Size limits for WAV and AIFF files

Linked This page is linked to in the Audacity app from the help button in the error dialog when attempting to create a WAV file bigger than 4GB.

Do not rename or delete this page unless and until the corresponding link in the app is changed. Pseudo renames can be achieved with a DISPLAYTITLE. If a rename is absolutely necessary then a redirect must be left behind.

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Peter 21Apr19: This table is replicated on Export Formats supported by Audacity.

WAV and AIFF files are limited to a maximum size of 4GB, see the following table for how this translates to time durations

Aproximate maximum time durations for WAV and AIFF files

Maximum sizes for files in time duration (hours:minutes)

Sample Format	Stereo	Mono
16-bit (default)	6h:45m	13h:31m
24-bit	4h:30m	9h:01m
32-bit	3h:22m	6h:45m

These timings are the theoretical maximum times. You would be well-advised to restrict yourself to slightly lower limits to afford some head-room.

Peter 23Apr19: Table based on 4GB = 4,294,967,296 bytes - see talk page for alternatives