WAVE File Format | .wav Extension

File format is the way in which information is organized and stored in a computer. For different types of data such as text, documents, images, video, and music there are different file formats used. Example: For a text document, the file format to save normal text is TXT, for images file format used is JPEG or PNG, for videos it is MP4 and for audio files, it is MP3 or WAV.

What is the WAV Sound Format

The full form of WAV is Waveform Audio File Format. It is the most popular audio file format which is used to store audio information. The characteristics shown by the WAV file format are: 

• Uncompressed: WAV files are uncompressed, this means that they store audio data in a raw and lossless format.
• File Structure: WAV files have a very simple structure.
• Lossless: WAV documents are lossless, which means they store the original audio quality.
• Large File Sizes: The size of the WAV file is much larger.​

Where Wav Sound Format can be used?

The WAV file format is an audio file format used for multiple purposes. Here are a few common uses of the WAV sound format:

• Professional Audio Production: WAV is used in music recording and sound design for film and video.
• Broadcasting: Radio and television stations use WAV files due to their high audio quality.
• Software and Game Development: WAV files are used in software and game development for sound effects, music, and voiceovers.

How to open WAV format?

Opening a WAV file is a direct process. There are different methods by which one can open the WAV file:

• In Windows, simply double-click on the WAV file, and it will open in the Windows Media Player.
• In MacOS, you can double-click the WAV file to open it in QuickTime Player and play it.
• In Mobile Apps, you can use various audio player apps available on Android like VLC.

How to create?

To make a WAV file there are some steps that need to be followed. Below are some necessary steps, this is for Windows 11:

Step 1: Go to the search bar or click on the Windows button on your keyboard. Search for a sound recorder and click on it.

Step 2: The sound recorder will open. On the top right corner of this window click on the three dots, a drop-down window will open. Here click on Settings.

Step 3: Here you can see that the settings window has been opened and the default file format is AAC.

Step 4: Select WAV(lossless) as the file format.

Step 5: To check whether the file format is WAV or not, you can record an audio and save it.

Step 6: After recording a menu will appear on the left side of the window, where you can see your recorded audio. Right-click on that audio and click show in a folder or directly you can select the file and press O on your keyboard.

Step 7: You will reach to the destination where your recording has been saved. Right-click on the file and click on Properties.

Step 8: Here you can see, that you have created a file that is of WAV file format.

Benefits

There are many benefits of using WAV file format, which makes it a suitable choice for specific applications:

1. WAV files store original audio as they are uncompressed and lossless.
2. They can be used on multiple platforms.
3. They are easily editable using audio editing software.

Applications

There are various fields where this file format is used:

• Music Production and Recording
• Film Production
• Game Development
• Broadcasting
• Sound Analysis and Research

Conclusion

In the end, the WAV Sound Format is mainly used in audio file format due to its ability to maintain high-quality, uncompressed audio data. WAV files store original recordings and ensure no loss of quality during editing. WAV files are larger in size, these files are the most used format in situations where audio fidelity is more important, providing a good and strong solution for a wide range of audio-related activities.