.AIF File Extension

Audio Interchange File Format

Developer	Apple
Popularity	Average rating 3.6 / 5. Vote count: 102
Category	Audio Files
Format	.AIF
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an AIF file?

Files with the .AIF extension belong to the Audio Interchange File Format (AIFF). They are digital audio files primarily used for storing high-quality audio data.

AIFF files are uncompressed and known for their exceptional sound quality, making them a preferred choice in professional audio settings.

More Information.

AIFF files were created to fulfill the need for a reliable, high-fidelity audio format in the realm of music production and editing.

They were widely adopted in the recording industry due to their uncompressed nature, ensuring no loss of audio data during editing and playback.

Origin Of This File.

The AIFF format was developed by Apple Inc. in 1988 as a standard audio file format for Macintosh systems. It was designed to provide a lossless and high-quality audio format suitable for professional audio editing and playback.

File Structure Technical Specification.

AIFF files store audio data in a simple, straightforward manner. They contain uncompressed PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio, preserving the original sound quality.

The format supports various audio bit depths and sample rates, allowing for flexibility in recording and playback.

How to Convert the File?

Windows:

Using iTunes: Open iTunes and go to “Edit” > “Preferences.” In the General tab, click on “Import Settings.” Choose the desired format (e.g., MP3) and quality, then click OK. Select the AIFF file in your library, go to “File” > “Convert” > “Create [format] Version” to convert.
Using Audacity: Launch Audacity and import the AIFF file. Go to “File” > “Export” and choose the desired format. Set the options and click “Save” to convert.

Linux:

Using SoundConverter: Install SoundConverter from the software center or using the terminal. Open SoundConverter, add the AIFF file, choose the output format, and click “Convert” to start the process.
Using FFmpeg (Command Line): Open Terminal and use FFmpeg commands to convert. For instance, the command ffmpeg -i input.aiff output.mp3 will convert an AIFF file to MP3.

Mac:

Using iTunes: Similar to Windows, open iTunes, set import preferences, select the AIFF file, and go to “File” > “Convert” > “Create [format] Version” to convert.
Using Mac’s Terminal: You can use Terminal and FFmpeg commands (similar to Linux) or built-in tools like afconvert. For example, afconvert -f mp3 -d LEI16 input.aiff output.mp3 converts an AIFF file to MP3.

Android:

Using File Converter: Install a file conversion app from the Google Play Store like File Converter. Open the app, select the AIFF file, choose the desired output format, and tap “Convert” to initiate the process.
Using Online Converters: Use online conversion websites accessible through a browser on your Android device. Upload the AIFF file, select the output format, and convert the file within the browser.

iOS:

Using Online Converters: Access online conversion websites through the Safari browser on your iOS device. Upload the AIFF file, choose the output format, and perform the conversion directly on your device.
Using Third-Party Apps: Install a file conversion app from the App Store that supports AIFF conversion. Follow the app’s instructions to import the AIFF file and convert it to the desired format.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Uncompromised audio quality.
Ideal for professional audio editing and production.
Compatibility with various software and hardware.

Disadvantages:

Large file sizes due to uncompressed nature.
Limited support in some media players and devices.
Not suitable for online streaming due to size constraints.

How to Open AIF?

Open In Windows

Windows Media Player: By default, Windows Media Player may not support AIFF files. However, installing codec packs or using third-party players like VLC Media Player can enable playback.

Open In Linux

VLC Media Player: VLC is a versatile media player available for Linux that supports a wide range of file formats, including AIFF.
Audacious: Another audio player for Linux that can handle AIFF files effectively.

Open In MAC

QuickTime: AIFF is a native format for Mac, and QuickTime, the default media player, opens AIFF files seamlessly.
iTunes: iTunes on Mac also supports AIFF files for playback and organization.

Open In Android

VLC for Android: VLC offers an Android version that can play AIFF files along with various other formats.
MX Player: MX Player is another app available on Android that supports AIFF playback.

Open In IOS

Apple Music: AIFF files can be played in Apple’s ecosystem using the default Apple Music app.
VLC for Mobile: VLC has an iOS version that allows playback of AIFF files on iPhones and iPads.

Open in Others

Third-Party Apps: Various third-party media player apps available for both Android and iOS support AIFF files. Apps like Poweramp (Android) and VOX (iOS) are examples.
Browser-Based Players: Some online audio players or cloud services might allow AIFF playback directly within the browser without the need for specific software installations.