Audio file extensions
Common music and sound formats for streaming, editing, and distribution.
Total extensions in this category: 101
Extensions in Audio
Explore the most searched extensions in this category.
- .mp3
MPEG Audio Layer III
MP3 is a popular audio format known for its efficient compression, making it ideal for music and podcasts.
- .wav
Waveform Audio File
WAV files are high-quality audio files often used in professional audio recording and editing due to their lossless nature.
- .alac
Apple Lossless Audio Codec
ALAC files are audio files encoded using the Apple Lossless Audio Codec, providing high-quality audio compression without data loss.
- .aax
Audible Enhanced Audiobook
.aax files are audio files used by Audible for audiobooks, featuring enhanced features like images and links.
- .caf
Core Audio Format
CAF is an audio file format developed by Apple, used for storing audio data and supporting a wide range of audio formats.
- .m4b
MPEG-4 Audio Book
M4B files are audio files used for audiobooks, supporting bookmarking and chapter breaks.
- .m4r
MPEG-4 Ringtone
M4R files are audio files used specifically as ringtones for Apple devices.
- .mpeg3
MPEG Layer III Audio
MPEG3 files are audio files compressed using the MPEG Layer III technique, commonly known as MP3, allowing for efficient storage and distribution of music.
- .aa3
AA3 audio
.AA3 files are audio files associated with Sony's ATRAC3 format, requiring specific software to open and play.
- .aac
AAC audio
.AAC files are audio files known for high-quality sound and efficient compression, widely used in streaming and digital music distribution.
- .au
AU audio
.AU files are audio files typically used for sound recordings and can be played using compatible audio software across various platforms.
- .ra
RA audio
.RA files are RealAudio audio files used for streaming audio over the internet and can be opened with specific media players.
- .rm
RM audio
.RM files are audio files associated with RealMedia, often used for streaming audio content over the internet.
- .aal
AAL audio
.AAL files are audio files using Sony's ATRAC Advanced Lossless format, known for high-quality audio storage.
- .ac3
AC3 audio
.AC3 files are audio files known for their surround sound capabilities, often used in DVDs and digital broadcasts.
- .acn
ACN audio
.ACN files are specialized audio files used in specific applications, requiring compatible software to open and play.
- .aif
AIF audio
.AIF files are audio files used for storing high-quality sound data, compatible with various platforms.
- .amr
AMR audio
AMR files are audio files primarily used for voice recordings and can be opened with various media players across different platforms.
- .at3
AT3 audio
An .AT3 file is usually a Sony ATRAC3 audio file, a compressed audio format associated with MiniDisc, PSP, and older Sony audio workflows. It is best opened with a media player or audio tool that includes ATRAC3 decoding, such as VLC or FFmpeg-based software.
- .atx
ATX audio
.ATX is most commonly documented as an ATRAC-X audio file extension, registered with the MIME type audio/ATRAC-X. Practical playback support is limited and is most realistic on Windows with Sony ATRAC-family software or the original Sony workflow that created the file.
- .awb
AWB audio
.AWB is the usual filename extension for AMR-WB, a wideband speech audio format used for encoded voice. It is best opened or converted with software that supports AMR-WB, such as FFmpeg/ffplay.
- .axa
AXA audio
.AXA is an Annodex audio file extension, an uncommon Ogg-based media format with CMML metadata for indexing. The most practical way to open one is to try VLC on a desktop system.
- .csd
CSD audio
.CSD is the Csound “unified file format” that bundles an orchestra, a score, and performance options into one file. You typically open (run) it with the Csound command-line program or edit it in CsoundQt.
- .dls
DLS audio
.DLS is a Downloadable Sounds (DLS) sound bank file used to define instrument/sample data for MIDI playback rather than a typical “song audio” file.
- .dts
DTS audio
.DTS files are digital audio files used for high-quality sound playback, commonly associated with surround sound systems.
- .enw
ENW audio
.ENW is an EVRC-NW (Enhanced Variable Rate Narrowband-Wideband) audio file format defined by an IETF standard and registered as the media type audio/EVRCNW.
- .eol
EOL audio
.EOL is most commonly associated with the Digital Winds music format and is mapped to the IANA-registered media type audio/vnd.digital-winds. In practice, these files may not open in modern mainstream players, so you may need specialty software or format identification tools.
