# Audio Change Sample Format Change audio sample format/bit depth (e.g., s16, s24, s32, fltp) > Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-change-sample-format - **Category:** Media - **Keywords:** audio, sample format, bit depth, pcm ## Overview This tool changes the sample format and bit depth of audio files. It accepts WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, and OPUS inputs and converts them to formats like signed 16-bit (s16), 24-bit (s24), 32-bit (s32), float (flt), or float planar (fltp). ## Inputs - **Audio File** (file): Select audio (WAV/FLAC/MP3/OGG/OPUS) - **Sample Format** (select) - **Keep Metadata** (checkbox) ## When to use - When you need to convert audio to a specific bit depth for compatibility with hardware or software that requires formats like s24 or fltp. - When preparing audio for professional editing or mastering where higher bit depth (e.g., s32) preserves quality during processing. - When reducing bit depth to s16 to optimize file size for storage or streaming without significant quality loss. ## How it works - Upload an audio file in a supported format (WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, or OPUS), up to 125 MB. - Select the desired sample format from the dropdown, such as s16, s24, s32, flt, or fltp. - Optionally check the 'Keep Metadata' box to preserve tags like artist and title in the output file. - Process the file to download the converted audio with the new sample format. ## Use cases - Converting podcast recordings from MP3 to s24 WAV for high-quality editing in digital audio workstations. - Reducing bit depth of FLAC files to s16 for efficient web streaming or mobile playback. - Preparing audio for specific devices, such as converting to fltp format for compatibility with certain hardware players. ## Frequently asked questions ### What audio file formats can I upload? You can upload WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG, or OPUS files, with a maximum size of 125 MB. ### What does sample format or bit depth mean? Sample format defines how audio data is stored; bit depth affects dynamic range and precision, with higher values like s24 offering more detail. ### Can I keep the original metadata like song titles? Yes, enable the 'Keep Metadata' option to retain tags such as artist, album, and track information in the converted file. ### What is the default sample format if I don't choose one? The default is signed 16-bit (s16), which is widely compatible and balances quality with file size. ### Is there a limit on file size or number of files? Yes, each file must be under 125 MB, and you can process one file at a time per conversion. ## Related tools - [Audio Channel Resample](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-channel-resample): Change the number of channels (mono/stereo) while keeping the same format - [Audio Codec Swap](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-codec-swap): Change the codec of an audio file within a chosen output format - [Batch Audio Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-batch-converter): Convert multiple audio files between different formats like MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG, Opus with quality settings and batch processing - [Audio Bit Depth Reducer](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-bit-depth-reducer): Reduce the bit depth of an audio file (e.g., 24-bit to 16-bit) - [Audio Resample](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-resample): Change the sample rate of an audio file (e.g., 44.1kHz to 22.05kHz) - [Audio Dither](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-dither): Apply dithering during bit depth reduction - [Audio Chord Progression Detector](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-chord-progression-detector): Estimate an audio file's chord sequence locally and download CSV, JSON, SVG, and method notes in one ZIP. - [Audio Melody Contour Extractor](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/audio-melody-contour-extractor): Extract a dominant melody path from audio and export MIDI, note events, a pitch contour, SVG, and JSON in one ZIP. ## Samples - [Copyright-Free WAV Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/wav-samples): Uncompressed PCM WAV audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free FLAC Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/flac-samples): Lossless FLAC audio samples for testing and development, mirrored from MP3 set with nature sounds and meditation music - [Copyright-Free MP3 Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/mp3-samples): Collection of royalty-free audio samples for testing and development purposes including nature sounds, meditation music, and ambient audio - [Copyright-Free Raw PCM Audio Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/pcm-samples): Raw PCM s16le audio samples featuring nature ambience and relaxing music for waveform, playback, and conversion workflows ## Related content - [Audio Encoding and Format Conversion Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-convert): Compare audio format conversion, bitrate changes, sample-rate conversion, codec swaps, and export tools in one hub for delivery and archive workflows. - [Voice Codec, PCM, and Legacy Audio Compatibility Workflows](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/voice-codec-pcm-compatibility): Diagnose codec and sample-format mismatches, convert AMR and GSM voice files, bridge PCM and WAV, and prepare legacy DTS or DSD assets for delivery. - [Audio Editing and Cleanup Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-utility): Compare audio trimming, silence removal, fades, mixing, and denoise tools in one hub for podcast, voiceover, and music cleanup workflows. - [Audio Preview, Tone, and Effect Generator Tools](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/audio-generate): Compare audio preview generation, silence creation, ringtone building, fingerprinting, loudness reports, and effect-style audio generators in one hub.