Audio format
What is a WAV file?
WAV stores audio with no compression at all, which is why it's the standard format in recording studios and audio editing software.
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) was created jointly by Microsoft and IBM in the early 1990s as a simple container for raw, uncompressed audio samples. Storing audio with no compression means there's never any generation loss from repeated saving and no decoding overhead when a program reads it, both of which matter enormously in a studio environment where a track might be opened, edited, and re-saved dozens of times before it's finished. The obvious tradeoff is size — a few minutes of CD-quality stereo audio can easily run to tens of megabytes — so WAV is rarely the format anyone actually distributes a finished track in.
How to open a WAV file
WAV files open readily in Any media player, Any web browser. For real editing rather than just viewing, reach for Audacity (free), Pro Tools, Adobe Audition.
Strengths & limitations
Good for
- lossless, full-fidelity audio
- no decoding overhead, ideal for editing
Watch out for
- very large files — roughly 10MB per minute of CD-quality stereo audio
Convert WAV files
Orbfile can convert WAV both ways, entirely in your browser — pick a direction below:
Frequently asked questions
What does a WAV file contain?+
WAV stores audio with no compression at all, which is why it's the standard format in recording studios and audio editing software.
Can I convert WAV for free?+
Yes — Orbfile's audio converter handles WAV for free, with no file limit, watermark, or account, and it runs entirely in your browser.
Is converting a WAV file safe and private?+
Yes. Orbfile processes WAV files locally on your device using WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded to a server, so there's nothing to leak or store.
Who created the WAV format?+
WAV was developed by Microsoft and IBM, first released around 1991.
Browse the full file format guide.