Core Audio Format

Core Audio Format
Filename extension .caf
Internet media type audio/x-caf
Type code caff
Uniform Type Identifier (UTI) com.apple.coreaudio-format
Developed by Apple Inc.
Initial release 2005
Type of format media container
Container for digital audio
Website Apple Core Audio Format Specification 1.0

The Core Audio Format 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 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. Not limited to a 4 GB file size like older digital audio formats, a single .caf file can theoretically save hundreds of years of recorded audio due to its use of 64-bit file offsets.[2]

Soundtrack Pro and Logic Studio use the .caf format extensively for their loop and sound effects library, particularly for surround-sound audio compressed with the Apple Lossless codec.

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. 2005, 2011. Retrieved 2012-11-27. Check date values in: |date= (help)

External links