.MP3 File Extension

MPEG Audio Layer III

MP3 is a digital audio coding format. Originally part of the MPEG-1 standard, it was extended in MPEG-2. MP3 uses lossy compression, reducing audio data size. An MP3 file is commonly used to store mus...

General Information

Title MP3 File Extension
Extension .mp3
Full Form MPEG Audio Layer III
File Type Audio File
Developer Fraunhofer Society
MIME Type audio/mpeg

File Function

Primary Function Audio playback
Additional Functions Music streaming, Audio storage
Features Lossy compression, Small file size

File Characteristics

Quality Variable bitrates
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable Yes, with software

Use Cases

Music Listening Yes
Podcasting Yes
Audiobooks Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Malicious code injection
Best Practices Regular antivirus scans, Safe sources

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1993
Latest Standard ISO/IEC 11172-3:1993

Associated Types

Related Formats .wav, .aac, .wma, .flac

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
Windows Media Player Free Windows
iTunes Free Windows, Mac
VLC Media Player Free Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix