WAD File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .WAD
MIME Type application/x-doom
Primary Usage Game Data Archive
Developer id Software
Initial Release 1993
File Structure Linear
Compression None (typically)
Directory Entries Yes
Maximum File Size Dependent on implementation
Main Components Header, Directory, Data
Header Size 12 bytes
Directory Entry Size 16 bytes
Number of Directory Entries Supported No explicit limit
Editable Yes
Supported by Multiple Software Yes
Usage Storage of game maps, textures, sprites, sound effects, and other game data
Types IWAD and PWAD
IWAD Contains the complete game data
PWAD Contains partial data, used to modify or add to the game
Encryption None