AIF File Extension

What is AIF file?

AIF is an audio file format.

Contents of AIF files

AIF files are used to store uncompressed audio tracks using Audio Interchange File Format encoding standard. It stores data in CD quality. AIF files are in many ways similar to WAV files and used the same standard encoding parameters: dual-channel, sampling rate of 44,1 kHz and 16 bit depth.

Uses of AIF files

Files with AIF extension are commonly found on Mac OS X machines. The format offers lossless audio quality which makes it a good fit for professional audio editing applications. One disadvantage is the larges size of AIF files as a consequence of lossless compression. This single fact virtually makes it unfeasible for distributing larger audio files in this format over the Internet. It is possible solution is to convert AIF file to AIFC to reduce the size at the cost of quality loss.

Programs which support AIF file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with AIF files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. AIF files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 12/07/2023

How to open file with AIF extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening AIF files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Audio Interchange Format Sound Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Winamp

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports AIF files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Winamp or different compatible program, such as iTunes, QuickTime Player, Windows Media Player. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Winamp installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Radionomy website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Winamp

If the problems with opening AIF files still occur even after installing Winamp, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Winamp is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Winamp installed, it may not support AIF format. The most recent version of Winamp is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open AIF files to Winamp

If you have the latest version of Winamp installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage AIF on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the AIF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Winamp is installed, check the Always use this app to open AIF files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected AIF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with AIF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the AIF file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the AIF file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the AIF file for viruses or malware

If the AIF is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the AIF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the AIF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with AIF extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Audio Interchange Format Sound Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Winamp

If the systems has insufficient resources to open AIF files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Audio Interchange Format Sound Format file. It may be the case that the AIF files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the AIF file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on AIF file.