---
title: ".cue file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .cue file is a Cue Sheet. A small text file describing the track layout of a .bin disc image. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/cue/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .cue files

**.cue file: Cue Sheet**

A small text file describing the track layout of a .bin disc image.

## What opens a .cue file

- **Windows:** Notepad (built in), ImgBurn, foobar2000, Daemon Tools
- **macOS:** TextEdit (built in), XLD, VLC
- **Linux:** Text Editor (built in), cuetools, K3b

## What a .cue file is

A CUE sheet lists the tracks, indexes and timings of a disc whose actual data sits in an accompanying .bin or audio file. It is plain text you can read in any editor, and it is useless without its partner file in the same folder with a matching name. Burning and emulation software reads the CUE, not the BIN, which is why the pair must travel together.

## Converting it

A .cue file is commonly converted to .iso, .toc or .txt. It is a plain text format, so any text editor can open and edit it directly.

## Details

- **Extension:** .cue
- **Full name:** Cue Sheet
- **Category:** Disk images
- **Created by:** Golden Hawk Technology (CDRWIN)
- **Format:** Plain text

## Common questions

### How do I open a .cue file?

On Windows use Notepad (built in); on macOS use TextEdit (built in); on Linux use Text Editor (built in). A small text file describing the track layout of a .bin disc image.

### What is a .cue file?

Cue Sheet. A CUE sheet lists the tracks, indexes and timings of a disc whose actual data sits in an accompanying .bin or audio file. It is plain text you can read in any editor, and it is useless without its partner file in the same folder with a matching name.

### Can I convert a .cue file?

Yes. It is usually converted to .iso, .toc or .txt, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

## Related pages

- [.iso — ISO Disc Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/iso/)
- [.dmg — Apple Disk Image](https://atoneplace.net/file/dmg/)
- [.vmdk — Virtual Machine Disk](https://atoneplace.net/file/vmdk/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)