Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.OSU
File Type
osu! Beatmap File
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .osu file format
An .osu file is a plain text document used by the rhythm game 'osu!' to define the structure and gameplay elements of a specific song, known as a beatmap. These files contain critical information such as the song's metadata including the title, artist, and creator, as well as timing points that syn…
File extension
.OSU
File type
osu! Beatmap File
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .osu file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .osu.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .osu file?
File extension details and usage information
An .osu file is a plain text document used by the rhythm game 'osu!' to define the structure and gameplay elements of a specific song, known as a beatmap. These files contain critical information such as the song's metadata including the title, artist, and creator, as well as timing points that synchronize the game's rhythm with the audio track. The file is structured into several distinct sections, such as General, Editor, Metadata, Difficulty, Events, TimingPoints, and HitObjects. Each section uses a key-value pair or comma-separated value format to instruct the game engine on how to render the level, specifying the exact coordinates and timestamps for hit circles, sliders, and spinners. Because they are saved in a plain text format, .osu files can be opened and manually edited in basic text editors, though most users interact with them through the game's built-in graphical editor. These files are the backbone of the game's community-driven content ecosystem, allowing players to create, share, and compete on custom levels for virtually any audio file.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .osu files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .osu files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .osu file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .osu file.
Why can't I open a .osu file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .osu format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .osu files
To open a .osu file, use software that supports this file format.
- osu!
- Notepad++
- Sublime Text
- Visual Studio Code
- osu!lazer
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .osu file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.