What's an OGG File and How Do You Open One? (original) (raw)

What to Know

• Some OGG files are Ogg Vorbis compressed audio files.
• Open one with VLC and other media players.
• Convert to MP3, WAV, M4A, etc., with Zamzar.

This article explains two formats that use the OGG file extension, including how to open and convert both types.

What Is an OGG File?

A file with the OGG file extension is an Ogg Vorbis compressed uudio file used for holding audio data. They can include artist and track information.

The word "Vorbis" pertains to the encoding scheme provided by the developers of the OGG format, Xiph.org. OGG files that aren't considered Vorbis can include other audio compression types like FLAC and Speex, and may use the .OGA file extension.

If not an audio file, the OGG file could instead be an Origin graph file. This type isn't played in a media player, but instead opened with a graphing program.

How to Open an OGG File

If you open an online OGG file or drag a local one into Chrome, Opera, or Firefox, you can play the file without having to download a separate program. Other web browsers probably work similarly.

A different route is to use a dedicated audio program. Lots of music players and audio software can play OGG files, such as VLC, Windows Media Player (with Directshow filter), MPlayer, Xion Audio Player, Audials One, and Adobe Audition. You can also play OGG files online through Google Drive.

Some of those programs can open this file type on Macs, too, including Roxio Toast and Elmedia Player. Programs like Miro and VLC support playback on Linux, as well as Totem and Amarok.

GPS devices and other media players probably support this format, but Apple devices don't. This means you have to install an app like VLC or OPlayer HD to play OGG files on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Origin is the program needed to open OGG files that are graph files. Origin Viewer is a free program from the same company that develops Origin, that lets you view and copy information from an OGG file.

Modern versions of Origin (beginning in v2018) save graphs in the OGGU format instead, but the same viewer program, as well as Origin and Origin Pro, can open that format, too.

How to Convert an OGG File

Some free audio file converters let you convert an OGG file to MP3, WAV, MP4, and other similar formats. The easiest way is to use an online converter like FileZigZag or Zamzar.

For example, you can convert OGG files online with FileZigZag to several formats in addition to the ones just mentioned, like WMA, OPUS, M4R, M4A, AAC, and AIFF. Zamzar works the same way.

You can also convert OGG files with a downloadable program if you'd rather not upload your files online, or if you need to convert in bulk. Through the free audio file converters link mentioned above, you can find converters like Free Audio Converter and MediaHuman Audio Converter.

Origin OGG files can be saved to OTP with the Origin program, through File > Save Template As. This produces an Origin Graph Template file.

Still Can't Open It?

If your file isn't opening with the suggestions from above, make sure the file extension says .OGG and not something similar like these:

• OGS (Origons movie data): Ant Movie Catalog
• OGZ (Cube 2 map): Cube 2: Sauerbraten
• OGF (S.T.A.L.K.E.R. model): OGF Master
• GOOD (encrypted Scatter ransomware): ScatterDecryptor

Even though those, and probably many others, share some of the same file extension letters as OGG files, it doesn't mean they're related at all or that they can be opened or converted with the same programs. They might be able to, but chances are good that you need to research those file formats specifically in order to see which applications were built to open them.

More Information on OGG Vorbis Files

OGG Vorbis also functions as a container format meant to replace the OGG format. It can hold streams of audio, video, and subtitles or other text. These types of multiplexed media files use the OGX file extension.

OGG Vorbis multiplexed media files and can be opened with VLC, Windows Media Player, and QuickTime.

The OGG media file format that uses the .OGM file extension is a bit different from the other formats I mentioned above. While it, too, can be played with VLC and older versions of Windows Media Player, Xiph.org doesn't support the format because it doesn't fall within the boundaries of the OGG specification.

The MOGG file extension is used in some video games when multiple OGG files are stored in the same file.

FAQ

• With Zamzar's OGG converter, you can convert over 40 file formats to OGG, including AAC and MIDI files. When you're ready, click Choose Files to pick what to convert > select Convert To and pick ogg > and then click Convert Now.
• Go to the file browser in the Blender software > select File > Open > and choose the OGG file to import. You can also use the Ctrl+O keyboard shortcut to open an OGG file in Blender.

Thanks for letting us know!

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

Subscribe