How to open a .caf file
Quick, free ways to open CAF on any system.
A .caf file is a Core Audio Format. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads CAF yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .caf file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .caf. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with VLC or foobar2000 (plugin).
- On Mac, use QuickTime or Logic Pro.
- On Linux, try VLC or ffmpeg.
- Still stuck? Convert the .caf to wav, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .caf files
Windows
- VLC
- foobar2000 (plugin)
macOS
- QuickTime
- Logic Pro
- VLC
Linux
- VLC
- ffmpeg
!
Before you open it: Safe. CAF is an audio container read by a media player.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .caf file?
Almost always because no installed app understands CAF. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open a .caf file?
On a Mac, QuickTime plays it. On any system, VLC opens it; convert to WAV or MP3 with ffmpeg for other apps.
Why does CAF exist when there is WAV?
WAV is limited to 4 GB and to certain codecs. CAF removes the size limit and can carry many codecs, which suits long or high-quality Apple recordings.