Audio format
The AIFF format
AIFF is uncompressed audio, Apple’s equivalent of WAV. Apple introduced AIFF in 1988, based on Electronic Arts’ IFF format; it is the Mac’s counterpart to WAV.
When to use AIFF
Use AIFF for editing in Mac audio software, or when a Mac workflow asks for it.
It is best for audio production on Macs, and importing into Logic or GarageBand, and it opens on Macs, iPhones and pro audio software; some Windows and web apps prefer WAV.
How to open it: Apple Music, QuickTime, VLC and every audio editor open AIFF files.
| Full name | Audio Interchange File Format |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .aiff, .aif, .aifc |
| MIME type | audio/aiff |
| Introduced | 1988 |
| Compression | Uncompressed |
| Typical quality | 16-bit PCM |
| Support | Opens almost everywhere |
| Typical size | About 10 MB a minute at CD quality |
Good at
- Studio quality
- Keeps tags better than WAV
Not so good at
- About 10 MB a minute
- Too big to share
The common mistake
AIFF stores samples in the opposite byte order to WAV; tools that assume WAV turn it into loud static.
Convert AIFF to another audio format
Convert to AIFF from
Questions
What is an AIFF file?
AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is uncompressed audio, Apple’s equivalent of WAV. Apple introduced AIFF in 1988, based on Electronic Arts’ IFF format; it is the Mac’s counterpart to WAV.
How do I open an AIFF file?
Apple Music, QuickTime, VLC and every audio editor open AIFF files.
How do I convert AIFF to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Audio Converter, drop the AIFF file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.