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
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

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

edit
  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.
edit