Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.FLAC
File Type
Free Lossless Audio Codec
Category
Audio
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .flac file format
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio coding format for lossless compression of digital audio. Unlike lossy audio formats such as MP3, AAC, and Vorbis, FLAC does not discard any audio information, so it is well-suited for archiving audio collections. An audio file encoded to FLAC can be deco…
File extension
.FLAC
File type
Free Lossless Audio Codec
Category
Audio
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .flac file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .flac.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .flac file?
File extension details and usage information
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio coding format for lossless compression of digital audio. Unlike lossy audio formats such as MP3, AAC, and Vorbis, FLAC does not discard any audio information, so it is well-suited for archiving audio collections. An audio file encoded to FLAC can be decompressed into an identical copy of the original audio data. FLAC reduces audio file size by 30-70% without any loss of quality. It supports metadata tagging, album cover art, and fast seeking. FLAC is an open format with royalty-free licensing and a reference implementation is available under the GNU General Public License. It is widely supported by audio playback software and hardware devices. FLAC is often used for distributing high-resolution audio files, such as those ripped from CDs or downloaded from online music stores that offer lossless audio. It is also a popular choice for audiophiles who want to preserve the original quality of their music.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .flac files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .flac files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .flac file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .flac file.
Why can't I open a .flac file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .flac format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .flac files
To open a .flac file, use software that supports this file format.
- VLC Media Player
- foobar2000
- Windows Media Player (with codec)
- AIMP
- MediaMonkey
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .flac file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.