If you’ve ever received a recording of an online meeting, you’ve probably seen an ARF file. These files store video and audio data, attendee lists and more information about the session. Take a closer look at ARF files, what they are and how they compare to other video file types.
An Advanced Recording Format (ARF) file is a container video file that you're only likely to see if you use WebEx software for your video conferences or calls. They're binary files (computer files that aren’t text files) that can combine:
Each separate ARF file can contain up to 24 hours of video recordings, meaning they're large in size and can handle a high volume of data. They're most similar to WRF file types, which are also files that contain video recordings from online calls.
The only difference is that WRFs are files that you create yourself when you decide to record a meeting. ARF files are automatically generated after a call.
The ARF file extension was explicitly created for Webex in 2007. Initially, plans were in place for it to succeed WRF files, but the two extensions now coexist within Webex systems. Today, the ARF extension mainly exists within Webex systems and isn't available outside of Webex-owned recording software. However, there are some exceptions.
Because ARF files can contain a range of different data types, they have a wide variety of uses, despite being exclusive to Webex software.
Meeting records.
Whenever a video call takes place, ARF files help you to keep records of all important meetings, including a list of attendees and everything discussed in the meeting chat. The files even keep a record of screen shares, so you can go back and review what someone presented during the video call, should you need to revisit the information.
Resource storage.
Easy4C Tutor, an online education software, uses ARF file extensions to store its resources. Similarly, the legacy video game Pacmania II uses ARF as a game archive format for saving maps, 3D models, sounds and other game resources.
To open an ARF file, you'll need to install Cisco's WebEx Player on your Windows or Mac device. If you've got the right software and still can't open your ARF files, you may need to right-click or long-press on the file and select “Open with.”
Doing this will allow you to choose WebEx Player from your available apps. But, if you receive a browser link directly to an ARF file, you should be able to play it in your browser without having to download the correct player software.
To create or edit an ARF file, you need to be the host of a video call on Cisco's WebEx Player software and select the Record to Server option when starting your meeting. You can then edit the files within WebEx. Alternatively, you can convert your files to an AVI or MOV file and edit them within Adobe Premiere.
Find out what container types are supported by Adobe Premiere.
Discover one of the most common video file formats out there and explore how you can store large amounts of video and audio in smaller file sizes.
Containing text, vectors and interactive content, SWF files are Adobe Flash animation docs that help you to create multimedia content. Learn more about them.
An AVI file is a form of container video file format that Microsoft created. Explore how they work and how you can use them in your next project.
Standardised by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), MPG video files use a digital format that you can use for your next film project.
Find out more about our video editing software and the types of files you can create and edit with:
Get an overview of the different video files available.
We'll show you which container formats are available.
This is how the MP4 container format works.
Learn more about MOV files and how to use them.
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