lookup> .flac

.FLAC·File Extension

FLAC AudioLossless audio codec with open-source licensing.

Extension.flac
File typeFLAC Audio
MIME typeaudio/x-flac
CategoryAudio
Charset
Compressible
Format familyflac

What is a .flac file?

A .flac file is a FLAC Audio — Lossless audio codec with open-source licensing.

In the mime-db registry it maps to audio/x-flac. When serving .flac over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to audio/x-flac — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

  • Use VLC or Audacity to open and edit .flac files.
  • Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: audio/x-flac

Common software that reads/writes .flac:

VLCAudacityfoobar2000
.flacextension of
format
flacserved as
mime type
audio/x-flacsent via header
http header
  • Music and podcasts
  • Sound effects
  • Voice recordings
  • Open the file with VLC, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .flac extension, or export this format from VLC.

What programs can open .flac files?

Common options include VLC, Audacity, foobar2000. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .flac file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .flac extension.

What is the relationship between .flac and the audio/x-flac MIME type?

audio/x-flac is the media type identifier used for .flac files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Updated 2026-08-18

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