File Extension Database

Open BWF File

BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) files are professional audio files that were designed by the European Broadcasting Union for use in the broadcasting industry. BWF files are similar to more common WAV files, but they include a larger header that contains more metadata that can be used by professional broadcasting applications. In this article, we will explore the different ways to open and use files with the BWF file extension.

Opening BWF Files in Audio Editors

There are a wide variety of high-end audio editing applications that support reading and writing BWF files. Applications like Avid's Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, and Steinberg's Cubase can work directly with BWF files as they would with any other supported audio file. These applications can display the additional metadata stored in the BWF file's header, making them ideal for serious audio editing applications.

Converting BWF Files to Other Formats

If you need to work with a BWF file in an application that doesn't support the format, you can convert it to a more common file type using a conversion software. Applications like Switch Audio File Converter can convert BWF files to any of a wide variety of formats and maintain the original file's audio fidelity. Keep in mind that you may lose the additional metadata stored in the BWF file during the conversion process.

Playing BWF Files

While most standard media players support WAV files, they do not necessarily support BWF files due to the extended metadata in the file header. However, there are specific media players like VLC Media Player, which can play BWF files directly.

BWF File Important Information

BWF files are commonly used in professional broadcasting and audio applications; they are less common in consumer applications. While most audio editors and some media players can open BWF files directly, others may need to convert the BWF file to a more common audio file format. Remember to consider your needs and the capabilities of your audio applications when working with BWF files.

Typical BWF application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe "%1"

Frequently used application names to open BWF files:

QuickTime

Frequently associated Windows objects:

QuickTime.bwf

How Can I Open BWF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open BWF file is to find a BWF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BWF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open BWF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as BWF file opener then try to search online for "BWF viewer", "application to open BWF file" or "open BWF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open BWF file

How Can I Open BWF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a BWF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BWF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with BWF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as BWF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open BWF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open BWF file then try to search for "BWF viewer", "application to open BWF file" or "read BWF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read BWF file

How Can I Open BWF File on Android

If you downloaded a BWF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded BWF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "BWF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "BWF viewer", "BWF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open BWF File on iPhone or iPad

To open BWF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the BWF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "BWF". This way you can find apps which can open BWF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "BWF viewer" or "BWF file" online in your favorite search engine.

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