Audio Formats Explained

Confused by the different audio formats available? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about audio file formats and when to use each one.

Lossless vs Lossy Formats

Lossless Formats

Lossless formats preserve all the original audio data:

• WAV: Uncompressed, highest quality, large file size
• FLAC: Compressed lossless, good quality, moderate file size
• AIFF: Apple's uncompressed format, similar to WAV

Lossy Formats

Lossy formats use compression that removes some audio data:

• MP3: Most common, good compression, widely supported
• AAC: Better quality than MP3 at same bitrate
• OGG: Open-source alternative to MP3

When to Use Each Format

For Professional Work

Use WAV or FLAC when:

• Recording in the studio
• Mastering and post-production
• Archiving important audio
• Working with multiple generations of editing

For Distribution

Use MP3 or AAC when:

• Streaming music online
• Sharing files via email
• Mobile device playback
• Podcast distribution

AudioTools Format Support

AudioFlow supports all major audio formats, making it easy to work with any file type. Our Format Converter tool can help you convert between formats while maintaining the best possible quality.

Conversion Best Practices

• Always convert from higher quality to lower quality
• Use appropriate bitrates for your target use case
• Test converted files before final distribution
• Keep original high-quality masters

Understanding audio formats helps you make informed decisions about quality, file size, and compatibility for your projects.