WAV

Overview

WAV stores uncompressed pulse-code modulation audio in a RIFF container. It preserves every sample and opens everywhere, but files are large, so it is best for mastering, short clips, and workflows that need exact samples.

Typical use cases

• Audio mastering
• Speech samples
• DAW exports
• Short broadcast clips

Advantages

• Designed for audio mastering
• Uncompressed storage
• Open specification
• Browser support: Universal

Disadvantages

• Very large files
• No compression by default
• Less practical for music libraries

How to open or use it

Open WAV files with an application that supports audio/wav. Full sample-level editing. For delivery, use a viewer or converter that reads wav.