AWE File Extension

AWE file icon

Adobe Acrobat Bookmark XML

What is a AWE file?

Files with the AWE extension are specifically tied to Adobe Acrobat Bookmark XML, a Settings Files type, and there are 1190 files in this category.

The Adobe Acrobat Bookmark XML (AWE) was developed by Adobe, which created file format and 81 programs to work with them.

AWE file support extends to various operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows and Linux. To open a AWE file, you can choose from 2 programs such as Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and Adobe Creative Cloud.

How to open a AWE file?

If you cannot open a AWE file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.

Thanks to their popularity, Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and Adobe Creative Cloud are often the go-to programs for managing AWE files. If you need the newest version of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, just access the Adobe website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.

Once Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening AWE files.

Make Adobe Acrobat Pro DC the default AWE viewer

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired AWE file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
  4. In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.

Change a default app in Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your AWE file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Adobe Acrobat Pro DC as the application to associate with your AWE file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Finding answers to AWE file problems

If AWE files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.

What can lead to sudden Adobe Acrobat Pro DC crashes?

Insufficient updates for Adobe products can cause Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.

A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.

What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged AWE file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged AWE file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged settings files.

What are the ways to check if my AWE file is damaged?

Characteristics of corrupted AWE settings files can include:

  • The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
  • Editing the archive in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is hampered by poor overall performance;
  • The file causes Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
  • An unexplained increase in the size of the AWE file;
  • Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;

How to edit a AWE file?

To modify AWE files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit settings files. Online AWE editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Adobe Acrobat Bookmark XML.

Best AWE editors 2026

According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available AWE editors.

AWE Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
Adobe Acrobat Pro DCAdobeWindows, Mac OS4.4 out of 5 (35 reviews)