File extension .WAV
Full Name | Developer | Category |
---|---|---|
WAVe PCM Sound, Standard Windows Sound Format | Microsoft | Audio Files |
A WAV ( .wav) file is a container for storing audio data compressed with Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) or Adaptive differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM). It is one of the most popular audio file formats for storing sound data due to its widespread support among users and media players. It is used for storing digital audio tracks independently of compression, featuring unlimited resolution for both sampling rate and bit depth.
Features of a WAV File
Wave files are usually uncompressed, meaning that they feature no loss of audio quality while they are transferred from one platform to another. This makes them relatively large compared to other file types but also ensures accurate reproduction of sound that has been recorded. It should be noted that in some cases, they can include compressed data using lossy algorithms such as MP3 or OGG Vorbis. WAV files used in music production often contains information about cue points, track markers and other metadata.
Similar File Extensions
Other formats used for storing digital audio include .aiff, .au, .m4a, .mp3, and .ogg, all of which are supported by popular media players such as Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, and VLC Media Player.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Windows Media Player
iTunes
QuickTime Player
Winamp
RealPlayer
VLC media player
MediaMonkey
Helium Music Manager
jetAudio
Audacity
ALLPlayer
Freemake Audio Converter
xrecode
Free Mp3 Wma Converter
FormatFactory
Any Audio Converter
Xilisoft iPod Rip
Magic FLAC to MP3 Converter
TAudioConverter Audio Converter
AVS Audio Converter
Switch Audio File Converter Software
dBpoweramp family suite
SUPER
fre:ac
Aimersoft DRM Media Converter
Movavi Audio Suite Personal
ImTOO DPG Converter
MID Converter
Xilisoft Video Converter
Microsoft Expression Encoder
iPad Video Converter Factory Pro
Jam2Wav
Nero Multimedia Suite
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
Programs for Android system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .WAV) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .WAV extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .WAV file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .WAV extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .WAV extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .WAV file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .WAV file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .WAV file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .WAV file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .WAV file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines

Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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