FLAC file icon

FLAC File Extension

Free Lossless Audio Codec Format

What is FLAC file?

There are lots of Audio Codec available on the internet, but FLAC stands out amongst them in quality. They are almost like the MP3, an Audio Codec, but the difference is that, this is a compressed format but still it does not lose any of the qualities of the original audio. You can only open them on devices or applications that will support the FLAC system but with a better compression performance and better quality of audio, this is what you should be looking for. This is truly one of the widely used and fastest codec amongst them all and you can surely trust the quality to use them.

Programs which support FLAC file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with FLAC files, divided into 5 categories based on operating system on which they are available. FLAC files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 10/31/2019

How to open file with FLAC extension?

Being unable to open files with FLAC extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Free Lossless Audio Codec Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Adobe Audition software

Install software to open FLAC file The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports FLAC files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Audition or different compatible program, such as Winamp, VLC media player, Foobar2000. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Adobe Audition installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Adobe Audition and update if needed

Update software that support file extension FLACIf the problems with opening FLAC files still occur even after installing Adobe Audition, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Audition is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why FLAC files are not compatible with Adobe Audition. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Audition.

Step 3. Set the default application to open FLAC files to Adobe Audition

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate FLAC files with latest version of Adobe Audition you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Associate software with FLAC file on Windows

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

  • Right-click the FLAC file and choose Open with option
  • Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
  • The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Adobe Audition is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open FLAC files and clicking OK.
Associate software with FLAC file on Mac

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

  • From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with FLAC extension, select Information
  • Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
  • From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
  • A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with FLAC extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Verify that the FLAC is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the FLAC file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

Check FLAC file for viruses
1. Check the FLAC file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the FLAC file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the FLAC file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the FLAC file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the FLAC file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Adobe Audition

If the systems has insufficient resources to open FLAC files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Free Lossless Audio Codec Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with FLAC files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the FLAC file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on FLAC file.

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