WV file format: what it is and how to use it

WavPack is the Swiss-army lossless codec: bit-perfect compression plus a unique hybrid mode that pairs a lossy file with a correction file. Learn when to use it and what to choose instead.

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What is a WV file?

A .wv file is audio compressed with WavPack, David Bryant's open lossless codec (1998) with two tricks nobody else has: excellent compression plus optional hybrid mode, where a .wv lossy file pairs with a .wvc correction file to restore bit-perfect quality. It handles float audio, DSD and surround, the power user's lossless format.

When should you use WV?

  • Lossless with options: hybrid mode gives portable + perfect in one system.
  • Float and hi-res audio: formats FLAC handles less natively.
  • Open-source lossless: fully open, well-supported in players.

When is another format a better fit?

For mainstream lossless, FLAC is the standard with wider support. For Apple libraries ALAC; for listening copies MP3/AAC. WavPack rewards the enthusiast who needs its special modes.

The short version: WV is the flexible lossless codec: hybrid mode and float support for those who need them, FLAC for everyone else.

How to open a WV file

On Windows

Double-click the file, or open it with Foobar2000.

On macOS

VLC opens WV files on macOS.

In your browser

Open WV files right in a browser tab or with the dexrr viewer. No install, no upload.

Also opens in

  • Foobar2000
  • VLC
  • WavPack tools
  • JRiver

View or convert WV files

A quick preview or a new format. No install, no upload.

View WV files Preview and inspect WV files Convert to WV Turn files into WV WV to FLAC Free Lossless Audio Codec WV to ALAC Apple Lossless Audio Codec WV to APE Monkey's Audio WV to WAV Waveform Audio File

WV technical details

Full name
WavPack audio
Extensions
.wv
MIME type
audio/wavpack, audio/x-wavpack
Magic bytes
77 76 70 6B (wvpk)
Compression
Lossless
Developer
David Bryant
Specification
www.wavpack.com

WV questions, answered

How do I open a .wv file?

foobar2000, VLC, JRiver and FFmpeg players decode it; stock OS players often do not. dexrr plays and converts wv files directly in your browser.

Can I convert WV files online?

Yes, dexrr converts wv locally in your browser: WV to FLAC for universal lossless, WV to WAV for editing or WV to MP3 for sharing.

What is WavPack hybrid mode?

A .wv lossy file plus a .wvc correction file. Together they reconstruct the original bit-perfectly. It is a portable copy and a master in one pair.

Is WavPack better than FLAC?

For special cases (float audio, hybrid mode), yes; for mainstream use, FLAC's universal support wins. Both are lossless and open.

Is the WV format outdated?

Stable and maintained, a niche but healthy codec for users who need its specific features.