What is WAV (Waveform Audio File Format)?
WAV stores audio uncompressed, so it keeps every sample exactly but needs about 10 MB per minute of stereo sound.
Use WAV as a working format while you edit, then convert to MP3, AAC or Opus for sharing. Converting a compressed file to WAV does not restore lost quality, but it makes the audio easy to edit.
File extensions: .wavMIME types: audio/wav, audio/x-wav
Advantages
- Lossless and uncompressed
- Accepted by every audio editor and DAW
- No decoding effort, instant seeking
Disadvantages
- Very large files
- Limited metadata support
- Classic WAV files are capped at 4 GB
Typical uses
- Recording and editing
- Exchanging audio with studios
- Sound effects in games and apps
Compatibility
Opens in every browser, operating system and audio program; streaming services and messengers often reject it because of its size.
Convert WAV to another format
Convert to WAV from another format
Frequently asked questions
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser with local code. Your files never leave your device, and there is no upload.
Is there a file size limit?
There is no limit on our side, but your browser memory is. Images work for very large files; for videos, files above a few hundred megabytes can fail on devices with little memory.
Will the quality suffer?
That depends on the target format and settings. Use the quality option to balance size and detail; lossless targets keep everything the source contained.
Which browsers are supported?
Current versions of Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Fast hardware paths are used where available, with a compatible fallback otherwise.