- .ape
Monkey's Audio File
APE files are lossless audio files created by Monkey's Audio, offering high-quality sound without data loss.
- .evb
EVB audio
.EVB is an EVRC-B speech audio file format associated with the IANA-registered media type audio/EVRCB. It most often contains narrowband voice (typically 8 kHz, mono) rather than music-quality audio.
- .evc
EVC audio
.EVC is most commonly an EVRC (Enhanced Variable Rate Codec) speech audio file used in telecom/VoIP workflows. It is not a broadly consumer-friendly audio format, so you typically open or convert it with specialized tools rather than built-in media players.
- .evw
EVW audio
.EVW is typically an EVRC-WB (Enhanced Variable Rate Codec – Wideband) audio file associated with the IANA-registered media type audio/EVRCWB.
- .koz
KOZ audio
.KOZ files are Audiokoz (Chaoticom) highly-compressed audio files commonly distributed as mobile music or ringtone downloads (e.g., through carrier stores such as Sprint Music Store). They are typically intended for playback on supported mobile phones and are often not playable on standard desktop audio players.
- .l16
L16 audio
.L16 typically refers to raw, uncompressed 16-bit signed linear PCM audio in network (big-endian) byte order. It’s common in RTP/SDP streaming workflows and may not open in consumer media players unless you provide the correct sample rate and channel count.
- .lbc
LBC audio
.LBC files are iLBC (Internet Low Bitrate Codec) speech audio files. They can be opened with software that supports iLBC, such as FFmpeg-based players and tools.
- .lvp
LVP audio
.LVP is an Avaya (formerly Lucent) Voice Player audio file associated with the MIME type audio/vnd.lucent.voice. It is typically opened on desktop systems using Avaya Voice Player-compatible software rather than built-in media players.
- .m3u
M3U audio
.M3U is a plain-text playlist file that points a media player to one or more audio/video files or streams. It does not contain the actual music—only locations (paths or URLs) to play.
- .m4a
M4A audio
.M4A files are audio files commonly used for storing music and podcasts, playable on most devices and platforms.
- .mid
MID audio
.MID is a Standard MIDI File (SMF) that stores musical performance instructions (MIDI events), not recorded audio. It can be opened or imported by many music and sequencing apps, and often plays through software synthesizers.
- .mlp
MLP audio
.MLP files are audio files used primarily for lossless audio compression, compatible with select media players and editing software.
- .mp1
MP1 audio
MP1 files are audio files commonly used in early digital audio applications, playable on multiple platforms with compatible software.
- .mp2
MP2 audio
.MP2 files are audio files commonly used in broadcasting and can be opened with various media players across platforms.
- .oga
OGA audio
.OGA is an Ogg container file used for audio-only content (commonly Vorbis, Opus, or FLAC-in-Ogg). Most modern media players can play it; it’s typically identified with the MIME type audio/ogg.
- .ogg
OGG audio
.OGG files are audio files that offer high-quality sound and are supported by many media players across different platforms.
- .omg
OMG audio
.OMG is a Sony OpenMG audio file, typically ATRAC3-based and often protected with DRM. It is most commonly handled by Sony’s SonicStage software and related Sony device workflows.
- .orc
Csound Orchestra Source
.orc is most commonly a Csound “orchestra” file: plain-text source code that defines instruments and audio signal-processing. It is not a rendered audio track; you run it with Csound (often together with a .sco score) to generate sound.
- .plj
PLJ audio
.PLJ is typically an EverAD proprietary audio file associated with the registered MIME type audio/vnd.everad.plj. It is not a common consumer audio format, so opening it often requires EverAD-related playback software or a compatible plugin.
- .pls
PLS audio
.PLS is usually a playlist file (not the audio itself) that points to one or more audio files or streaming URLs. Open it in a media player that supports PLS playlists, or view it as text to see the referenced locations.
- .pya
PYA audio
.PYA is a Microsoft PlayReady DRM-protected audio format (MIME: audio/vnd.ms-playready.media.pya). It typically opens only in PlayReady-compatible playback software, such as Windows Media Player on Windows.
- .qcp
QCP audio
.QCP files are audio files primarily used for voice recordings and are supported by specific applications across different platforms.
- .ram
RAM audio
.RAM files are audio files associated with RealAudio, primarily used for streaming audio over the internet.
