How to open a .flac file
Quick, free ways to open FLAC on any system.
A .flac file is a Free Lossless Audio Codec. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads FLAC yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .flac file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .flac. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with VLC or foobar2000.
- On Mac, use VLC or Music (recent macOS).
- On Linux, try VLC or Rhythmbox.
- Still stuck? Convert the .flac to MP3, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .flac files
Windows
- VLC
- foobar2000
- Media Player (Windows 10+)
macOS
- VLC
- Music (recent macOS)
Linux
- VLC
- Rhythmbox
Web
- Most modern browsers
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Before you open it: Safe. FLAC is lossless audio data.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .flac file?
Almost always because no installed app understands FLAC. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
Is FLAC better than MP3?
FLAC is lossless so it is technically superior, but the files are much larger. For casual listening on the go, MP3 or AAC is more practical.