What is a CUE file?

A .CUE file, also known as CDRWIN Cue Sheet, is plain text file that contains information about tracks and layout of an audio CD or disc image, typically in BIN or ISO format. These files are often used to describe structure and contents of disc, allowing CD burning software or virtual drive software to accurately reproduce original disc.

Example of CUE file

Here is an example of what “.cue” file might look like:

PERFORMER "Artist Name"
TITLE "Album Title"
FILE "DiscImage.bin" BINARY
  TRACK 01 AUDIO
    TITLE "Track 1 Title"
    PERFORMER "Artist Name"
    INDEX 01 00:00:00
  TRACK 02 AUDIO
    TITLE "Track 2 Title"
    PERFORMER "Artist Name"
    INDEX 01 03:45:21
  TRACK 03 AUDIO
    TITLE "Track 3 Title"
    PERFORMER "Artist Name"
    INDEX 01 07:28:17
  TRACK 04 AUDIO
    TITLE "Track 4 Title"
    PERFORMER "Artist Name"
    INDEX 01 12:15:40
  (Additional tracks go here...)

CDRWIN Cue Sheet

CDRWIN Cue Sheet is specific variation of “.cue” file format used by CDRWIN software. CDRWIN is CD/DVD burning and authoring software and its “.cue” sheets are designed for use with this software. These “.cue” sheets contain information necessary for CDRWIN to accurately create or burn CD or DVD.

Here are some key details specific to CDRWIN Cue Sheets:

  1. Unique to CDRWIN: CDRWIN’s “.cue” sheets are proprietary format specific to CDRWIN software. While they share similarities with standard “.cue” files, they are tailored to work with CDRWIN’s features and settings.

  2. User-Friendly Interface: CDRWIN provides an easy-to-use interface for creating and editing its “.cue” sheets. Users can add or modify information about tracks, indexes, gaps and other parameters in user-friendly manner.

  3. Compatible Disc Types: CDRWIN Cue Sheets are used primarily for creating various types of CDs and DVDs, including data discs, audio CDs, mixed-mode discs and more. The format allows users to specify type and content of disc they wish to create.

  4. Control Over Disc Layout: CDRWIN Cue Sheets provide detailed control over layout and structure of disc, including track order, pause/gap settings and any other specific preferences user may have.

  5. ISO and BIN Support: CDRWIN can work with both ISO and BIN disc image formats. The “.cue” sheet specifies which image file is used for disc, ensuring proper synchronization between cues and image.

  6. Burning and Ripping: These “.cue” sheets are crucial when burning discs or ripping tracks from discs using CDRWIN. They help ensure that final product matches intended layout and content.

  7. Backup and Restoration: CDRWIN users often create “.cue” sheets when making backups of their CDs or DVDs. These sheets can later be used to restore disc’s content, including track layout and timing.

How to open CUE file?

CDRWIN Cue Sheets are specifically designed for CDRWIN software, so they are typically meant to be opened and used within CDRWIN.

Programs that open or reference CUE files

  • CDRWIN
  • Smart Projects IsoBuster
  • EZB Systems UltraISO

Other CUE files

Here are other file types that use the .cue file extension.

Disk and Media

References

See Also