- .rip
RIP audio
.RIP is most commonly a Hit’n’Mix audio file used for object-based/mashup-style audio distribution. It typically requires Hit’n’Mix-related software (or another app that explicitly supports RIP) rather than standard music players.
- .s1m
S1M audio
.S1M is most commonly a SealedMedia “Sealed MP3” audio file associated with the MIME type audio/vnd.sealedmedia.softseal.mpeg. These files are typically meant to be played using SealedMedia/“Unsealer”-type client software rather than standard MP3 players.
- .sco
SCO audio
.SCO is most commonly a Csound score file: a text-based input that describes musical events to be synthesized, not an audio recording. You open it with Csound tools (often together with a matching .ORC file) to render audio.
- .aa
Audible Audio
.aa files are audio files used by Audible for audiobooks. They contain audio data and metadata like bookmarks and chapter markers.
- .adts
ADTS audio
.ADTS files are audio files used primarily for streaming high-quality audio, leveraging the AAC format for efficient compression.
- .aifc
AIFC audio
.AIFC files are compressed audio files used across various platforms for high-quality sound storage.
- .mod
Module File
.mod files are audio module files that contain music tracks created using sample-based synthesis.
- .ptx
Pro Tools Session File
PTX files are session files created by Pro Tools, a digital audio workstation used for recording and editing audio.
- .sd2
SD2 audio
.sd2 is typically a Sound Designer II (SDII) professional audio file associated with Digidesign/Avid workflows, especially older Macintosh-based production.
- .sid
SID audio
.SID files are Commodore 64/128 SID-chip music tunes intended for playback in SID players and emulators rather than on a real C64 as a native music file.
- .smp
SMP audio
.SMP is most commonly a SealedMedia “SoftSeal MPEG” (sealed MP3) audio file that typically requires SealedMedia client software to unseal or play.
- .smv
SMV audio
.SMV most commonly refers to the SMV vocoder audio file format standardized for EVRC/SMV speech codecs (RTP payload format in RFC 3558). Some .SMV files in the wild are instead a small multimedia container used by portable players, so the right app depends on which kind of .SMV you have.
- .snd
SND audio
.SND files are audio files used by various applications, and they can be opened with compatible software across different platforms.
- .spx
SPX audio
.SPX is an Ogg audio file that typically contains Speex-encoded speech audio. You can play it with media players and convert it with tools like FFmpeg.
- .uva
UVA audio
.UVA is a filename extension registered with IANA for the MIME type audio/vnd.dece.audio. In practice, .UVA files may also be used by unrelated software, so successful opening depends on what created the file.
- .vbk
VBK audio
.VBK files are used for music playback, podcast distribution, recording, and audio editing. Open with audio players, DAWs, or converters that support this format. This guide covers opening methods, troubleshooting, and security best practices. Common MIME type: audio/vnd.nortel.vbk.
- .wax
WAX audio
.WAX files are used for music playback, podcast distribution, recording, and audio editing. Open with audio players, DAWs, or converters that support this format. This guide covers opening methods, troubleshooting, and security best practices. Common MIME type: audio/x-ms-wax.
- .wma
WMA audio
.WMA files are audio files developed by Microsoft, commonly used for music and other audio content.
- .xhe
XHE audio
.XHE files are used for music playback, podcast distribution, recording, and audio editing. Open with audio players, DAWs, or converters that support this format. This guide covers opening methods, troubleshooting, and security best practices. Common MIME type: audio/usac.
- .aiff
AIFF audio
.AIFF files are high-quality audio files commonly used for professional audio editing and playback.
- .flac
FLAC audio
.FLAC files are high-quality audio files used for lossless compression, making them ideal for music enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality.
- .loas
LOAS audio
.LOAS is typically an MPEG-4 Audio transport stream format (LOAS/LATM) used to carry AAC and related MPEG-4 audio codecs, often in broadcast or streaming workflows rather than as a consumer audio file.
- .mhas
MHAS audio
.MHAS is an MPEG-H Audio Stream container used to carry MPEG-H 3D Audio frames plus metadata. It is most common in broadcast/streaming workflows (for example ATSC 3.0) and in tooling that understands MPEG-H bitstreams.
- .midi
MIDI audio
.midi is a Standard MIDI File (SMF) that stores performance instructions (notes, timing, instruments)—not recorded audio. You can open it in music production software (DAWs), MIDI players, or notation tools that support .mid/.midi.
