Waveform Audio File Format (WAV) is an audio file format developed by Microsoft and IBM. It is commonly used for storing uncompressed audio data, offering high-quality sound and flexibility for professional audio editing and processing. WAV files are widely supported across different platforms and applications.

The Waveform Audio File Format (WAV) was developed by Microsoft and IBM and introduced in 1991. It is based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), a bitstream format that stores data in tagged chunks. WAV files are commonly used for storing uncompressed audio data in PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) format, which makes them a staple in professional audio and video production due to their high fidelity. Despite their large file size, WAV files are favored for tasks that require high-quality audio, such as sound design, audio editing, and archiving. The format's widespread compatibility with both Windows and Mac systems has further cemented its position in various multimedia applications.