CAF files exist as 5 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Core Audio File
A CAF file stores audio data, text details, markers, layouts, and other information. Similar to .AIFF and .WAVE files, CAF files do not limit size. They can store any number of channels. A CAF file ha...
General Information
| Title | CAF File Extension |
| Extension | .caf |
| Full Form | Core Audio Format |
| File Type | Audio File |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | audio/x-caf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store audio |
| Additional Functions | Metadata storage, Audio loops |
| Features | High quality, Arbitrary data |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Lossless |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Music Production | Yes |
| Audio Editing | Yes |
| Sound Engineering | Yes |
| Podcasting | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Rare |
| Best Practices | Regular updates, Trusted sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2005 |
| Latest Update | As of macOS updates |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .aiff, .wav, .m4a, .mp3 |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 QuickTime Player |
Free | MacOS |
 Logic Pro |
Paid | MacOS |
| GarageBand |
Free | MacOS, iOS |
 Audacity |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 2: CryENGINE Character Animation File
General Information
| Title | CAF File Extension |
| Extension | .caf |
| Full Form | CryENGINE Character Animation File |
| File Type | 3D Animation File |
| Developer | Crytek |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store animations |
| Additional Functions | Character rigging, Skeletal animation |
| Features | Binary format, 3D support |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High-quality animations |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with tools |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| Film Production | Possible |
| Virtual Reality | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Version control, Backup |
Historical/Version Information
| Introduced With | CryENGINE 1 |
| Latest Engine Version | CryENGINE 5 |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .chr, .skin, .cgf, .cgfa |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 CryENGINE |
Freemium | Windows |
| Lumberyard |
Free | Windows |
Type 3: Class Action Gradebook File
CAF files store audio data, text notes, markers, channel layouts. They are similar to AIFF and WAVE but without size limits or channel number limits. CAF files are used by the Class Action Gradebook p...
General Information
| Title | CAF File Extension |
| Extension | .caf |
| Full Form | Class Action Gradebook File |
| File Type | Data File |
| Developer | CalEd Software |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store gradebook data |
| Additional Functions | Track student grades, attendance |
| Features | Customizable reports, statistical analysis |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Highly structured |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Through software |
Use Cases
| Educational Institutions | Yes |
| Teachers | Yes |
| Students | Viewing only |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Data breach |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, access control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Unknown |
| Latest Version | Varies with software version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gradebk, .gb7, .gbk |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Class Action Gradebook |
Commercial | Windows |
Type 4: Cathy Catalog File
General Information
| Title | CAF File Extension |
| Extension | .caf |
| Full Form | Core Audio File |
| File Type | Audio File |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | audio/x-caf |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store audio |
| Additional Functions | Support metadata |
| Features | High quality, Arbitrary data |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High fidelity |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Audio Recording | Yes |
| Sound Editing | Yes |
| Music Production | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2005 |
| Latest Version | Part of macOS |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .aiff, .wav, .mp3 |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Logic Pro X |
Paid | Mac |
| QuickTime Player |
Free | Mac, Windows |
| GarageBand |
Free | Mac, iOS |
Type 5: Cal3D Binary Animation File
A .CAF file refers to a Cal3D Binary Animation File. Cal3D defines animations for actions like walking and running. The .caf files store binary animation data for Cal3D characters. The animations impa...
General Information
| Title | CAF File Extension |
| Extension | .caf |
| Full Form | Cal3D Binary Animation File |
| File Type | 3D Animation File |
| Developer | Cal3D Project |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store animation data |
| Additional Functions | Character animation playback |
| Features | Binary format, Fast loading |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High performance |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | With tools |
Use Cases
| Game Development | Yes |
| Virtual Worlds | Yes |
| Simulation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low unless tampered |
| Best Practices | Validate sources |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 2000s |
| Latest Version | Varies by implementation |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .xsf, .xmf, .xrf, .crf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Blender with Cal3D exporter |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Cal3D Miniviewer |
Free | Varies |