When you export audio in Audio Editor, the format you choose affects:

  • file size
  • audio quality
  • how easy the file is to share or use in other apps

Some formats are better for sharing, while others are better for quality or further editing.

Quick comparison

Format File size Audio quality Best for
MP3 Small Lower than less compressed formats Sharing, saving space, everyday use
M4A Medium Good balance of size and quality General use, sharing, smaller files with good quality
WAV Large Higher quality Editing, archiving, keeping more original audio detail

Format overview

MP3

MP3 is a compressed audio format.

Best for

  • sharing audio files
  • saving storage space
  • sending files by message or email
  • everyday listening

What to expect

  • smaller file size
  • easier to upload or send
  • some audio quality is lost because of compression

Choose MP3 if file size matters more than maximum audio quality.

M4A

M4A is also a compressed audio format.

Best for

  • general everyday use
  • keeping a good balance between size and quality
  • storing audio without using too much space
  • sharing files while keeping better quality than heavily compressed audio

What to expect

  • smaller files than WAV
  • usually good audio quality
  • a practical middle-ground between MP3 and WAV

Choose M4A if you want a balance between file size and sound quality.

WAV

WAV is a less compressed audio format.

Best for

  • higher-quality exports
  • keeping more of the original sound
  • further editing in audio software
  • archiving important audio files

What to expect

  • much larger file size
  • better audio quality
  • less convenient for quick sharing because the files take more space

Choose WAV if quality is more important than file size.

Which format should I choose?

Choose MP3 if:

  • you want the smallest file
  • you want to share the file quickly
  • you want to save storage space

Choose M4A if:

  • you want a good balance between size and quality
  • you want a practical format for everyday use
  • you want smaller files without using the largest format

Choose WAV if:

  • you want better audio quality
  • you plan to edit the file again later
  • file size is not a problem

If your file is too large

If your exported file is too large, try exporting it again in a more compressed format such as MP3.