AIFF File – What is .aiff file and how to open it?

Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF)

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is an uncompressed audio file format developed by Apple in the late 1980s. It is a lossless file format, meaning that no audio data is lost when the file is compressed. This makes AIFF files suitable for storing high-quality audio recordings, such as music and sound effects. AIFF files are typically larger than their compressed counterparts, such as MP3 or AAC files, but they offer better sound quality.

Technical Details

AIFF files are typically stored in 16-bit or 24-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) format, with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. They can also be stored in other formats, such as 8-bit PCM, but these are less common. AIFF files store audio data in chunks, with each chunk containing information about a specific section of the audio. This allows for easy editing and manipulation of the audio data.

Uses of AIFF

AIFF files are commonly used in professional audio production environments, where high-quality audio is essential. They are also used in broadcasting and sound design. AIFF files can be played on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and media players. However, they are not as widely supported as some other audio formats, such as MP3 or WAV.

Opening AIFF Files on Mac

Apple’s default media player, QuickTime Player, can effortlessly open and play AIFF files. To do so, simply locate the AIFF file on your Mac, double-click on it, and QuickTime Player will automatically launch and start playing the audio. Additionally, other popular media players such as VLC Media Player and iTunes can also open and play AIFF files.

Opening AIFF Files on Windows

Microsoft’s built-in media player, Windows Media Player, does not support the AIFF format by default. To open and play AIFF files on Windows, you will need to install a third-party media player that supports the format. Some notable media players that can open AIFF files include VLC Media Player, iTunes, and Foobar2000. Once you have installed a compatible media player, simply locate the AIFF file on your PC, right-click on it, and select “Open with” to choose the appropriate media player.

Development and Applications

AIFF was developed by Apple in 1988 as a standard file format for storing audio data on Macintosh computers. It is a lossless format, meaning that no audio data is lost during compression or decompression. AIFF files are typically larger in size than other compressed audio formats, such as MP3 or AAC, but they offer superior audio quality.

AIFF files are commonly used in professional audio production and mastering applications. They are also used for storing and distributing high-quality audio samples and sound effects. AIFF files can be played on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and media players. However, due to their larger size, they may not be suitable for use in applications where bandwidth or storage space is limited.

Technical Details

AIFF files are based on the WAV file format developed by Microsoft. They use a 16-bit or 24-bit PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) encoding, which provides high-quality audio reproduction. AIFF files also support a variety of sample rates, including 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, and 96 kHz.

AIFF files are stored in a hierarchical format, which allows them to contain multiple audio tracks and metadata. Each track can contain its own set of audio data, volume settings, and other parameters. This makes AIFF files a versatile format for storing and editing complex audio projects.

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