What is a FLAC file?
FLAC compresses audio without losing anything: decoding it gives back exactly the original. Files are about half the size of WAV, which makes it popular for music collections and hi-res downloads.
| Full name | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .flac |
| MIME type | audio/flac |
| Introduced | 2001 |
| Compression | Lossless |
| Typical file size | About half the size of WAV |
| Best for | archiving music collections and hi-res audio |
| Compatibility | Android, Windows 10+, macOS and most hi-fi players; not all phones, cars and apps |
How to open a FLAC file
Windows
Plays in Media Player on Windows 10 and later, and in VLC.
Mac
Plays in VLC; Music can't import FLAC, so convert to ALAC or MP3.
iPhone and iPad
Plays in the Files app on iOS 11+, but not in Music.
Android
Plays in most music apps.
If none of these work, convert the file to a more widely supported format with one of the tools below.
Convert FLAC files
Other tools for FLAC files
Frequently asked questions
What is a FLAC file?
FLAC compresses audio without losing anything: decoding it gives back exactly the original. Files are about half the size of WAV, which makes it popular for music collections and hi-res downloads.
How do I open a FLAC file on Windows?
Plays in Media Player on Windows 10 and later, and in VLC.
How do I open a FLAC file on a Mac?
Plays in VLC; Music can't import FLAC, so convert to ALAC or MP3.
Is FLAC lossy or lossless?
FLAC is lossless or uncompressed, so no detail is lost when saving.
How do I convert FLAC to another format?
Use one of the free converters on this page, for example FLAC to MP3. Files are converted in your browser without being uploaded.