Core Audio Format

Last updated
Core Audio Format
Filename extension
.caf
Internet media type
audio/x-caf
Type code caff
Uniform Type Identifier (UTI) com.apple.coreaudio-format
Developed by Apple Inc.
Initial release2005
Type of format media container
Container for digital audio
Website Apple Core Audio Format Specification 1.0

The Core Audio Format (.caf) is a container for storing audio, developed by Apple Inc. It is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 and higher; Mac OS X 10.3 needs QuickTime 7 to be installed. [1]

Core Audio Format (.caf) is designed to overcome limitations of older digital audio formats, including AIFF and WAV. Just like the QuickTime .mov container, a .caf container can contain many different audio formats, metadata tracks, and much more data. Like the RF64, it is not limited to a 4 GB file size and a single .caf file can theoretically save hundreds of years of recorded audio due to its use of 64-bit file offsets. [2]

GarageBand, Soundtrack Pro, and Logic Studio use the .caf format for their loop and sound effects library, particularly for surround-sound audio compressed with the Apple Lossless (ALAC) codec.

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References

  1. "How to Convert CAF to MP3". TechiSky. August 25, 2012. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  2. "Apple Core Audio Format Specification 1.0/ CAF File Overview". Mac Developer Library. Apple Inc. 2011 [2005]. Retrieved 2012-11-27.