The WAV file format stores digital audio data. It is based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) defined by IBM and Microsoft. The RIFF format contains metadata tags and the actual audio data coded in formats like LPCM.
WAVE is commonly used with digital audio files on Windows and Mac devices. Software like Windows Media Player and iTunes play WAVE files. Over 600 other programs also handle WAVE files.
The WAVE Format stores waveform audio data with varying bit depths, sample rates, and audio channels. It is popular on IBM PCs and widely used in audio editing software. The format accounts for Intel CPU design like little endian byte ordering. Microsoft adapted the Electronic Arts Interchange File Format for organizing data chunks in WAVE.
WAV does not compress the audio bitstream. It stores recordings at different sampling rates and bitrates. The format has been one of the standards for audio CDs.
Programs that open WAVE files include Windows Media Player, WinAmp, QuickTime, and audio editing software. Most files with the .wav extension use the WAVE audio format. However, other file types can also use this extension across platforms.
Our tools for working with WAVE files include file openers, converters, viewers, and editors.
Windows Media Player
Apple QuickTime Player
VLC Media Player
Audacity