FLAC File Extension
Free Lossless Audio Codec Format
- File Type flac
- Developer Xiph Foundation
- Popularity
- Application Ableton Live
- Category Audio Files
- Format Binary
What is a FLAC file?
The FLAC file extension is linked to Free Lossless Audio Codec Format and belongs to the Audio Files category, which includes 667 files.
Xiph, the developer of the Free Lossless Audio Codec Format (FLAC), has released file format and 2 programs designed to handle them.
FLAC files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS as well as mobile platforms such as Android. There are 34 programs available to play a FLAC file, including popular tools like VLC media player, UltraMixer and KMPlayer.
File Signature
HEX code: 66 4C 61 43 00 00 00 22. ASCII code: fLaC.
Programs that support FLAC files
Windows
VLC media player
UltraMixer
KMPlayer
Helium Music Manager
MediaMonkey
Helium
Windows Media- KORG AudioGate
ALLPlayer
FLAC - Free lossless audio codec
Ableton Live
Adobe Audition
Sound Forge- SUPER 3D Video Converter
- Wusik Station
Nero Recode
Nero Classic- TAudioConverter
MediaCoder
Xrecode- Switch Audio File Converter Software
Nero Platinum Suite
Freemake Audio Converter
Mac OS
Android
How to open a FLAC file?
If you are having trouble opening a FLAC file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.
VLC media player, UltraMixer and KMPlayer are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with FLAC files. If you wish to install the latest release of Ableton Live, visit the official Ableton AG portal and download the edition that works on any operating system.
Following installation, FLAC files should be automatically opened with Ableton Live.
Set Ableton Live as the default FLAC program
Setting a default program by file type in Windows
- Right-click on your FLAC file and choose the "Open With" option. Then click "Choose another app" to continue the process;
- In the pop-up window, select the Ableton Live application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening FLAC files.
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired FLAC file;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Look at the bottom of the window, where you will see the "Enable" menu. "Recommended Programs" will be selected as the default option;
- Within this menu select "All Programs" and navigate to Ableton Live. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
How to edit a FLAC file?
Editing FLAC files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit audio files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated Free Lossless Audio Codec Format programs.
Best FLAC editors in 2026
Taking into account the provided details, we have prepared a list of FLAC editors that match your needs.
| FLAC Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLAC | - | Linux | 4.8 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| Sound Forge | MAGIX | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| Wusik Station | Wusik | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Ableton Live | Ableton AG | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Adobe Audition | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.6 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| FLAC - Free lossless audio codec | Xiph | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
Convert to and from FLAC
If a FLAC file is cumbersome, converting it to formats such as WAV, MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC or other supported types can make it easier to manage.
Converting a FLAC file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.
Using offline applications such as SUPER 3D Video Converter, Helium Music Manager and TAudioConverter, you can convert FLAC files to various formats without losing data quality.
Convert FLAC to other file formats
Converting Files to FLAC Format
Solve problems with FLAC files
When issues arise with FLAC files, they can generally be fixed with small software tweaks. Use the troubleshooting tips below to help resolve them.
What are the possible solutions to recover a corrupt FLAC file?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged FLAC file. Go to the menu and select the "Repair" option to repair the file. Please be patient while the recovery process completes, which will automatically restore the damaged audio files.
Are there any symptoms that my FLAC file is damaged?
Corrupted FLAC audio files may show the following signs:
- The file causes Ableton Live or other programs to hang or crash during operation;
- Error dialogs are displayed when interacting with the file;
- Attempts to open the file result in errors or failed results;
- Unexplained increase in FLAC file size;
- Editing the archive in FLAC - Free lossless audio codec is accompanied by slow performance or delays;
What are the possible causes of Ableton Live crashing?
The absence of software updates can cause Ableton Live to crash. It is recommended to install the latest available updates for Ableton AG products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.