Audio format
What is a .wav file?
WAV is an audio format that normally stores sound without compression. Every sample is kept as recorded, which makes it the working format of studios and audio editors.
The cost is size: about 10 MB per minute at CD quality, roughly ten times an everyday MP3. It’s the format to edit in, not to send.
fileclay opens and writes WAV
WAV vs FLAC vs MP3
| WAV | FLAC | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | None | Lossless | Lossy |
| Size per minute | About 10 MB | Roughly half of WAV | 1 to 2.4 MB |
| Metadata | Limited | Vorbis comments | ID3 tags |
| Playback | Everywhere | Most players | Everywhere |
| Best for | Recording, editing | Archiving music | Sharing |
Per minute
Calculated from the bitrate. WAV is CD quality: 44.1 kHz, 16 bits.
When to use WAV
Good for
- Recording and editing audio
- Master copies of a project
- Sound for video and games
Not a good fit
- Sending audio by email or chat
- Music libraries: FLAC is about half the size with no loss
- Recordings over 4 GB: the format stops there
How to open .wav files
| Platform | App | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Media Player | Built in |
| macOS | Music, QuickTime Player | Built in |
| iPhone, iPad | Files | Built in |
| Android | Files, most music apps | Built in |
| Browsers | Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge | Drag the file into a tab |
| Editors | Audacity, Adobe Audition, Reaper | Opens and exports |
Convert WAV files
How to identify a .wav file
WAV uses the RIFF container: “RIFF”, four bytes with the size, then “WAVE”.
It’s read here, in your browser. Only the first bytes.
Your file
What comes after
Questions about WAV
Is WAV better quality than MP3?
Yes, when the WAV comes from the original recording. An MP3 converted to WAV sounds the same as that MP3, only heavier.
Why are WAV files so large?
They store every sample without compression: 44,100 per second per channel at CD quality.
Is WAV lossless?
Yes, in its usual PCM form. The format can also carry compressed audio, though that is rare.
Does WAV keep song titles and artists?
Only in a limited way. Support varies between players, so FLAC or MP3 handle tags better.
Should I use WAV or FLAC?
WAV for editing, FLAC for storing: same audio at about half the size.