Sample Files
Details
AIFF
Audio Interchange File Format
About
What is .AIFF?
AIFF is an uncompressed audio file format used for storing high-quality PCM sound data. It is commonly used in professional audio recording, editing, and production workflows due to its accuracy, consistency, and lossless characteristics.
History
Origin of AIFF
AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) was developed by Apple Inc. in 1988 as a standard for storing high-quality audio data. Based on the earlier IFF (Interchange File Format) created by Electronic Arts, AIFF stores uncompressed PCM audio, making it ideal for professional-grade sound editing and archiving. A compressed variant known as AIFF-C was later introduced to support additional codecs while maintaining the same flexible structure.
Learn more at: https://apple.com
Benefits
Uncompressed, lossless audio with high fidelity
Ideal for professional recording and editing workflows
Supports metadata and looping information
Compatible with major DAWs such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Ableton
Precise waveform representation suitable for sound design and mastering
Usage
Import AIFF files into DAWs such as Logic Pro, Ableton, or Pro Tools
Use AIFF as a high-fidelity source for audio editing or mastering
Convert AIFF to MP3, WAV, FLAC, or AAC using audio tools
Utilize AIFF for archival-quality sound backups
Use Cases
Common Use Cases
Here are the use cases for this file extension
Professional Recording & Editing
Widely used in studios for mastering, sound design, and detailed waveform editing.
High-Quality Audio Archiving
Suitable for long-term preservation of uncompressed sound files.
Importing into DAWs
AIFF’s uncompressed PCM format ensures accurate playback in digital audio workstations.
Compatibility
Supported By
This extension is compatible with the following platforms.
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android (with supported apps)
iOS
Web Browsers (via conversion)
More Details
Technical Specs
Here are some technical details about this extension
File Extension
.aiff, .aif
MIME Type
audio/aiff
Container Format
AIFF (based on IFF)
Audio Support
Linear PCM (uncompressed), AIFF-C supports compressed codecs
Sample Rates
Commonly 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz
Bit Depth
8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit
Metadata Support
Yes (comments, markers, loops)
Typical Use
Studio recording, mastering, high-quality audio storage
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Got Questions?
Get answers to common questions
AIFF and WAV both store uncompressed PCM audio and offer identical sound quality. The main differences lie in metadata support—AIFF traditionally offers more robust tagging and looping features.
You can convert AIFF using tools like FFmpeg, Audacity, or iTunes/Music App. These tools allow conversion to MP3, WAV, AAC, or FLAC.