Open AC3 files

Full name

Dolby Digital Sound Format
Developer

N/A
Popularity

Have you encountered a problem with a AC3 file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a AC3 file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your AC3 file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is AC3 file?

The file extension AC3 identifies audio files in the so-called Adaptive Transform Coder 3 format. It is a lossy coding process from Dolby Laboratories for digital multichannel audio streams.

More info

The AC3 sound format is mainly used for digital sound transmission in the TV area as well as DVDs and BluRays. It supports up to 6 channels (Dolby Digital EX up to 8), with 3 front, 2 rear channels and one for the subwoofer. Therefore, the usual 5.1 is often indicated with 3 / 2.1.
On DVDs and BluRays AC3 files are hard to find, as the audio streams are contained in the respective container (vob or M2ts). Ac3 files are mainly used in the production of video files, DVDs and BluRays for integration into other containers.
Only for music files AC3 is often used directly, as many media boxes as well as DVD and BluRay players can play AC3 files directly.
It should be noted that some programs can not load AC3 files directly, but need a plugin, such as Quicktime or Windows Media Player (ac3filter).

Programs which can open a AC3 file

Windows

Linux

Mac OS

Android

VLC media player

How to open file with AC3 extension?

In order to open a file with AC3 extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening AC3 file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with AC3 files, follow the instructions below.

Install QuickTime Player or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening AC3 files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support AC3 files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of AC3 files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set QuickTime Player as the default program for opening AC3 files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate AC3 files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the QuickTime Player applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where QuickTime Player has been installed.

Check the section that lists most common problems with AC3 files

Sometimes problems with opening AC3 files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

File data is corrupted
AC3 files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open AC3 files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
AC3 file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)