Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.RF64
File Type
RIFF 64-bit Format
Category
Audio
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .rf64 file format
The RF64 file format is a multichannel audio file format developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to overcome the 4GB file size limitation inherent in the standard RIFF/WAV format. Because the standard WAV format uses a 32-bit unsigned integer for the file size field in its header, it can…
File extension
.RF64
File type
RIFF 64-bit Format
Category
Audio
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .rf64 file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .rf64.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .rf64 file?
File extension details and usage information
The RF64 file format is a multichannel audio file format developed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to overcome the 4GB file size limitation inherent in the standard RIFF/WAV format. Because the standard WAV format uses a 32-bit unsigned integer for the file size field in its header, it cannot address files larger than 4 gigabytes, which is a significant constraint for high-resolution, multi-track, or long-duration recordings. RF64 addresses this by using a 64-bit header structure, allowing for file sizes up to 16 exabytes. It is fully backward compatible with standard WAV files for applications that support the format, as it uses a 'ds64' chunk to store the extended size information. It is widely used in professional broadcasting, archival, and high-end audio production environments where recording sessions often exceed the capacity of traditional WAV files.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .rf64 files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .rf64 files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .rf64 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 .rf64 file.
Why can't I open a .rf64 file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .rf64 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 .rf64 files
To open a .rf64 file, use software that supports this file format.
- VLC Media Player
- Audacity
- Adobe Audition
- Foobar2000
- Logic Pro
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 .rf64 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.