File extension iff

Name: Audio Files

Popularity: 10

Open With: Ultra File Opener

What is this iff file?

The IFF file extension is common to numerous text image and audio files used by various programs. IFF stands for Interchange File Format and as the name suggests, it allows the transfer of data even between different software. The Electronic Arts Company created the IFF file format in 1985. The company sought to make life easier for the programmers and end users, by allowing a new version of a program to read data files even if they are from older versions. Files with the .iff file extension would not be tied to a particular product, because different programs are able to read data files that were created using IFF compliant software. In other words, the IFF file extension makes it possible for a set data to be read by many unrelated programs.The IFF file extension is helpful for software developers, because it provides standard interchange file format. Media projects nowadays demand high quality detailed data. Standard interchange file formats help keep the cost of data development down by allowing sharing across projects. The IFF file extension also benefits the software users, by letting them to move their data between differently developed software products. Data libraries that users paid for could be used across those different products.IFF files start with an ID that identifies it as an IFF file, then by an ID that reveals which type of file it is. The ID used is four printable ASCII characters. All files with the .iff extension start with 'FORM', 'LIST' or 'CAT '. These IDs are also known as group chunks. Files with the .iff file extension are binary files. Sizes are encoded at the head of chunks to simplify processing when writing, but could make it hard to write files. IFF files are essentially built up from these chunks that may contain text, numerical, or raw data. Programs can skip over a chunk if they don't know how to handle it. FORM states the format of the file, LIST details the properties of the file, and CAT contains the rest of the data. Apple Quick Time Player may open files with the .iff file extension for both Windows and MAC OS.

Name: Image Files

Popularity: 1

Open With: XnView

What is this iff file?

Wavefront Technologies was a computer graphics company that developed and sold animation software used in Hollywood motion pictures and other industries. In 1995, Wavefront Technologies was purchased by Silicon Graphics and merged with Alias Research to form Alias|Wavefront.

Name: Image Files

Popularity: 1

Open With: XnView

What is this iff file?

Sun TAAC image file format.