File Extension Database

Open PAX File

A PAX file extension serves multiple purposes, and its uses significantly vary depending on the application that interacts with it. In this article, we'll discuss these various uses and applications, as well as the techniques and methods to open and utilize PAX files for each purpose.

File Format for PaxURL

PaxURL is a Java-based application, mainly used for creating web archives from large websites. A PAX file, in this context, is an archive that contains all the necessary files, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images required by a website. PaxURL utilizes PAX files for convenient storage and management of the website files. More information about PaxURL can be obtained from its official SourceForge page.

To open or extract a PAX website archive, a file extractor such as 7-Zip can be used. After installing the file extractor, follow these steps:

Right-click on the PAX file.
Select "Open with" and then choose the file extractor (e.g., 7-Zip).
Select the desired extraction location.
Click on "Extract."

Another way to interact with PAX files used by PaxURL is by using Python-based tools, such as pax_compiler, which can be installed via pip and utilized to build and extract PAX archives.

Pickle-Aware Extension

In the Python programming language, a PAX file can also represent a Pickle-Aware Extension. This type of PAX file serves as an extension for a software module, which is essentially a file containing Python bytecode. The Pickle-Aware Extension is used to store additional information about a Python module that is already pickled (i.e., converted into a byte stream).

To open and use PAX files in the context of Python's Pickle-Aware Extension, you can use the pickle and importlib modules from Python's Standard Library. Here is an example of how to load a PAX file:

import pickle
import importlib

with open('your_pax_file.pax', 'rb') as file:
    pax_data = pickle.load(file)

module = importlib.import_module(pax_data['__name__'])

# Now you can use the functions and classes within the module

Keep in mind that using pickled data may expose your application to security risks. For that reason, only load PAX files from trusted sources and consider using safer alternatives, such as the JSON module, if your application handles untrusted data.

PAX File Important Information

In summary, the use of a PAX file extension significantly varies depending on its application. While it is primarily used for web archiving by PaxURL, Python developers may also encounter it as a Pickle-Aware Extension. When working with PAX files, it is vital to understand the specific use case and the tools required for opening and utilizing them.

How Can I Open PAX File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PAX file is to find a PAX file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PAX file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PAX file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PAX file opener then try to search online for "PAX viewer", "application to open PAX file" or "open PAX file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PAX file

How Can I Open PAX File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PAX file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PAX file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PAX file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PAX file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PAX file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PAX file then try to search for "PAX viewer", "application to open PAX file" or "read PAX file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PAX file

How Can I Open PAX File on Android

If you downloaded a PAX file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PAX file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PAX".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PAX viewer", "PAX file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PAX File on iPhone or iPad

To open PAX File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PAX file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PAX". This way you can find apps which can open PAX files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PAX viewer" or "PAX file" online in your favorite search engine.

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