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.flac

Free Lossless Audio Codec

Commonly known as FLAC

Open-source lossless codec that preserves every bit of the original waveform. developed by Xiph.Org Foundation and released in 2001, it has become a standard for Audiophile libraries, Music archiving, Hi-res downloads.

Key Features

  • Bit-perfect compression
  • Fast decoding
  • Rich metadata support

Limitations

  • Larger than MP3/AAC
  • Limited support in some DAWs
  • Not ideal for low-bandwidth streaming

When to use FLAC?

The FLAC format is ideal for Audiophile libraries, Music archiving, Hi-res downloads. Its MIME type is audio/flac.

How to open .flac files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support FLAC.
  2. Windows: Open via Photos, Media Player, or dedicated editors by enabling the relevant codec pack.
  3. Browser: Drag the file into FileConvert to transform it into a universally supported alternative before sharing.

Popular Conversions

Convert FLAC to...

FLAC to MP3
FLAC to WAV
FLAC to AAC
FLAC to OGG

Convert to FLAC

FAQs about FLAC

How do I open a .flac file?

You can open FLAC files with native tools on Mac, Windows, and Linux or convert them for free using FileConvert.

Is FLAC still relevant in 2025?

FLAC remains essential for Audiophile libraries thanks to its bit-perfect compression benefit.

How do I convert FLAC into other formats?

Visit our FLAC conversion directory to switch between Free Lossless Audio Codec and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.