What is a WAV file?
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format that stores sound exactly as recorded. It was introduced in 1991 by Microsoft and IBM.
What WAV is good at
- No quality loss at all
- Accepted by every audio editor
- Ideal as an editing master
Where WAV falls short
- Very large files (about 10 MB per minute of stereo)
- No standard tag support for cover art
When to use WAV
- Recording and editing
- Sound design and sampling
- Archiving master audio
Where WAV files open
WAV files open in Windows, macOS, Linux, every DAW and most hardware samplers.
WAV compared with MP3
WAV or MP3? WAV is best for recording and editing. MP3 is best for music libraries and downloads. Convert WAV to MP3 or convert MP3 to WAV.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WAV file?
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format that stores sound exactly as recorded. It was introduced in 1991 by Microsoft and IBM.
What are the advantages of WAV?
No quality loss at all; accepted by every audio editor; ideal as an editing master.
What are the drawbacks of WAV?
Very large files (about 10 mb per minute of stereo); no standard tag support for cover art.
What programs open WAV files?
WAV files open in Windows, macOS, Linux, every DAW and most hardware samplers.
How do I convert a WAV file?
Choose the WAV converter you need from the list on this page, drop in your file and press Convert. You get your new file in seconds, free and without sign-up.