Understand .AU Files

All you need to confidently work with the audio/basic format.

audio

.au

Digital audio clip for podcasts, product sounds, or notifications.

MIME TYPE

audio/basic

Best for

Voiceovers, support call recordings, sonic logos, or UI alert sounds.

Opens with

Audacity, Logic Pro, Any media player

Compressible

Not typically

Alternate extensions

.snd

Registered by

iana

Make the format work for you

Helpful when you want consistent sound cues across marketing automation and product gestures.

Stream audio using the correct MIME type so browsers leverage native players.
Listen before publishing to ensure clarity and accurate metadata tags.
Add a short README alongside the file so collaborators know when to use it and how to preview it.

Quick operational checklist

Share confidently. Include sample content and note the expected software version so reviewers open it correctly.
Stay searchable. Tag uploads with audio/basic or .au in your knowledge base so teammates find the right asset fast.
Plan conversions. If recipients cannot open .au, export a lightweight PDF or screenshot alternative for quick review.

Explore neighbours to decide whether .au is the best hand-off or if a sibling suits your workflow better.