How to Download and Start Using Aurora‑Viewer in 5 Minutes

How to Open XER Files with Aurora‑Viewer (In Under 5 Minutes)

This quick-start guide will show you exactly how to open XER files using Aurora‑Viewer, a free, powerful tool from Aurora Scheduling. You’ll go from download to viewing your first schedule in under five minutes—no technical skills required.

Why Learn How to Open XER Files Fast?

Primavera’s XER format is widely used in industries like construction, engineering, and government contracting. But Primavera P6 is expensive and not everyone needs full scheduling capabilities—sometimes you just need to view or audit the file.

With Aurora‑Viewer, you can open any XER file quickly, without needing a P6 license, installation, or training. It’s the fastest way to get visibility into project schedules without the overhead.

How to Download Aurora‑Viewer

To open XER files, first download Aurora‑Viewer from the official site: Download Aurora‑Viewer

There are two options available:

• Installer Version — A standard setup with desktop shortcut (~216 MB)
  
• ZIP Version — A portable app with no install required (~218 MB)
  

Both are available free on AuroraScheduling.com and work right out of the box.

System Requirements

Aurora‑Viewer is designed for modern Windows systems:

• Windows 10 or 11
• 4 GB RAM minimum (8+ GB recommended for large files)
• No additional software required — It’s standalone

No Oracle, Java, or Primavera installation needed.

Installation Steps (Under 1 Minute)

Option 1: Installer Version

1. Download the .exe installer from the Aurora website.
   
2. Run the file and click through the setup wizard.
3. Launch Aurora‑Viewer from your Start menu or desktop.

Option 2: ZIP Version (No Install)

1. Download and extract the ZIP file.
2. Open the folder and double-click AuroraViewer.exe
   

Either method works perfectly for opening XER files fast.

How to Open XER Files in Aurora‑Viewer

1. Launch Aurora‑Viewer.
2. Click “Open File”.
3. The app will load your project within seconds.

What You’ll See:

Your XER file opens on the Project Overview tab, displaying calendars, job types, and basic schedule metadata. From there, you can dive into more detailed views.

Exploring Your XER File: Key Views

Aurora‑Viewer makes it easy to explore the schedule data inside your XER file:

• Gantt View – Visual timeline of all activities
• Tabular View – Spreadsheet-style activity list
• Single-Element View – Focus on specific WBS elements or resources
• Project Overview – Summary of calendars, milestones, and structure

You can switch between views instantly, making schedule navigation simple even for non-experts.

Tips to Get Comfortable Quickly

See the videos provided at the bottom of the Aurora-Viewer page to get started. Below is a screenshot from our introduction video, showcasing how to open an XER file.

Final Thoughts: Open XER Files Without the Hassle

You no longer need Primavera P6 just to see what’s inside an XER file. Aurora‑Viewer makes it easy, fast, and free to open, view, and understand project schedules in just minutes.

Whether you’re a project manager, stakeholder, or just curious about a schedule file someone sent you, now you know how to open XER files without stress.

Download Aurora‑Viewer now and get started in five minutes or less.