several disc burning or imaging programs, such as Smart Projects IsoBuster or EZB Systems UltraISO . The software uses the instructions in the cue sheet along with the corresponding .BIN or other disc image files to reproduce the disc.
Since CUE files are saved in plain text, you can also view CUE files with a text editor to inspect track information or make minor adjustments. However, editing the files requires knowledge of cue sheet syntax to avoid errors.
Programs that open or reference CUE files
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Platform
Reset
X
All Platforms
Any text editor
Windows
Smart Projects IsoBuster
Paid
EZB Systems UltraISO
Free Trial
Engelmann Media CDRWIN
—
Discontinued
Paid
Category: Disk Image Files
Updated: January 8, 2026