Convert CAF to WAV on Mac
Select the CAF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose WAV and press Return. FileFlip saves each WAV next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert CAF to WAV with FileFlip
Select the CAF files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from CAF. Type “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The CAF files stay as they are.
CAF and WAV
Few apps outside the Mac can open CAF files. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor and on every system.
What changes when you convert
- WAV is lossless, so the sound is saved without further loss.
| Property | CAF | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Core Audio Format | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | Apple | Microsoft and IBM |
| Introduced | 2005 | 1991 |
| Compression | Any codec; often uncompressed | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Audio for Apple developer tools and very long recordings | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | macOS and Apple’s audio and developer tools; rarely elsewhere | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .caf | .wav |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Terminal
afconvert is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 sound.caf sound.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about CAF and WAV
Does converting CAF to WAV lose quality?
WAV is lossless, so the sound is saved without further loss.
Can I convert many CAF files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose WAV. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does WAV play?
Every audio app and operating system.
Where is the WAV file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .wav extension. The CAF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to CAF?
No. FileFlip opens CAF files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole album at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac