FLAC file format
Free Lossless Audio Codec (.flac): archiving music and listening without any quality loss.
FLAC compresses audio without losing a single bit, usually to about half the size of WAV. It is the favorite format of audiophiles and music archivists: you get perfect CD (or hi-res) quality with proper tags and cover art, at the cost of files several times larger than MP3.
| Full name | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
|---|---|
| File extension | .flac |
| MIME type | audio/flac |
| Created | 2001 by the Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Compression | Lossless |
| Typical bitrate | 700–1,100 kbps (CD quality) |
| Size | 5–8 MB per minute |
| Plays on | Android, Windows 10+, macOS, iPhone (Files app) and most hi-fi players |
| Best for | archiving music and listening without any quality loss |
Advantages
- Lossless: identical to the original
- About half the size of WAV
- Full tags and cover art
Drawbacks
- Much larger than MP3
- Not supported by some car stereos and older devices
Convert FLAC to…
Convert to FLAC
Frequently asked questions
What is a .flac file?
FLAC compresses audio without losing a single bit, usually to about half the size of WAV. It is the favorite format of audiophiles and music archivists: you get perfect CD (or hi-res) quality with proper tags and cover art, at the cost of files several times larger than MP3.
How do I open a FLAC file?
FLAC files open on Android, Windows 10+, macOS, iPhone (Files app) and most hi-fi players. If a program will not open yours, convert it to a more common format.
Is FLAC lossless?
Yes, FLAC is lossless: no detail is lost when saving.
How do I convert FLAC?
Use one of the converters below — they run in your browser, so your audio files are never uploaded. Most popular: FLAC to MP3, FLAC to WAV, FLAC to M4A.