.PKF File Extension
Audition Peak File
Developer | Adobe |
Popularity |
3.6 | 19 Votes |
Category | Audio Files |
Format | Binary |
What is a PKF file?
A PKF file is a "peak file," or audio visualization, generated by Adobe Audition, an audio production application. The data contained in a PKF file is used to display the waveform of a corresponding .WAV file in Audition's Editor window. Audition automatically creates an accompanying PKF file whenever you import an audio file.
PKF files do not contain any actual audio data. Instead, they contain data used to display a WAV file's waveform. After generating a PKF file, Adobe Audition does not need to re-render a WAV file's waveform each time the file is opened. This allows Audition to load previously processed WAV files, and projects that contain them, more quickly.
Adobe introduced the PKF format in Adobe Audition CS5.5. It is similar to the .PK format used by previous versions of Audition, but contains floating-point data and can display waveform data for audio signals above 0dB. Since PKF files use a newer file format than PK files, they are recognized only by Audition CS5.5 and later.
NOTE: Adobe Premiere Pro also creates and uses PKF files.
How to open a PKF file
PKF files are normally hidden from users and are not meant to be opened. Adobe Audition automatically creates or loads the correct PKF files when you import an audio file or open a project.
What if I accidentally delete a PKF file?
If you accidentally delete one of Adobe Audition's PKF files, don't worry. The program will automatically create a replacement the next time that PKF file is needed.
How do I stop Adobe Audition from creating PKF files?
Eventually, PKF files can end up taking up a substantial amount of space on your computer. If you want to stop Adobe Audition from automatically creating new PKF files:
- Select Edit → Preferences → Media & Disk Cache...
- Uncheck the Save Peak Files checkbox.
- Select OK.
Keep in mind that stopping Audition from creating PKF files may cause WAV files and Audition projects to load more slowly, as Audition will have to re-render waveforms each time it loads a WAV file.