Audio format
The CAF format
CAF is Apple’s professional audio container. Apple introduced the Core Audio Format in 2005; GarageBand, Logic and iOS system sounds use it.
When to use CAF
You meet CAF in iOS projects and GarageBand exports; convert it to share.
It is best for audio inside Apple apps and iOS development, and it opens on Macs, iPhones and Apple’s audio apps; very little else.
How to open it: QuickTime, Logic and GarageBand open CAF files; VLC plays many.
| Full name | Core Audio Format |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .caf |
| MIME type | audio/x-caf |
| Introduced | 2005 |
| Compression | Depends on the codec inside |
| Typical quality | PCM, AAC or ALAC |
| Support | Mainly Apple devices |
| Typical size | Depends on the codec inside |
Good at
- No file size ceiling
- Holds any Apple audio codec
Not so good at
- Nearly nothing outside Apple opens it
The common mistake
A CAF can hold uncompressed PCM, AAC or Apple Lossless, so two CAF files of the same length can differ tenfold in size.
Questions
What is a CAF file?
CAF (Core Audio Format) is Apple’s professional audio container. Apple introduced the Core Audio Format in 2005; GarageBand, Logic and iOS system sounds use it.
How do I open a CAF file?
QuickTime, Logic and GarageBand open CAF files; VLC plays many.
How do I convert CAF to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Audio Converter, drop the CAF file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.