Opening an SHN File

The SHN file type is primarily associated with Shorten.

SHNFile Extension SHN
File extension: SHN
File type:  compressed audio archive

What is an SHN file

SHN files mostly belong to Shorten. An SHN file is a compressed audio archive that uses the Shorten algorithm. It stores audio data in a lossless format, which means that when the file is decoded, the audio is reproduced without loss in quality.
This format is mainly used for archiving live music recordings and other high-quality audio sources. The structure of the file preserves precise sound details even after compression.
  • These files are created using the Shorten tool, a command-line utility that compresses audio data effectively.
  • The format is favored by communities that record live performances.
  • Many users convert SHN files to formats such as FLAC for wider compatibility.
  • FilExt.com tip: For additional details, visit the related webpage.

    How to open SHN files

    You need a suitable software like Shorten to open an SHN 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 SHN file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SHN file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

    Online SHN File Viewer

    Choose your .shn file to play

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    How to convert SHN files to MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AAC, AIFF, ...

    If you want to convert or edit an SHN file, you can use our free Online SHN File Converter (powered by Convert.Guru):
    1. Just click the "Choose your .shn file to play" button on this page.
    2. Your SHN file will then be displayed in the browser.
    3. Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
    4. Then choose the audio format (e.g. MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AAC, AIFF, ...) you want.
    5. Your file will be converted and downloaded.

    Programs that open and convert SHN files:

    1. Shorten
      See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SHN files are often referred to as Shorten audios because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
    2. Shorten (Audio Compression File) by SoftSound Limited
      Shorten (aka SHN) is a file format used to losslessly compress CD-quality audio files (44.1 kHz 16-bit stereo WAV). The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 61 6A 6B 67 02 FB, ASCII: ajkg. Related links: Additional, SHN and MD5 FAQ, ShnAmp WinAmp Plug-in, Shorten Information

    SHN file format:

    Each file has a definite file format, that is, how the stored data is arranged in the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). Frequently, however, one file extension is used by different programs for different file formats, and one file format for different file extensions. Knowledge is power - this also applies when dealing with unknown or faulty files. In the following you will find our evaluation of the SHN files:

    The SHN file extension is not common and predominantly uses a uniform format. The following file formats are most commonly found in SHN files:

    All other SHN files (30%) have no uniform format. Often described as item, info, quest or data. If you want to find out what your SHN file contains, drag and drop it onto this page.

    Technical Data for SHN File Extension

    File classification:
    Audio
    Identifier:
    Hex: 61 6A 6B 67 02 FB, ASCII: ajkg (provided by TrID database)
    Related files:

    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: foobar2000.shn
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Audio\foobar2000\foobar2000.exe %1

    ProgramID: shnfile
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\NCH Swift Sound\WavePad\wavepad.exe %L

    ProgramID: MediaCenter.11.File
    EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\system32\MC11.exe /Play

    ProgramID: foobar2000.shn
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\foobar2000\foobar2000.exe

    ProgramID: MediaCenter.11.File
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\K-Lite Codec Pack\Media Player Classic\mplayerc.exe

    ProgramID: mplayerc.shn
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ringz Studio\Storm Codec\mplayerc.exe


    an shn compressed audio archive is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

    How to solve problems with SHN files

    • Associate the SHN file extension with the correct application.
    • Update your software that should actually open compressed audio archives. Because only the current version supports the latest SHN file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Shorten update.
    • To make sure that your SHN file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
    • Click here to open your .SHN file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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    SHN file viewer SHN file description