File Format Guide
What is a .WAV file?
The WAV format (short for Waveform Audio File Format) is an audio format that stores its data uncompressed, keeping the exact original at the cost of larger files. It acts as a container that packages audio together for playback. WAV files open natively in every modern web browser.
.WAV at a glance
| Category | Audio |
|---|---|
| Type | Audio |
| Compression | None |
| Open standard | No |
| Opens in web browsers | Yes |
| Typical file size | Large |
How to open a .WAV file
You can open WAV files with every DAW, Audacity, and every player. If a program on your device cannot read one, the quickest fix is to convert it to a more common format — no software install required.
WAV pros and cons
Strengths
- uncompressed, studio-quality audio
- ideal for editing and mastering
- no generation loss
Limitations
- very large files
- limited, non-standard metadata and no standard cover-art support
What .WAV files are used for
- audio editing and recording
- mastering
- high-quality source files
Need to convert a .WAV file?
Convert WAV to and from other formats free in your browser — no signup to start, no watermarks.
Open the WAV Converter