How To Make a Cue file
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
The CUE file format is a type of metadata file which is specifically used in conjunction with CD or DVD media and provides information on how data is laid out on the particular optical media. This format was initially introduced into the computer market under CDRWIN via the cue sheets. Since then, it has been supported by numerous optical media authoring software and media players. In some instances, the CUE file is found together with a corresponding BIN file type and is contained in a single directory folder in preparation for burning onto an optical media. Since the CUE format file stores the necessary information associated with the BIN file format, in most computer systems, a disc that is played back without either of the two components may not be read properly and be considered as faulty by the system or the application.
Materials Needed:- Computer
- Text editing software
- CD or DVD media
- CD or DVD drive
Step 1
To create a CUE file for example from an audio file type, open a standard text editor such as Notepad. For Windows-based machines, simply click on the Start button, select All Programs, navigate to the Accessories option and select Notepad.
Step 2
When the Notepad utility opens, there is some basic information that needs to be stored. These data are normally prepared before hand by the user or can be seen on the album cover of the source audio file.
Step 3
Type in TITLE, PERFORMER, and FILE respectively and in uppercase. The corresponding values for all three must be enclosed with quotation marks. After the value of the FILE has been typed in, append outside the closing quotation mark the type of the file whether MP3, WAV, etc. in uppercase letters.
Step 4
Once the information have been keyed in, continue by adding the tracks included in the audio file. Begin by typing TRACK 01 followed by the type of file whether AUDIO, MOVIE, IMAGE, etc. All entries must be in uppercase.
Step 5
The next entry would be TITLE which corresponds to the title of TRACK 01. The value must be enclosed in quotation marks.
Step 6
PERFORMER is the next entry. Type the value inside quotation marks for the name of the artist associated with the file.
Step 7
The last field to be typed in is the INDEX. This indicates at what portion the specific file will begin. The value is normally represented by time using the format 00:00:00
Step 8
Repeat step 4 to step 7 for all remaining files to be included in the album. Save the file under the same location as the associated file. Make sure to use the Save As option of Notepad to create a .cue extension file and not a .txt file.
Step 9
The .bin and .cue files are ready for burning on an optical media which can be played back on most computer systems and media players.