AIF File Extension

AIF file icon

Audio Interchange Format Sound Format

What is a AIF file?

The AIF extension is related to Audio Interchange Format Sound Format and is classified in the Audio Files category, which contains 667 files.

With the creation of the Audio Interchange Format Sound Format (AIF), Apple introduced file format along with 72 programs built for their use.

AIF file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile devices running Android. You can play a AIF file using one of 15 programs, for example CrazyTalk, Audacity and VLC media player.

How to open a AIF file?

The most common reason why a AIF file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.

Thanks to their popularity, CrazyTalk, Audacity and VLC media player are often the go-to programs for managing AIF files. To install the updated version of VLC media player, simply go to the VideoLAN site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.

Once the process is complete, VLC media player should take over as the default application for AIF files.

Set VLC media player as the default AIF handler

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + left click on the desired AIF file to launch the file options menu;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
  4. Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for VLC media player. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Change a default app in Windows

  1. Start the process by right-clicking on your AIF file and selecting "Open With". From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
  2. In the pop-up window, find and select the VLC media player application from the available options;
  3. Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening AIF files.

Effective solutions for AIF file problems

Rest assured, any issues with AIF files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.

Why does VLC media player stop responding or crash intermittently?

Lack of regular software updates can cause VLC media player to crash. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for VideoLAN products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.

What are the best practices for repairing a AIF file that has gone bad?

Start a recovery program, open the damaged AIF file and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair procedure. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged audio files.

How can I confirm if my AIF file has been damaged?

Characteristics of corrupted AIF audio files can include:

  • VLC media player or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
  • When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
  • Unexplained AIF file size inflation;
  • The file operation is accompanied by the display of error messages;

Convert files to and from AIF

If obstacles arise while working with a AIF file, you may convert it to formats like MP3, AAC, 264, FXP or other similar types for smoother handling.

After converting a AIF file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.

Offline software, including Translator 7, Freemake Video Converter and Audacity, allows smooth conversion of AIF files while preserving original quality.

Convert AIF to other file formats

Converting Files to AIF Format