flac

Encode WAV to FLAC

$ flac [audio.wav]

$ flac -d [audio.flac]

$ flac -8 [audio.wav]

$ flac --fast [audio.wav]

$ flac -t [audio.flac]

$ flac --tag="ARTIST=[Name]" --tag="TITLE=[Song]" [audio.flac]

$ flac -o [output.flac] [input.wav]

flac [options] files...

flac encodes and decodes audio in the Free Lossless Audio Codec format. FLAC provides lossless compression, meaning the audio is identical to the original after decoding.
The tool handles encoding, decoding, testing, and metadata operations. FLAC files are typically 50-60% of the original size while maintaining perfect audio fidelity.

-d, --decode

Decode FLAC to WAV.

Test file integrity.

Analyze file.

Compression level (0=fast, 8=best).

Same as -0.

Same as -8.

Output file name.

Add metadata tag.

Delete input after encoding.

Suppress output.

Verify during encoding.

Higher compression levels slower but not much smaller. Decoding speed consistent regardless of level. Some players don't support all FLAC features.

FLAC was created by Josh Coalson starting in 2000. It became the leading open source lossless audio format, gaining support in most media players and devices. The project became part of the Xiph.Org Foundation alongside Ogg Vorbis.

sox(1), lame(1), ffmpeg(1), metaflac(1)