CAF file format
| Extension | .caf |
| Category | audio |
| Description | .caf (Core Audio Format) The .caf format is a file type developed by Apple Inc. as a container for audio data. It is designed to overcome limitations of older digital audio formats, including AIFF and WAV. For example, CAF files can store audio of any bit depth and sample rate, and they are not limited in file size like older formats. The Core Audio Format is natively supported on Mac OS X and iOS and is used for storing and manipulating digital audio data. |
| Technical details | The `.caf` (Core Audio Format) developed by Apple is an audio file format with the following features: - Unlimited File Size: There are no size limitations, making it ideal for lengthy recordings. - Multiple Data Formats: It supports various audio codecs such as PCM, AAC, and MP3. - High-Quality Audio: It is suitable for professional recording and editing, offering high sample rates, bit depths, and channels. - Compression: `.caf` supports both lossless and lossy compression. - Extensive Metadata: It can store text annotations, markers, channel layouts, and more. - Robust File Structure: It is designed to minimize the risk of corruption and enable efficient editing. - Compatibility: `.caf` is native to Apple devices and software, but may require conversion tools for non-Apple systems. - Non-destructive Editing: Some applications allow editing without altering the original files. - Auxiliary Data Support: It can store non-audio data such as MIDI and text. - Sample Accurate Synchronization: `.caf` includes timestamps for precise audio/video synchronization. - Flexible Channel Count: It supports an arbitrary number of audio channels. `.caf` is optimal for professional audio within the Apple ecosystem, but its adoption is limited outside the Apple ecosystem due to its Apple-centric design. |