Topic: Soundforge .sfk Files

[gratefulphish]

It seems that each time that I open a recording in Soundforge, it then saves a small .sfk file in the same directory.  Is there any purpose to them, or can I just delete them to avoid the clutter? TIA

[wheresjerry]

I have noticed these files too, and have deleted them with no problem.  I don't really know what they are for, since the only files I use with Soundforge 8 are wav files, so I deleted them......

[dgodwin]

I think they are the peak files, similar to the .pk files if you use cool edit/audition.  They just allow you to open up the files faster.  If you delete them, or rename either them or the wav, when you open up the wav file, at the beginning, you'll notice a "building peaks" bar which takes a few seconds. 

from the glossary:

Peak Data File

The file created by Sound Forge software when a file is opened for the first time. This file stores the information regarding the graphic display of the waveform so that opening a file is almost instantaneous. This file is stored in the directory where the audio file resides and has an .sfk extension. If this file is not in the same directory as the audio file or is deleted, it will be recalculated the next time you open the file.

[wheresjerry]

AH-ha!  Sounds convincing to me! 

[gratefulphish]

Thank you and +T, so I can delete them, particularly when I am done editing.

[Gordon]

wavelab does the same thing.

[cbd]

ok to delete after you finish the editing & save. I think I mistakenly tried to delete pre edit one time & it screwed things up

[OFOTD]

.sfk files -

Stores the waveform image of an audio wave (.WAV) file saved by Sound Forge or a Sony digital media device; created when an audio file is opened with Sound Forge; stored in the same folder with the same name as the audio file, but with ".sfk" added after the original extension.

SFK files are used by Sound Forge to visually represent audio data, but are not meant to be opened or edited manually; SFK files do not contain any actual audio data.

If the related audio file is modified in a different program, you can regenerate the peak file by selecting "Rebuild Peak Data" from the Special menu in Sound Forge.

Both Sound Forge and ACID Pro use sfk files.

There is a setting in Sound Forge preferences to suppress the creation of SFK files.  The load times of a audio file a significantly quicker WITH the sfk files.

[Gordon]

wavelab does the same thing.

just checked and in wavelab they are .gpk files.  samething.  if you delete it it will have to build the peaks again.

[StuStu]

Thanks for the info. I usually delete them as well, it's good to know what they are.