How to convert WAV to AC3
To convert WAV to AC3, upload your WAV file, choose AC3 as the output format and press Convert. The finished AC3 file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter turns WAV audio files into AC3 in your browser, with no software to install and no watermark. The conversion runs on our server using ffmpeg, and the result is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds. Your WAV file is deleted automatically about 30 minutes after the conversion.
Reasons to switch from WAV to AC3
- Carries 5.1 surround sound
- Standard on DVDs and broadcast TV
- Accepted by home theatre receivers
- Opens in: DVD and Blu-ray players, AV receivers, VLC and video editors
What to expect from this conversion
- WAV is lossless and AC3 is lossy, so the file gets much smaller. The quality setting balances size and sound.
- AC3 output is resampled to 48 kHz, the rate Dolby Digital requires.
- Tags such as title and artist are carried over where AC3 supports them.
WAV vs AC3
| Property | WAV | AC3 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Waveform Audio File Format | Dolby Digital |
| Released | 1991, Microsoft and IBM | 1991, Dolby Laboratories |
| Family | Audio | Audio |
| Compression | None (uncompressed) | Lossy |
| Opens in | Windows, macOS, Linux, every DAW and most hardware samplers | DVD and Blu-ray players, AV receivers, VLC and video editors |
| Best for | recording and editing; sound design and sampling | DVD and Blu-ray authoring; home theatre audio |
Steps to convert WAV to AC3
- Drop your WAV file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that AC3 is selected as the target format and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then save the new AC3 file to your device when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Choose High for music you care about and Small for voice recordings.
- Convert from the original lossless file when you have one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert WAV to AC3?
Drop your WAV file on the converter, confirm that AC3 is the target format and press Convert. When it finishes, press Save to device or download the AC3 file. No account or software is needed.
Is the WAV to AC3 converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no watermark, no sign-up and no limit on how many files you convert. The site is supported by ads.
What should I know before converting WAV to AC3?
WAV is lossless and AC3 is lossy, so the file gets much smaller. The quality setting balances size and sound. AC3 output is resampled to 48 kHz, the rate Dolby Digital requires.
Will the sound quality change when converting WAV to AC3?
WAV is lossless and AC3 is lossy, so the file gets much smaller. The quality setting balances size and sound.
Which programs open AC3 files?
AC3 files open in DVD and Blu-ray players, AV receivers, VLC and video editors.
How large a file can I convert?
Up to 200 MB per file. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion, and no one looks at them.