a15

.a15 — AppleWorks Database Document

Apple Inc. · 1997

Developer
Apple Inc.
Category
Database
MIME Type
application/vnd.apple.a15
First Released
1997
Open Format
No
File Signature
Not readily available or consistently documented for this specific database format.
At a Glance
.a15
AppleWorks Database Document

An .a15 file is a database document created by the now-discontinued AppleWorks productivity software.

Reviewed on May 23, 2026
Compression
Varies
Transparency
N/A
Editability
Low
Best for
Structured data

Key Features

  • Stores structured database records.
  • Supports field definitions for data types.
  • Can include layout and presentation information.
  • Proprietary binary format from AppleWorks.

Best For

  • Simple, structured data organization within AppleWorks.
  • Creating basic record-keeping systems.
  • Users already familiar with AppleWorks database features.

Less Ideal For

  • Large-scale data management.
  • Complex relational database operations.
  • Sharing data with modern applications without conversion.
  • Long-term archival without migration.

Common Use Cases

  • Managing contact lists.
  • Tracking inventory or assets.
  • Organizing project-related information.
  • Storing small, structured datasets.

How to Open It

  1. Attempt to open with a compatible version of AppleWorks if available.
  2. Explore data recovery or conversion tools specifically designed for AppleWorks files.
  3. Consider importing into modern spreadsheet or database software if conversion is successful.

What is a .a15 file?

The .a15 file extension is primarily associated with AppleWorks, a productivity suite that offered word processing, spreadsheets, databases, drawing, and presentation capabilities. Specifically, .a15 files were used to store database documents created within AppleWorks. These databases could hold structured information, such as contact lists, inventory records, or project details, and allow users to organize, sort, and retrieve data efficiently. While AppleWorks itself is no longer supported, these files may still be encountered by users migrating older data or archives.

Programs That Open .a15 Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsAppleWorks (via emulation or older versions)Paid
macOSAppleWorks (via emulation or older versions)Paid

How to Convert .a15 Files

FormatMethod
.CSVAppleWorks export functionality (if available), Third-party conversion tools
.XLSXExport to CSV, then import into spreadsheet software

Common Problems with .a15 Files

⚠️ AppleWorks software is no longer supported and difficult to find or run on modern operating systems.
Seek out specialized AppleWorks emulators or data recovery services. Convert data to a common format like CSV if possible.
⚠️ Lack of direct compatibility with current database or spreadsheet applications.
Convert the .a15 file to a more universally accepted format like CSV or TSV before importing into modern software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an .a15 file on Windows?▼

Directly opening an .a15 file on Windows is very difficult as it requires AppleWorks. You would need to use emulation software or find specialized conversion tools that can extract the data.

Is there a way to convert .a15 files to Excel?▼

The most common method is to export the data from within AppleWorks (if possible) to a CSV file, and then import that CSV file into Microsoft Excel or another spreadsheet program.

Why are .a15 files so hard to open?▼

.a15 files are proprietary to the older AppleWorks suite, which is no longer developed or supported by Apple, leading to limited compatibility with modern software.

Technical Details

The .a15 format is a proprietary binary file format developed by Apple for its AppleWorks suite. It stores structured data entries, field definitions, and potentially layout information for database views. As a proprietary format, its internal structure is not publicly documented, making direct manipulation or conversion challenging without specialized tools.

Did You Know?

AppleWorks was also known as ClarisWorks before Apple reorganized its software divisions.
The AppleWorks suite aimed to be an all-in-one productivity solution, integrating various application types.

Security Information

As a proprietary binary format from an older application, .a15 files themselves do not typically pose a security risk. However, always exercise caution when downloading files from untrusted sources, as malware can be disguised as any file type.