Core Audio Format

Core Audio Format
Filename extension
.caf
Internet media type
audio/x-caf
Type codecaff
Uniform Type Identifier (UTI)com.apple.coreaudio-format
Developed byApple Inc.
Initial release2005
Type of formatmedia container
Container fordigital audio
WebsiteApple Core Audio Format Specification 1.0

The Core Audio Format (.caf) is a container for storing audio, developed by Apple Inc. It is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 and higher; Mac OS X 10.3 needs QuickTime 7 to be installed.[1]

Core Audio Format (.caf) is designed to overcome limitations of older digital audio formats, including AIFF and WAV. Just like the QuickTime .mov container, a .caf container can contain many different audio formats, metadata tracks, and much more data. Like the RF64, it is not limited to a 4 GB file size and a single .caf file can theoretically save hundreds of years of recorded audio due to its use of 64-bit file offsets.[2]

GarageBand, Soundtrack Pro, and Logic Studio use the .caf format for their loop and sound effects library, particularly for surround-sound audio compressed with the Apple Lossless (ALAC) codec. It is also what is used to send Audio Messages over iMessage on iOS and macOS.

References

  1. ^ "How to Convert CAF to MP3". TechiSky. August 25, 2012. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  2. ^ "Apple Core Audio Format Specification 1.0/ CAF File Overview". Mac Developer Library. Apple Inc. 2011 [2005]. Retrieved 2012-11-27.


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