Convertio.com

FLAC to WAV Converter

Convert FLAC to uncompressed WAV online for free. Lossless decompression — bit-perfect output for DAWs, CD burning, and audio editing. No software needed. Up to 100 MB.

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Tap to choose your FLAC file

or

Also supports ALAC, APE, WV, TTA • Max 100 MB

Your files are secure. All uploads encrypted via HTTPS. Files automatically deleted within 2 hours.

How to Convert FLAC to WAV

1

Upload

Drag and drop your FLAC file into the converter above, or click Choose FLAC File to browse your device.

2

Convert

Click Convert to WAV. FLAC is decompressed to uncompressed PCM audio. No quality loss, bit-perfect output.

3

Download

Click Download WAV to save the uncompressed audio. Ready for any DAW, editor, or CD burning software.

What is FLAC?

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an open-source lossless audio format. It compresses audio data to about 50-60% of the original size without discarding any information — every bit is preserved. FLAC is the standard for music archiving, audiophile libraries, and lossless streaming on services like Tidal and Qobuz.

FLAC supports up to 32-bit, 655.35 kHz audio with metadata tags, cover art, and cue sheets. It is supported by most modern media players but has limited compatibility with professional audio software.

What is WAV?

WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is the standard uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM. It stores raw PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) audio data with no compression, resulting in bit-perfect audio at the cost of large file sizes (approximately 10 MB per minute for CD quality).

WAV is universally supported by every audio application: DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio), CD burning software, hardware samplers, and broadcast systems. When maximum compatibility matters, WAV is the safe choice.

FLAC vs WAV: Quick Comparison

FeatureFLACWAV
CompressionLossless (50-60% of original)Uncompressed (100%)
QualityBit-perfectBit-perfect
File size (CD quality, 4 min)~25 MB~40 MB
Metadata supportVorbis comments, cover artLimited (BWF extension)
DAW compatibilityLimited (some require plugins)Universal
CD burningNot directly supportedUniversal support
Streaming servicesTidal, Qobuz, Amazon MusicNot used for streaming
Best forArchiving, lossless streamingEditing, production, CD burning

Understanding FLAC to WAV Conversion

FLAC to WAV conversion is lossless decompression. Since FLAC is a lossless codec, converting to WAV simply removes the compression — the output WAV contains the exact same PCM audio data that was originally compressed into FLAC. No quality is lost, no audio is changed. The files are bit-for-bit identical at the audio data level.

The output WAV file will be approximately 60-100% larger than the FLAC because the lossless compression is removed. A 25 MB FLAC becomes roughly 40-50 MB as WAV. The tradeoff is universal compatibility with audio editing software.

Our converter preserves the original bit depth and sample rate: a 24-bit/96 kHz FLAC becomes a 24-bit/96 kHz WAV. A CD-quality 16-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC becomes a 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV.

Why Convert FLAC to WAV?

DAW compatibility

Pro Tools does not natively import FLAC files. Some older versions of Logic Pro and Ableton have limited FLAC support. Converting to WAV ensures your audio files work in every DAW without plugins or workarounds.

CD burning

CD burning software typically requires WAV or AIFF input. If you have a FLAC music library and want to burn audio CDs, converting to WAV is a necessary step.

Hardware sampler compatibility

Hardware samplers, drum machines, and some DJ equipment require WAV files. FLAC support in hardware is rare. Converting your samples and stems to WAV ensures compatibility.

Broadcast and post-production

Broadcast standards (EBU, SMPTE) typically specify WAV (specifically BWF — Broadcast Wave Format) for audio delivery. Post-production facilities expect uncompressed audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. FLAC is lossless — converting to WAV simply decompresses the audio. The output is bit-for-bit identical to the original source audio.
FLAC compresses audio losslessly to about 50-60% of the original size. WAV is uncompressed. The audio content is identical, but WAV stores it without compression, resulting in larger files.
DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton), CD burning software, and hardware samplers require WAV input. FLAC is not universally supported in professional audio tools. WAV is the standard format for editing and production.
FLAC is better for archiving: identical quality in 50-60% less space. WAV is better for editing. For long-term storage, FLAC saves significant disk space with zero quality penalty.
Yes. Convertio.com offers free FLAC to WAV conversion with no watermarks, no registration, and no email required. Files are encrypted and auto-deleted within 2 hours.

FLAC to WAV Guides

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