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.wav

Waveform Audio File Format

Commonly known as WAV

Uncompressed audio format, studio quality. developed by Microsoft & IBM and released in 1991, it has become a standard for Audio recording, Mastering, Sound design.

Key Features

  • Lossless uncompressed quality
  • Easy to edit

Limitations

  • Very large file sizes (10MB/min)
  • No metadata standard

When to use WAV?

The WAV format is ideal for Audio recording, Mastering, Sound design. Its MIME type is audio/wav.

How to open .wav files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support WAV.
  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 WAV to...

WAV to MP3
WAV to AAC
WAV to OGG

Convert to WAV

MP4 to WAV
WebM to WAV
AVI to WAV
MOV to WAV
MKV to WAV
FLV to WAV

FAQs about WAV

How do I open a .wav file?

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

Is WAV still relevant in 2025?

WAV remains essential for Audio recording thanks to its lossless uncompressed quality benefit.

How do I convert WAV into other formats?

Visit our WAV conversion directory to switch between Waveform Audio File Format and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.