WAV File Extension
WAVE Audio Format
- File Type wav
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application RipEditBurn
- Category Audio Files
- Format Binary
What is a WAV file?
The WAV file extension is linked to WAVE Audio Format and belongs to the Audio Files category, which includes 667 files.
The WAVE Audio Format (WAV) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
WAV file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile devices running Android. To play a WAV file, you can choose from 61 programs such as Windows Media, jetAudio and Helium Music Manager.
MIME types
- application/x-wav
- audio/x-wav
- audio/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- KORG AudioGate
Apple iTunes
Audacity
MediaMonkey- Harmony Assistant
- Modem Spy
Xrecode
Nero Recode- FMOD Ex Programmers API
- Aimersoft DRM Media Converter
- RipEditBurn
- Acez All Audio Converter
ReCycle- dBpoweramp family suite
- iPad Video Converter Factory Pro
- SUPER 3D Video Converter
- Audio Record Expert
Xilisoft iPod Rip- Power Karaoke
FormatFactory
Icecream Media Converter- XA2WAV
- RatHole
- TAudioConverter
Microsoft Expression Encoder
Translator 7- ZVRConvertor
- ImTOO DPG Converter
Nero Vision Express
Fre:ac
Any Audio Converter- Jam2Wav
- Xilisoft Video Converter
Freemake Audio Converter
Nero Multimedia Suite- CrazyTalk
- MusiGenesis
- AVS Audio Converter
- Switch Audio File Converter Software
Mac OS
- Audacity
Apple Logic Pro
Elmedia Player
iTunes- UltraMixer
- VLC media player
- Windows Media
X Lossless Decoder (XLD)- Translator 7
EasyWMA- Xilisoft iPhone Ringtone Maker
Tiny Audio Converter- Harmony Assistant
Wondershare Video Converter
Apple MainStage
Movavi Audio Converter
All2MP3
DM1 - The Drum Machine- Mobile Media Converter
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.
When it comes to opening and working with WAV files, Windows Media, jetAudio and Helium Music Manager are the top choices for users. If you want the most recent release of RipEditBurn, head over to the Blaze Audio site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.
After completing the installation, WAV files should be recognized by the system and linked to RipEditBurn.
Make RipEditBurn the default WAV viewer
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Right click on your WAV file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose RipEditBurn as the application to associate with your WAV file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired WAV file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
- Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for RipEditBurn. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Finding answers to WAV file problems
While WAV files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.
What Causes RipEditBurn to Crash Frequently?
The likely cause of RipEditBurn crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Blaze Audio products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
How can I restore a damaged WAV file?
Open the corrupted WAV file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted audio files.
How do I know if my WAV file is corrupted?
Common indications of damaged WAV audio files are:
- The file does not open or opens with errors;
- Editing the archive in Apple Logic Pro results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
- File hangs or crashes in RipEditBurn or other programs;
- Unexplained increase in WAV file size;
- Error messages appear while working with the file;
How to edit a WAV file?
To edit WAV files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the audio files. Online WAV editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for WAVE Audio Format.
Best WAV editors in 2026
Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of WAV editors currently available.
| WAV Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| RipEditBurn | Blaze Audio | Windows | 4.9 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Apple Logic Pro | Apple | Mac OS | 4.7 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
Convert to and from WAV
If working with a WAV file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like MOV, MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC or other supported formats.
Keep in mind that converting a WAV file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Applications such as Xrecode, Translator 7 and Aimersoft DRM Media Converter offer offline conversion of WAV files to multiple formats, preserving quality.