FLAC
Lossless music files
FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec, a file format that compresses audio without sacrificing quality.
Unlike MP3, which discards data to shrink files, FLAC preserves every detail of the original recording while still reducing file size.
Audiophiles and archivists prefer it: I keep my music collection in FLAC.
The format is open-source and widely supported.
Retaining all original information
- codecData compression algorithm
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- audioTransmitted sound content
- fileStored collection of data
extension · encoding · decoder · encoder · bitstream · container · metadata · tags
Retaining all original information
- qualityStandard or attribute
- fidelityLoyalty or exactness
- hi-resHigh-definition, casually
- transparencyState of being see-through
uncompressed · archival · master · original · purist · reference · listening · DAC
Digital storage amount
- archivingStoring for long-term keeping
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- libraryBook collection or building
- NASNetwork-linked storage device
server · collection · ripping · organizing · tagging · metadata · discography · cataloging
lossless
Retaining all original information
- codecData compression algorithm
- compressionForcing into smaller space
- audioTransmitted sound content
file · extension · encoding · decoder · encoder · bitstream · container · metadata · tags · specification
lossless
Retaining all original information
transparency · uncompressed · archival · master · original · purist · reference · listening · DAC · headphones
filesize
Digital storage amount
- archivingStoring for long-term keeping
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- libraryBook collection or building
NAS · server · collection · ripping · organizing · tagging · metadata · discography · cataloging · preservation
transcoding
Media format conversion process
tagger · streaming · Bandcamp · Tidal · downloading · playback · compatibility · support · plugin