AIFC File – What is .aifc file and how to open it?
AIFC File Extension
Compressed Audio Interchange File – file format by Apple
AIFC is an Apple-developed audio file format that uses a compressed form of the Interchange File Format (IFF) container format. It supports lossless audio compression and metadata storage, including artist, album, and track information.
AIFF vs. AIFC: Understanding the Difference
Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF) and Compressed Audio Interchange File Format (AIFC) are both audio file formats developed by Apple. While AIFF is an uncompressed format that maintains the original audio quality, AIFC incorporates lossless compression to reduce file size without compromising audio fidelity. AIFC files utilize either the IMA (Interactive Multimedia Association) or the ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) compression algorithm to achieve this space-saving advantage.
AIFC Encoding and Compatibility
AIFC files are commonly encoded using a sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a bit depth of 16 bits per sample. This combination provides a high-quality audio experience that is suitable for a wide range of applications, including music production, sound design, and multimedia playback. AIFC files are generally compatible with most operating systems and audio playback software, making them a versatile choice for audio storage and distribution. However, it is worth noting that the specific compression algorithm used in an AIFC file may affect its compatibility with certain software or devices.
How to Open an AIFC File (Windows)
On Windows systems, AIFC files can be opened using various audio software applications. Some popular options include:
- Windows Media Player: Right-click on the AIFC file, select “Open with,” and choose Windows Media Player from the list.
- VLC Media Player: Download and install VLC, right-click on the AIFC file, select “Open with,” and choose VLC Media Player.
- Audacity: Download and install Audacity, drag and drop the AIFC file into the application window.
How to Open an AIFC File (Mac)
On macOS, AIFC files can be opened with the following applications:
- QuickTime Player: Double-click on the AIFC file, or right-click and select “Open with” > “QuickTime Player.”
- GarageBand: Download and install GarageBand, drag and drop the AIFC file into the application window.
- iTunes: Drag and drop the AIFC file into the iTunes library. Once imported, you can listen to the file within the application.
AIFC (Audio Interchange File Compressed)
AIFC stands for Audio Interchange File Compressed and it is a compressed audio file format developed by Apple. It is a variant of the AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) that uses a specific encoding algorithm called Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (ADPCM). ADPCM is a lossy compression algorithm that reduces the file size by removing redundant information from the audio data. This makes AIFC files smaller than AIFF files, while still preserving the original audio quality to a large extent. AIFC files are typically used for storing audio data in a compressed format, making them suitable for applications where file size is a constraint, such as streaming audio over the internet.
Technical Specifications and Support
AIFC files are stored in a container format known as the RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format). The RIFF container stores the audio data along with metadata such as sample rate, bit depth, and channel count. AIFC files can support a wide range of audio formats, including mono or stereo channels, various sample rates from 8 kHz to 48 kHz, and bit depths from 8 to 16 bits. AIFC files are compatible with various audio software and hardware devices, including Apple’s QuickTime player and other popular media players such as VLC Media Player and Windows Media Player.