A WAV file primarily stores metadata in its INFO chunk, but it is also flexible enough to embed various other types of metadata, such as XMP data or ID3 tags, within extra chunks.
WAV files, being a derivative of the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), have a structured format composed of chunks. Metadata is typically stored in specific chunks within this structure.
Core WAV Metadata Location
The standard location for metadata in a WAV file is the INFO chunk. This chunk contains common descriptive information about the audio data.
Common types of information found in the INFO chunk can include:
- Artist: The creator of the audio.
- Album: The album the audio belongs to.
- Title: The name of the track.
- Genre: The musical category.
- Year: The recording or release year.
- Comments: General notes about the audio.
- Copyright: Copyright information.
Embedding Other Metadata Types
Beyond the standard INFO chunk, WAV files are designed to be extensible. This means they can embed any kind of metadata in extra chunks. This flexibility allows for the inclusion of more modern or specific metadata formats.
Examples of other metadata types that can be embedded include:
- Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) data: A standard used for storing metadata in various file formats, often found in Adobe products.
- ID3 tags: Commonly associated with MP3 files, but can also be embedded in WAV files in extra chunks. ID3 tags can hold detailed information, including cover art, lyrics, and more.
This ability to embed different metadata types makes WAV a versatile format, even though its primary focus is high-quality audio storage.
Metadata Storage in WAV Files
Here's a simple overview of where metadata resides:
| Metadata Type | Location in WAV File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Metadata | INFO Chunk |
Core information like Artist, Title, Album, Year, etc. |
| Flexible Metadata | Extra Chunks | Any other type of metadata, such as XMP, ID3 tags, or custom information. |
By utilizing both the standard INFO chunk and the ability to embed additional metadata in extra chunks, WAV files can hold a comprehensive range of descriptive data alongside the audio content.
