FLAC file format (.flac)
Lossless compression, about half the size of WAV.
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What is a FLAC file?
In short: A FLAC file (.flac) is an audio file in the FLAC format. FLAC compresses audio without discarding a single sample: decoding it returns exactly the bits that went in, typically at half to two-thirds the size of the equivalent WAV. It can be converted to MP3 or WAV for free in a web browser with iHateFiles, without uploading it.
Released by Josh Coalson in 2001 and adopted by Xiph.Org, free from the start.
FLAC compresses audio without discarding a single sample: decoding it returns exactly the bits that went in, typically at half to two-thirds the size of the equivalent WAV. It is the standard for music archives, high resolution downloads and CD ripping.
What FLAC is good at
- Bit-for-bit identical to the original on decoding
- Roughly half the size of WAV
- Excellent metadata, including embedded artwork
Where FLAC falls short
- Still four to five times larger than a good MP3
- Not supported by older iOS versions
- No benefit for audio that was already lossy
When to use FLAC
Use FLAC to archive music you care about, and to rip CDs. It is the format to keep the master in.
How to open a FLAC file
Every browser except older Safari, Android, Windows, VLC and every music player of note.
| Windows | Groove Music and Windows Media Player have supported FLAC since Windows 10. VLC and foobar2000 do too. |
|---|---|
| macOS | Music and QuickTime have supported FLAC since macOS High Sierra. |
| Linux | Native everywhere. FLAC is the default lossless format on Linux. |
| Phone | Android plays FLAC natively. iOS has since iOS 11. |
| In a browser | Chrome and Firefox play FLAC. Safari support arrived in version 11. |
The thing that usually goes wrong
Converting an MP3 to FLAC produces a large file that sounds exactly like the MP3. Lossless compression preserves what it is given, including the damage.
Questions
What is a FLAC file?
Lossless compression, about half the size of WAV. Files use the .flac extension.
How do I open a FLAC file?
Most audio software opens FLAC directly. If yours does not, convert it here to something more common. It takes a few seconds and nothing is uploaded.
Can I convert FLAC for free?
Yes. Every conversion here is free and unlimited, because your own device does the work rather than a server we have to pay for.
Is FLAC lossless?
Yes. FLAC stores every sample exactly, at the cost of a larger file.