File Extension Database

Open PCM File

PCM files, also known as Pulse Code Modulation files, are uncompressed digital audio files that are commonly used for high-quality sound recording and storage. PCM files can be found in various formats, including WAV, AIFF, and RAW. In this article, we will discuss different formats and ways to open and use files with PCM file extensions. We will also provide some helpful resources on how to choose the right software to open and use these files.

WAV Files

WAV, or Waveform Audio File Format, is a widely-used format for PCM files developed by Microsoft and IBM. This format is prevalent in Windows systems and has become an industry standard for high-quality audio recording. To open and use WAV files, you can use popular audio playback and editing software like Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player, or Audacity.

AIFF Files

Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) is an audio file format developed by Apple and is primarily used in Mac operating systems. Like WAV, AIFF files store audio data in an uncompressed format, ensuring high-quality audio recording and playback. To open and use AIFF files, you can use software like Apple's iTunes, VLC Media Player, or Audacity.

RAW Files

RAW files are uncompressed audio files that store audio data in its most basic form. Because of their simple structure, RAW files can be opened and manipulated with various software applications. To open and use RAW files, you can use foobar2000, VLC Media Player, or Audacity. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the import settings in the software to properly read the RAW file's properties, such as bit depth, sample rate, and the number of channels.

Converting PCM Files

If you need to convert a PCM file to another format, you can use an audio conversion tool like Switch Audio File Converter. This software can easily convert between various audio file formats, making it simple to convert your PCM files to formats such as MP3, AAC, or FLAC.

PCM File Important Information

It is essential to understand that storage of uncompressed PCM files can take up a large amount of space on your device. For this reason, you may want to consider converting PCM files to a more compressed format if storage space is a concern. However, it is important to remember that compressing the audio may result in a loss of quality.

In conclusion, there are various formats, such as WAV, AIFF, and RAW, for storing PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio files. To open and use files with PCM file extensions, you can use software like Windows Media Player, VLC Media Player, or Audacity. Additionally, if you need to convert PCM files or are concerned about storage space, you can use an audio conversion tool like Switch Audio File Converter.

How Can I Open PCM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PCM file is to find a PCM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PCM 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 PCM 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 PCM file opener then try to search online for "PCM viewer", "application to open PCM file" or "open PCM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PCM file

How Can I Open PCM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PCM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PCM 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 PCM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PCM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PCM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PCM file then try to search for "PCM viewer", "application to open PCM file" or "read PCM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PCM file

How Can I Open PCM File on Android

If you downloaded a PCM 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 PCM 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 "PCM".
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 "PCM viewer", "PCM 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 PCM File on iPhone or iPad

To open PCM 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 PCM 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 "PCM". This way you can find apps which can open PCM 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 "PCM viewer" or "PCM file" online in your favorite search engine.

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