What is a .wav file?
A .wav file, also known as a waveform audio file, is an audio file that can be played using various media players such as Windows Media Player. The mime type of .wav files is: audio/x-wav, audio/wav, audio/x-pn-wav, audio/wave.
The .wav file format is a lossless audio format and allows audio recordings to be stored with different bit rates and sampling rates. The term ?lossless? signifies that there is no loss of audio quality even when this file format holds compressed audio content.
A .wav file may store entire songs, sound effects, or spoken words. In reality, the .wav file format is not best suited for storing an entire song, as these files tend to be bulky in comparison to other popular audio formats, such as the .mp3 format. A five minute song can consume more than 40MB of space on the hard disk when stored as a .wav file.
Difference between .wav files and .aif files
While .wav files are based on the Resource Interchange File Format, .aif files are based on the Audio Interchange File Format. Another common difference between these two file types is that while .wav files are commonly used on Windows computers, .aif files are more commonly used on Macintosh computers.
Names of the programs that can open .wav files
If you use Windows, you may open a .wav file using any of the following programs:
- VideoLAN VLC Media Player
- Microsoft Windows Media Player
- Apple iTunes
- Apple QuickTime Player
- RealNetworks Real Player
If you use a Mac OS, you may open a .wav file using any of the following programs:
- VideoLAN VLC Media Player
- Apple iTunes
- Apple QuickTime
- RealNetworks Real Player
If you use Linux, you may open a .wav file using any of the following programs:
- VideoLAN VLC Media Player
- XMMS
Is it possible to convert a .wav file to another audio format, say an .mp3?
Conversion programs are available that allow you to convert .wav files to other audio formats.
What to do when you are unable to open a .wav file
The first thing you need to check is whether your media player supports the .wav audio format. If it doesn?t, then you need to use another media player, one that can play .wav files.
In case your media player does support the .wav audio format, but is unable to play a particular .wav file then the file you are trying to play may be corrupt. To fix the issue, we recommend you use FileCure, a reliable file extension repair tool that is known to promptly fix corrupt files, making them usable.