WAV File Extension
WAVE Audio Format
- File Type wav
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application RipEditBurn
- Category Audio Files
- Format Binary
What is a WAV file?
WAVE Audio Format, identified by the WAV extension, is a Audio Files type and includes 667 files.
The WAVE Audio Format (WAV) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
WAV files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux as well as mobile platforms such as Android. To play a WAV file, you can choose from 61 programs such as Windows Media, Audacity and jetAudio.
MIME types
- audio/x-wav
- audio/wav
- application/x-wav
File Signature
HEX code: 52 49 46 46. ASCII code: RIFF.
Programs that support WAV files
Windows
Windows Media
jetAudio
Helium Music Manager
ALLPlayer
UltraMixer- DJ Mix Pro
Winamp- WavPlayer
VLC media player
Apple iTunes- KORG AudioGate
Audacity
MediaMonkey
Nero Recode- FMOD Ex Programmers API
- Aimersoft DRM Media Converter
- Harmony Assistant
- Modem Spy
Xrecode- Acez All Audio Converter
- RipEditBurn
ReCycle- iPad Video Converter Factory Pro
- SUPER 3D Video Converter
- dBpoweramp family suite
- Power Karaoke
FormatFactory- Audio Record Expert
Xilisoft iPod Rip- TAudioConverter
Microsoft Expression Encoder
Icecream Media Converter- XA2WAV
- RatHole
Nero Vision Express
Fre:ac
Translator 7- ZVRConvertor
- ImTOO DPG Converter
Nero Multimedia Suite- CrazyTalk
Any Audio Converter- Jam2Wav
- Xilisoft Video Converter
Freemake Audio Converter- AVS Audio Converter
- Switch Audio File Converter Software
- MusiGenesis
Mac OS
- Audacity
Apple Logic Pro
Elmedia Player
iTunes- UltraMixer
- VLC media player
- Windows Media
X Lossless Decoder (XLD)- Translator 7
- Xilisoft iPhone Ringtone Maker
EasyWMA
Tiny Audio Converter- Harmony Assistant
Wondershare Video Converter
Apple MainStage
All2MP3
Movavi Audio Converter- Mobile Media Converter
DM1 - The Drum Machine
Android
How to open a WAV file?
If you cannot open a WAV file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
Windows Media, Audacity and jetAudio are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with WAV files. To set up the newest version of RipEditBurn on your device, simply go to the official Blaze Audio website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign RipEditBurn as the default app for WAV files.
Set RipEditBurn as the default WAV handler
Setting a default program by file type in Windows
- Right click on your WAV file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
- In the pop-up window, find and select the RipEditBurn application from the available options;
- Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening WAV files.
Choose an app to open a file on Mac
- Right click or use Control + left click on the desired WAV file to launch the file options menu;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to RipEditBurn. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a WAV file?
Editing WAV files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit audio files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated WAVE Audio Format programs.
List of Top WAV editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended WAV editors.
| WAV Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| RipEditBurn | Blaze Audio | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Apple Logic Pro | Apple | Mac OS | 4.5 out of 5 (41 review) |
Convert to and from WAV
If you struggle with a WAV file, consider converting it to alternative formats such as MOV, MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC or other similar file types.
Converting a WAV file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.
Aimersoft DRM Media Converter, Xrecode and Translator 7 are offline tools that convert WAV files to other formats seamlessly and without quality loss.
Convert WAV to other file formats
Converting Files to WAV Format
Effective solutions for WAV file problems
If you encounter issues with WAV files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the steps to repair a damaged WAV file?
Open the corrupted WAV file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged audio files.
How do I know if my WAV file is corrupted?
Corrupted WAV audio files may show the following signs:
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Editing the archive in Apple Logic Pro is accompanied by slow performance or delays;
- Opening or processing the file in RipEditBurn or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the WAV file;
- Error messages appear while working with the file;
What are the reasons behind RipEditBurn crash?
The likely cause of RipEditBurn crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Blaze Audio products.
Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.