AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)
AIFF is Apple's uncompressed audio format, equivalent to WAV on macOS. It stores raw PCM audio with metadata chunks for markers, instrument definitions, and comments. AIFF is commonly used in professional audio production on macOS.
MIME Type
audio/aiff
Type
Binary
Compression
Lossless
Advantages
- + Uncompressed PCM quality identical to WAV
- + Native metadata support (markers, comments, instrument data)
- + Standard in macOS audio production workflows
Disadvantages
- − Very large file sizes — same as WAV (~10 MB per minute at CD quality)
- − Less common on Windows and Linux than WAV
- − No advantage over WAV for cross-platform workflows
When to Use .AIFF
Use AIFF for uncompressed audio production on macOS; use FLAC for lossless storage and MP3/AAC for distribution.
Technical Details
AIFF uses a chunked IFF container with big-endian byte order. The COMM chunk defines audio parameters, and the SSND chunk contains raw PCM samples. AIFF-C extends this with a compression type field.
History
Apple developed AIFF in 1988, basing it on Electronic Arts' IFF (Interchange File Format). AIFF-C added optional compression support in 1991. It remains the default uncompressed format in Logic Pro and GarageBand.