What is a BWF file?
A .BWF file is a Broadcast Wave File. It is a professional audio file format created by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). It extends the standard .WAV audio format by adding metadata. This metadata includes timecodes, scene descriptions, and creator information. Professional film and television production environments use this format to synchronize audio and video tracks.
How to open BWF files?
Most audio players can play the audio inside a .BWF file because the audio data is standard. However, to read the embedded timecodes and metadata, you need professional audio editing software like Pro Tools, Nuendo, or Audacity.
If you do not have professional software installed, viewer.online/bwf analyzes .BWF files to identify their exact format and creator software, shows which programs can open the file, and usually previews it directly in your browser.
Software and tools
You can inspect and edit the metadata in a .BWF file using open-source tools like BWF MetaEdit. If you simply need to play the audio on a consumer device, we recommend file conversion to sensible target formats like .MP3, .FLAC, or a standard .WAV file on convert.guru.
Summary
Because .BWF files use the known RIFF format, viewer.online/bwf can safely open and display them online, eliminating compatibility problems.