Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.OGG
File Type
Ogg Vorbis
Category
Audio
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .ogg file format
The Ogg file format is a free, open container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. It is designed for streaming and manipulation of high-quality digital multimedia. While Ogg can contain various codecs for audio, video, and text (like subtitles), it is most commonly associated with the Vor…
File extension
.OGG
File type
Ogg Vorbis
Category
Audio
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .ogg file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .ogg.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .ogg file?
File extension details and usage information
The Ogg file format is a free, open container format maintained by the Xiph.Org Foundation. It is designed for streaming and manipulation of high-quality digital multimedia. While Ogg can contain various codecs for audio, video, and text (like subtitles), it is most commonly associated with the Vorbis audio codec. Vorbis is a lossy audio compression format, similar to MP3 and AAC, but it is completely free and unencumbered by patents. This makes it a popular choice for open-source projects and users who prioritize freedom and accessibility. Ogg Vorbis files are known for providing good audio quality at relatively small file sizes. The format supports variable bitrates, allowing for a trade-off between file size and audio fidelity. It's widely used for music, podcasts, and other audio content. The Ogg container's flexibility also allows for embedding metadata, such as track titles, artist information, and album art.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .ogg files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .ogg files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .ogg 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 .ogg file.
Why can't I open a .ogg file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .ogg 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 .ogg files
To open a .ogg file, use software that supports this file format.
- VLC Media Player
- foobar2000
- Windows Media Player (with codec)
- AIMP
- Audacity
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 .ogg 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.