OSZ File – What is .osz file and how to open it?
OSZ File Extension
osu! Beatmap File – file format by peppy
OSZ is a file format used to store beatmaps for the rhythm game osu!. It contains information about the song, the difficulty level, and the notes that the player must hit. OSZ files can be created and edited using the osu! editor.
Definition and Structure of OSZ Files
An OSZ file is a compressed archive that contains all the necessary data for a playable song in the rhythm game osu!. It encompasses various elements such as the beatmap’s difficulty settings, timing information, hit objects, audio file, and any custom visual or skin elements associated with the beatmap. The file is structured using a custom compression algorithm, making it non-standard and inaccessible by conventional zip extraction tools.
Use and Creation of OSZ Files
OSZ files play a central role in the osu! community. They are used to distribute and share beatmaps, enabling players to create, download, and play an extensive library of user-generated content. Beatmaps are typically created using specialised software, such as osu!mania or osu!lazer’s map editor, allowing community members to design and share their creative interpretations of songs. These beatmaps can range from simple arrangements to highly intricate patterns, catering to various skill levels and musical preferences.
Opening OSZ Files with osu!
osu! is a free and open-source rhythm game where players aim to hit notes that appear on the screen in time with the music. OSZ files are beatmap files used in osu!. They contain information about the song, the notes, the background, and other gameplay elements.
To open an OSZ file, you will need to have osu! installed on your computer. Once you have osu! installed, you can open an OSZ file by dragging and dropping it onto the osu! window. Alternatively, you can open an OSZ file by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting “Open”.
Converting OSZ Files to Other Formats
OSZ files are not compatible with other rhythm games, so if you want to play an OSZ file in another game, you will need to convert it to a different format. There are a number of online and offline tools that can be used to convert OSZ files to other formats, such as OGG, MP3, and WAV.
Once you have converted the OSZ file to a different format, you will be able to play it in any rhythm game that supports that format.
OSZ File Structure
OSZ files adhere to a hierarchical structure, composed of several components. The core element is the .osu beatmap file, which contains metadata pertaining to the beatmap, such as song title, artist, difficulty settings, and key combinations. Additionally, the file includes the .dat file, which stores the actual beatmap data, including note placement, timing information, and hit objects. .osu and .dat files are typically bundled together within an OSZ file, along with other optional components such as background images and audio source files.
Functionality and Usage
OSZ files facilitate the distribution and sharing of beatmaps within the osu! community. Users can upload and download beatmaps from various online platforms and beatmap repositories. Once downloaded, the OSZ file is extracted and the .osu and .dat files are loaded into the osu! game client. The game then interprets the beatmap data and presents the user with a playable beatmap. OSZ files have become essential for the creation, dissemination, and enjoyment of user-generated content within the osu! community, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of beatmaps and player-created challenges.