File with an .MP3 extension contains audio data stored in a compressed format with Layer 3 – a triple-layer data compression standard developed by the Picture Experts group in the year 1993, it gain popularity in the year 1997, thanks to Winamp program. This format supports different data transmission speeds: 128, 160, 192 and 256 kbps and it may store sound in quality compliant with CDs – 16bit stereo.

MP3 file is one of the most popular sound storing format, it is supported by most devices and applications dedicated for playing and also creating music. Due to good compression, it enables storing sound in a similar quality, but of a much lower volume files than in case of AIF or WAF formats.