WAV File

What are WAV files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a WAV 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 WAV files.

What is a WAV file?

WAV files have multiple uses, and Waveform Audio is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Waveform Audio File

WAV files are audio files saved in the Waveform Audio File Format. The WAV format was invented by Microsoft and IBM as an audio format to use on PCs, and it is the main audio format used in Microsoft Windows.

You can use WAV files to record audio files that can be saved with different sampling and bitrates. The files that contain the .wav file extension are similar to AIF files, but WAV files are based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) and not the Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF).

WAV files usually contain raw, uncompressed audio data but can also contain compressed (reduced-in-size) audio data.

How to open WAV files

We have identified three WAV openers that are compatible with this specific type of WAV file.

Programs that open Waveform Audio files

Last updated: December 24, 2023

All known file formats using extension .WAV

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

Broadcast Wave File audio

Broadcard Wave File is an extension of the popular Waveform Audio Format invented by Microsoft and IBM. This variation was invented by the European Broadcasting Union and is a recording format used by digital recorders used for movies, radio and television.

It extends the standard WAV format with additional metadata, which makes it easy to exchange sound data between various computer platforms and software systems. The data is stored as "extension chunks" in a standard WAV-file, so players, while not supporting the extensions, can still play the audio file.

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

SDR Raw IQ Data

We know that one WAV format is SDR Raw IQ Data. 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 WAV files. Remember, different programs may use WAV 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 WAV file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.