- .mpga
MPGA audio
.mpga is a (rare) file extension for MPEG audio, most commonly MP3 (MPEG-1/2 Audio Layer III). In practice, you can usually open it with the same apps that play .mp3 files.
- .mxmf
MXMF audio
.MXMF is a Mobile XMF (eXtensible Music File) audio file used mainly for mobile synthetic music/ringtones. It’s commonly handled by software that understands Mobile XMF rather than by modern default media players.
- .opus
OPUS audio
.OPUS files are audio files widely used for efficient streaming and storage, playable on various platforms with compatible software.
- .dtshd
DTSHD audio
.DTSHD is typically a DTS-HD audio elementary stream file (often associated with DTS-HD Master Audio). It’s meant for compatible media players and A/V workflows, and may not play in default apps on many systems.
- .mpega
MPEGA audio
.MPEGA is an MPEG audio file (the same family as MP3 and other MPEG-1/2 audio layers). It typically opens in common media players that support the standard audio/mpeg type.
- .psid
PSID audio
.PSID is a Commodore 64 SID music file (a “SID tune”) commonly used with emulator-assisted music players. It typically contains a PSID (PlaySID) or RSID header and C64 music data intended for playback via a SID emulation engine.
- .smp3
SMP3 audio
.smp3 is most commonly a SealedMedia “Sealed MP3” audio file associated with the vendor MIME type audio/vnd.sealedmedia.softseal.mpeg. It is typically proprietary/encrypted and is meant to be opened with SealedMedia/SoftSeal-compatible client software (often referred to as an “Unsealer”).
- .sofa
SOFA audio
.SOFA files store spatial acoustic measurement data (such as HRTFs and spatial impulse responses), not ordinary music/audio tracks. They follow the AES69 SOFA conventions and are stored in an HDF5-based container (MIME type: audio/sofa).
- .uvva
UVVA audio
.UVVA files are used for music playback, podcast distribution, recording, and audio editing. Open with audio players, DAWs, or converters that support this format. This guide covers opening methods, troubleshooting, and security best practices. Common MIME type: audio/vnd.dece.audio.
- .mka
Matroska Audio File
MKA is an audio-only format from the Matroska family, used for storing audio tracks and playlists.
- .mxg
Mixcraft Project File
MXG files are project files created by Mixcraft, a digital audio workstation software used for music production.
- .shn
Shorten
SHN files are compressed audio files using the Shorten format, primarily used for lossless audio compression.
- .cda
CD audio track shortcut (.CDA)
.CDA files are not real audio files; they are small Windows-generated track shortcut entries for songs on an audio CD (CD-DA/“Red Book”). They only work when the referenced audio CD is available in a disc drive.
- .alaw
A-Law Compressed Audio File
A-Law is a standard audio compression format used in telephony to optimize the dynamic range of an audio signal.
- .f4a
MPEG-4 Audio File
F4A files are audio files encoded using the AAC codec, commonly used for streaming audio.
- .gsm
Global System for Mobile Communications Audio
GSM files are audio files that use the GSM 6.10 lossy compression algorithm, primarily for telephony.
- .m2a
MPEG-2 Audio File
M2A files are audio files encoded using the MPEG-2 standard, commonly used for audio tracks in video files.
- .mdc
MIDI Data Container
MDC files are used to store MIDI data, which can be used for music production and playback.
- .mmf
Synthetic Music Mobile Application File
MMF files are used for storing ring tones and other audio data for mobile devices.
- .mpc
Musepack Audio File
MPC files are audio files used by the Musepack audio codec, known for its high-quality sound compression.
- .tta
True Audio File
TTA is a lossless audio format used for compressing audio data without losing quality.
- .voc
Creative Voice File
.voc files are audio files associated with Creative Labs' sound cards, containing audio clips or sound effects.
- .w64
Sony Wave64 Audio File
W64 is an audio file format developed by Sony for high-quality, uncompressed audio storage.
- .oma
OpenMG Audio
.oma files are audio files encoded with Sony's OpenMG technology, often used for DRM-protected music.
- .rax
RealNetworks Audio File
.rax files are audio files used by RealNetworks for streaming audio content.
- .rmj
RealMedia Jukebox
.rmj files are audio files associated with RealMedia Jukebox, a software used for playing and organizing digital music.
- .xa
PlayStation Audio File
.XA files are audio files used primarily in PlayStation games, containing compressed audio data.