HCOM to CAF Converter
Processing entirely on your device — large files may take a moment.
Sound Tools HCOM and Core Audio Format exist for different jobs: HCOM is the Sound Tools compressor format from the late 1980s Mac — FIR-decimated delta-modulation samples that almost nothing modern reads. Convert CAF files to WAV or MP3 for use outside the Apple ecosystem.
This converter runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly — your files never leave your device, nothing is uploaded, and there are no watermarks, sign-ups or queues. Drop in several files at once to convert them as a batch.
How HCOM compares to CAF
| HCOM | CAF | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Sound Tools HCOM container | caff header + chunk table |
| Compatibility | ffmpeg, archive tools | afconvert, Logic Pro, ffmpeg |
| Best for | Rescuing legacy audio | Apple pro-audio workflows |
How to convert HCOM to CAF
- 1
Select your files
Drag & drop your HCOM files onto the area above, or click to browse. You can add multiple files at once for batch conversion.
- 2
Convert instantly
Click "Convert to CAF". The conversion runs entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly — no upload, no queue, no waiting.
- 3
Download results
Download each converted CAF file individually, or grab everything at once as a ZIP archive.
About the HCOM format
HCOM is the Sound Tools compressor format from the late 1980s Mac — FIR-decimated delta-modulation samples that almost nothing modern reads.
ffmpeg decodes it natively inside your browser — the audio track is re-encoded to your chosen format with nothing ever uploaded.
+ Strengths
- ✓Decoded natively by ffmpeg
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser
- ✓Free, private, no watermarks
! Limitations
- −Legacy niche format
- −Modern tools rarely open it
- −Keep the original for archival round-trips
About the CAF format
CAF (Core Audio Format) is Apple's container for pro audio: 64-bit file offsets for recordings of any length, any codec as payload (PCM, ALAC, AAC), and time-stamped MIDI-style event chunks. Logic Pro exports it and macOS system sounds ship in it.
ffmpeg decodes the common PCM/ALAC payload variants, converting CAF to WAV or MP3 for use in any non-Apple DAW, player or web player.
+ Strengths
- ✓64-bit offsets — no size ceilings
- ✓Native to Logic Pro pipelines
- ✓Flexible codec payload
! Limitations
- −Apple-centric — rare outside macOS
- −Some CAF variants (UUID chunks) unsupported
- −Tag metadata Apple-specific
Why convert HCOM to CAF?
Think of it as moving your file to the container that fits the job. Legacy niche format CAF works differently: 64-bit offsets — no size ceilings If any of that sounds like your task, run the conversion — it takes seconds and nothing leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this HCOM to CAF converter really free?
Yes — completely free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily conversion limits. The site is supported by advertising.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your files never leave your device — that is what makes it instant and private.
Does it work on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android?
Yes. Anything with a modern browser works: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. No software installation is required.
Is there a file size limit for HCOM to CAF?
The only limit is your device's memory, since nothing is uploaded. Files up to a few hundred megabytes work fine on a modern desktop browser; very large files simply take a little longer.
Are tags like title and artist preserved?
Tag handling varies between target formats and this conversion focuses on the audio itself. For archival copies where tags matter, keep the original file; the converted copy is for playback and sharing.
Can I convert a whole folder of HCOM files?
You can select many files at once and they are processed in a single batch. Output files land in one ZIP download when there is more than one result.