.APE File Extension

APE files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: AVS Plugin Effects File

APE is a file extension for AVS Plugin Effects Format files. APE files are used for creating visual animations in Winamp. The APE format was developed by Nullsoft. APE files can be played on Windows, ...

General Information

Title APE File Extension
Extension .ape
Full Form AVS Plugin Effects File
File Type Plugin File
Developer Nullsoft
MIME Type application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function Add effects
Additional Functions Extend functionality
Features Audio visualization, Plugin architecture

File Characteristics

Quality High variability
Supports Layers No
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes

Use Cases

Music Visualization Yes
Winamp Enhancement Yes
Custom Visual Effects Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Executable code
Best Practices Verify source, Keep updated

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release Early 2000s
Latest Version Depends on plugin

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .vis, .dll

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Winamp Free Windows
AVS Editor Free Windows

Type 2: Monkey's Audio

General Information

Title APE File Extension
Extension .ape
Full Form Monkey's Audio File
File Type Audio File
Developer Matthew T. Ashland
MIME Type audio/ape

File Function

Primary Function Store audio
Additional Functions Lossless compression
Features High quality, Non-destructive

File Characteristics

Quality High fidelity
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Indirectly

Use Cases

Music Archiving Yes
Professional Audio Yes
High-Fidelity Streaming Limited

Security and Practices

Security Risks Low
Best Practices Regular updates, Trusted sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 2000
Latest Version Varying by software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .flac, .alac, .wav, .wv

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Foobar2000 Free Windows
VLC Media Player Free Windows, Mac, Linux
MediaMonkey Free, Paid Windows, Android