Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.WAV
File Type
Waveform Audio File Format
Category
Audio
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .wav file format
The Waveform Audio File Format (WAV, or less commonly WAVE due to MS-DOS 8.3 file name limits) is a widely used audio file format standard, developed by Microsoft and IBM. It's primarily used for storing uncompressed audio data, making it a popular choice for high-quality audio recordings and editi…
File extension
.WAV
File type
Waveform Audio File Format
Category
Audio
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .wav file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .wav.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .wav file?
File extension details and usage information
The Waveform Audio File Format (WAV, or less commonly WAVE due to MS-DOS 8.3 file name limits) is a widely used audio file format standard, developed by Microsoft and IBM. It's primarily used for storing uncompressed audio data, making it a popular choice for high-quality audio recordings and editing. WAV files typically contain raw, uncompressed audio samples, which means they preserve the full fidelity of the original sound. This makes them ideal for professional audio production, archiving, and applications where audio quality is paramount. However, the lack of compression results in relatively large file sizes compared to compressed audio formats like MP3 or AAC. WAV files can also store compressed audio using various codecs, but the uncompressed format is the most common and characteristic use case. The format supports various bit depths (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit) and sample rates, allowing for flexibility in audio quality and file size. WAV files are based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), a generic container format for storing multimedia data. The RIFF structure allows WAV files to contain metadata, such as artist information, track titles, and other relevant details. Because of its widespread support and uncompressed nature, WAV remains a cornerstone of digital audio workflows.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .wav files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .wav files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .wav 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 .wav file.
Why can't I open a .wav file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .wav 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 .wav files
To open a .wav file, use software that supports this file format.
- Windows Media Player
- Audacity
- Adobe Audition
- WavePad
- VLC Media Player
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 .wav 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.