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