AIF File

What are AIF files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an AIF file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your AIF files.

What is an AIF file?

AIF files have multiple uses, and AIFF Audio Interchange File Format is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

AIFF Audio Interchange File Format

Files with the AIF file extension are Audio Interchange File Format audio files. Normally they are created with the .aiff file extension, but it is relatively common to see them named .AIF instead.

The AIFF file format was developed by Apple in 1988 and is based on Electronic Arts' Interchange File Format which was widely used on the Amiga home computer.

The audio data in AIF files is uncompressed, so the size of AIF files are much bigger than compressed audio file formats like MP3. There is a lesser-known variant of AIF that contains compressed audio data, and those files are normally using the .aifc file extension.

How to open AIF files

We have identified two AIF openers that are compatible with this specific type of AIF file.

Programs that open AIFF Audio Interchange File Format files

Last updated: December 28, 2023

All known file formats using extension .AIF

While AIFF Audio Interchange File Format is a popular type of AIF-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .AIF file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

EPOC/Symbian Application Info

Long obsolete Application Information File used for apps on PSion's EPOC Operating System, which was later rebranded as Symbian OS.

You will likely only come across this type of AIF file if you work with old legacy systems and legacy software preservation.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different AIF openers which you will find listed below.

OP-1 Drum Patch

We know that one AIF format is OP-1 Drum Patch. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of AIF files. Remember, different programs may use AIF files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about AIF file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.