Opening BWF Files

The BWF file type is primarily associated with Pro Tools.

BWF	File extension: BWF
	File type:	audio recording

What is a BWF file?

BWF files mostly belong to Pro Tools by Avid. BWF is the filename extension of audio files saved in Broadcast Wave Format. These files usually contain audio recordings used in radio, television, and motion picture applications. Broadcast Wave Format was extended from WAV audio format in order to allow the storage of additional metadata in a WAV container. As such, some audio files saved in Broadcast Wave Format have WAV filename extension. Additional information stored as metadata in BWF can include audio processing data, documentation, time code, and synchronization data saved as extension chunks. Some of these chunks are Bext (Broadcast Extension), qlty (quality), link, and iXML. Audio data stored in BWF format are usually encoded as RAW data. Audio processing software such as Audition, Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro, and Awave Studio can play, edit, and compress BWF files.

How to open BWF files

You need a suitable software like Pro Tools to open a BWF file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your BWF file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a BWF file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online BWF Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert BWF files:

Pro Tools by Avid
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. BWF files are often referred to as Pro Tools audios because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Audition (audio recording) by Adobe
Audition is a multi-track, non-destructive audio editing/restoration software for Windows and macOS. You can import, play, edit, and mix BWF audio files using Audition. This file format is classified as Audio. Related links: Broadcast WAVE Audio File Format, Version 1, Broadcast Wave Format

Technical Data for BWF File Extension

File classification:

Audio

Related files:

wav, bfw, dwf, dpm, midnam, pade

Mime type:

audio/x-wav

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: QuickTime.bwf, FileType: WAV Audio, AppName: QuickTime Player
EXEFile: QuickTimePlayer.exe

ProgramID: ACDSee 7.0.bwf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACD Systems\ACDSee\7.0\ACDSee7.exe %1

ProgramID: QuickTime.bwf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\QUICKT~1\QuickTimePlayer.exe %1

ProgramID: QuickTime.bwf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe %1

ProgramID: QuickTime.bwf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\QUICKT~1\MoviePlayer.exe %1

ProgramID: ACDSee 8.0.bwf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACD Systems\ACDSee\8.0\ACDSee8.exe

ProgramID: ACDSee Pro.bwf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACD Systems\ACDSee\8.0.Pro\ACDSee8Pro.exe

ProgramID: ACDSee.bwf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACD Systems\ACDSee\5.0\ACDSee5.exe

Show all 8 listings To Top

a bwf audio recording is a special file format by Avid and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with BWF files

Associate the BWF file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open audio recordings. Because only the current version supports the latest BWF file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Avid manufacturer website after an available Pro Tools update.
To make sure that your BWF file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
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