An ax file extension is associated with the DirectShow (sometimes abbreviated as DS or DShow).

There are 3 other file types using
the AX file extension!

empty icon.ax - Modula 3 linker information

ax icon.ax - Opera data

empty icon.ax - Mpeg-4 DVD filter data

Detailed description

Software that open ax file

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AX file extension - DirectShow filter

What is ax file? How to open ax files?

File type specification:

Various data file type icon Various data file type

The ax file extension is related to DirectShow (sometimes abbreviated as DS or DShow), codename Quartz, a multimedia framework and API produced by Microsoft for software developers to perform various operations with media files or streams. It is the replacement for Microsoft's earlier Video for Windows technology.

Based on the Microsoft Windows Component Object Model (COM) framework, DirectShow provides a common interface for media across many programming languages, and is an extensible, filter-based framework that can render or record media files on demand at the behest of the user or developer.

The DirectShow development tools and documentation were originally distributed as part of the DirectX SDK, however, they are currently distributed as part of the Windows SDK (formerly known as the Platform SDK).

The ax files contain filter data and basically tell the computer how to read the specific compression method.

Updated: October 27, 2024

The default software associated to open ax file:

Microsoft Windows Media Player icon

Microsoft Corporation logoMicrosoft Windows Media Player  Microsoft Windows software

Company or developer:
Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft Windows Media Player is the default multimedia player/manager pre-installed in Microsoft Windows. WMP can manage music, videos, and pictures on a computer, play or view them, sync them with portable devices, or burn them on CD/DVD media. It also supports home media sharing with other computers. In Windows 11, you can still find it under the name Windows Media Player Legacy.

Help how to open:

The ax files are used for internal purposes of DirectShow and compatible tools.

How to convert:

As far as we know, this .ax file type can't be converted to any other file format. This is usually the case of system, configuration, temporary, or data files containing data exclusive to only one software and used for its own purposes. Also some proprietary or closed file formats cannot be converted to more common file types in order to protect the intellectual property of the developer, which is for example the case of some DRM-protected multimedia files.

File identification strings:

HEX code: 4D 5A 90 00 03 00 00 00 04 00 00 00 FF FF 00 00 B8
ASCII code: MZ @

List of recommended software applications associated to the .ax file extension

Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open ax file, edit ax file, convert ax file, view ax file, play ax file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).

Unspecified and all other actions for computer programs working with ax file - DirectShow filter

Click on the software link for more information about Microsoft Windows Media Player. Microsoft Windows Media Player uses ax file type for its internal purposes and/or also by different way than common edit or open file actions (eg. to install/execute/support an application itself, to store application or user data, configure program etc.).

Microsoft Windows:

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