An identifier FourCC ( Character FURNACE Codes , sequence of four characters) is a sequence of four bytes used to identify a format of computer data. Historically, this system was creates for the format IF of Amiga. It was then included with a same aim by Apple for its format AIFF and by Microsoft for its format RIFF.

The files AVI being an example of file RIFF, they comprise FourCC identifiers to indicate the Codecs vidéos used, in particular DivX, Xvid or H264. It is this use which is most known today. For the codecs audios, the files AVI and WAV use one identifant of only two bytes, generally coded in Hexadécimal. For example, the very widespread codec MP3 is identified by code 0055.

External bonds

• FourCC.org, very complete site on FourCC in the video files
• List of FourCC recorded at Microsoft