File Extension Database

Open WAVE File

WAVE is an audio file format standard, known as Waveform Audio File Format (WAVE, or more commonly as WAV due to its filename extension). Designed by Microsoft and IBM, this file format is a subset of Microsoft�s RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) spec, serving as a container format for storing audio bitstreams on PCs. The WAVE file format is most often used with uncompressed audio formats such as PCM for high-quality sound files or lossless audio codecs.

Introducing the WAVE File Format

A .WAV file is characteristically larger than .MP3 files, attributable to the fact that it's usually uncompressed, rendering it one of the preferred formats for professional audio activities or those involving high-quality sound needs. Further reading for standard and advanced WAVE formats can be found at mmsp.ece.mcgill.ca.

Ways to Open a WAVE File

WAVE files can be opened with various programs. Applications like Microsoft Windows Media Player, VLC, iTunes, and QuickTime are well-suited for opening and playing .WAV files. There is also an array of audio editing software for .WAV file editing such as Audacity, a versatile and free audio edit tool you can download from audacityteam.org. If you're particularly tech-savvy, MATLAB can be used to process .WAV files in the field of audio signal processing.

Converting WAVE Files

A WAVE file can also be converted to different audio file formats. Tools such as convertio.co and zamzar.com support conversion from .WAVE to several different formats and vice versa, providing a convenient way to bridge the gap between different audio file types.

Professional Use of WAVE Files

In professional settings, WAVE files are predominantly used to store uncompressed, high-quality audio data. Due to their high resolution, these files are ideal for use in broadcasting, audio production, or for archival purposes. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) such as Pro Tools and Ableton Live typically operate with WAVE files, showcasing its importance in audio professions.

WAVE File Important Information

While WAVE files provide pristine audio quality, it's pertinent to remember they require significantly more storage space than compressed files. This could pose an issue if you're handling large amounts of WAVE files or have limited storage capacity. Always consider the requirements of your project and tool capabilities before committing to an audio format. For a more detailed explanation on PCM and lossless audio codecs, sites such as lifewire.com provide comprehensive breakdowns.

Typical WAVE application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe /open "%L"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /play "%L"

Typical WAVE mime types:

audio/wav

Frequently used application names to open WAVE files:

iTunes

Frequently associated Windows objects:

iTunes.wave

How Can I Open WAVE File on Windows

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

How Can I Open WAVE File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open WAVE File on Android

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

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

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