WAV
Also known as: .wav file, WAVE audio, how to open wav, uncompressed audio
WAV (WAVE) is an uncompressed audio format that stores raw PCM sound at full quality. That makes it ideal for editing and mastering, but the files are large — far bigger than MP3 or AAC for the same audio.
- Uncompressed PCM audio at full quality
- Much larger than MP3 or AAC
- Ideal for editing; convert for listening or sharing
Full quality, big files
WAV typically holds PCM audio with no compression, so it preserves the exact sound captured with no quality loss. This is why studios and editors prefer WAV for recording and processing, where every edit should start from a pristine source.
The cost is size. Because nothing is thrown away, a few minutes of CD-quality WAV is many times larger than the same clip as MP3 or AAC, which discard inaudible detail to shrink the file.
When to keep WAV vs convert
Keep WAV while you are recording, editing, or archiving a master where quality must stay perfect. Once you are simply listening or sharing, converting to MP3 or AAC can cut the size dramatically with little or no audible difference.
On phones and small drives, stray WAV files — voice memos exported at full quality, sound effects, ripped audio — are a common, easy source of reclaimable space once compressed.