What is a WAV file?
WAV is Microsoft and IBM's uncompressed audio format. It stores sound exactly as recorded, which makes it the standard for recording and editing, but a three-minute song takes around 30 MB.
| Full name | Waveform Audio File Format |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .wav |
| MIME type | audio/wav |
| Introduced | 1991 |
| Compression | Usually none (PCM) |
| Typical file size | About 10 MB per minute (CD quality) |
| Best for | recording, editing and archiving audio at full quality |
| Compatibility | Universal, but files are too big for email and messaging |
How to open a WAV file
Windows
Plays in Media Player and any browser.
Mac
Plays in QuickTime and Music.
iPhone and iPad
Plays from the Files app.
Android
Plays in most music apps and Files.
If none of these work, convert the file to a more widely supported format with one of the tools below.
Convert WAV files
Convert other files to WAV
Other tools for WAV files
WAV metadata and privacy
WAV files can contain INFO, iXML and broadcast chunks with the recorder model, software, dates and notes. The MP3 & WAV tag remover strips them.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WAV file?
WAV is Microsoft and IBM's uncompressed audio format. It stores sound exactly as recorded, which makes it the standard for recording and editing, but a three-minute song takes around 30 MB.
How do I open a WAV file on Windows?
Plays in Media Player and any browser.
How do I open a WAV file on a Mac?
Plays in QuickTime and Music.
Is WAV lossy or lossless?
WAV is lossless or uncompressed, so no detail is lost when saving.
How do I convert WAV to another format?
Use one of the free converters on this page, for example WAV to MP3. Files are converted in your browser without being uploaded.