How to open a .ape file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .ape file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands Monkey's Audio. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .ape file is a Monkey's Audio Lossless. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads Monkey's Audio yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .ape file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .ape. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with foobar2000 or VLC.
On Mac, use VLC or XLD.
On Linux, try VLC or ffmpeg.
Still stuck? Convert the .ape to flac, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .ape files

Windows

foobar2000
VLC
Monkey's Audio

macOS

Linux

VLC
ffmpeg
Deadbeef

Before you open it: Safe. Monkey's Audio is compressed sound read by a media player.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .ape file?

Almost always because no installed app understands Monkey's Audio. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open an APE file?

Play it in VLC or foobar2000. To use it more widely, convert it to FLAC or MP3 with a tool like XLD or ffmpeg.

Is APE better than FLAC?

Both are lossless. APE can compress slightly smaller but is slower and less widely supported. FLAC is the more practical choice for most people.