Phials documentation
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AI Notice: Most documentation right now was auto-generated by an LLM. Handwritten documentation will be implemented over time on the road to 1.0

Audio

Phials can play many common audio formats in the floating audio player and edit embedded tags in the preview sidebar.

This page covers files such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, M4A, OGG, Opus, AIFF, WMA, and WebM when it is audio-only (and similar types the app recognizes as audio).

Prerequisites

  • The file must be a type the preview treats as audio (it appears under audio-related categories in the browser).
  • Playback uses the floating audio player. Your operating system still controls the overall output device and system volume.
  • If the player cannot decode a file directly, Phials may prepare a compatible cached copy for playback. Tag edits save to the original file.
  • For where previews appear while you browse, see File previews.

Tags in the preview sidebar

When you select an audio file, the preview sidebar shows a Tags section:

  • Editable fields for embedded tag data (title, artist, album, credits, identifiers, and more), grouped by category.
  • Lyrics in a collapsible block (closed by default).
  • Technical read-only fields such as sample rate and bit depth.
  • Cover art - replace or remove embedded artwork; folder sidecar images may still display when no embedded art exists.
  • Save and Revert on the toolbar when you change tags.
  • Play on the toolbar sends the file to the audio player (playback is not embedded in the sidebar).

Unsaved tag changes prompt you before switching to another file.

Audio player

Double-clicking a supported audio file starts playback in the floating player by default. You can also use Play in the Tags toolbar or commands from the context menu.

The player shows cover art (when available), title and artist, seek and volume controls, and an expandable queue.

If Default behaviors sets an audio extension to Preview, Phials still plays through the audio player (there is no separate fullscreen audio preview tab).

Grid thumbnails

Audio files use artwork-or-icon tiles with a small equalizer-style badge in the corner (decorative, not a live meter).

Tips and common questions

  • No artwork: embed cover art in the Tags section, add a sidecar image next to the file (cover.jpg, folder.png, etc.), or use an external tag editor.
  • Wrong title or missing artist: edit tags in the Tags section and click Save.
  • Double-click opens another app: check Default behaviors.