FLAC, short for Free Lossless Audio Codec, not only offers the same quality as the original audio file but takes up much less space on your hard drive. However, its limited compatibility often pushes people to convert FLAC to MP3 or other more widely-used audio formats. Such inconveniences seem to be exaggerated for Mac users as Apple devices. There are two different versions for Windows and Mac users separately. Batch convert Hi-Res FLAC files to other popular audio formats, like MP3, AIFF, M4A, AAC, OGG, WMA, WAV, etc. Easy to compress 24bit/96kHz and 24bit/192kHz FLAC files to 16bit, 48kHz/44.1kHz. Convert Hi-Res FLAC files for playback on iPad, iPhone, Android smart phones. This following tutorial will walk you through the steps to make a conversion from APE to ALAC for Mac that can be played on Apple gadgets and applications. The guide is also applies to converting APE to MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, AIFF, AAC, WMA, M4A audio files on Windows or Mac. Step 1: Launch the Software and Import APE Tracks.
by Christine Smith • 2020-09-21 16:04:36 • Proven solutions
How to Convert FLAC to ALAC on Mac using iTunes. FLAC is not natively supported in iTunes. We’ve offered an efficient way to convert FLAC to MP3 for easier playback using All2MP3 for Mac. However, if for some reason, you have to convert FLAC to ALAC or you insist using lossless formats, you can convert FLAC to ALAC using iTunes on Mac.
Convert any FLAC file to other audio/sound formats like MP3 As the professional FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) conversion tool, it can convert any FLAC audio to MP3, WAV, Apple Lossless (ALAC), iTunes, AIFF, AC3, AU, M4A, MP3, OGG, RA, and WMA. Extract and convert any Video/Music Files like MP4 to FLAC.
FLAC, short for Free Lossless Audio Codec, not only offers the same quality as the original audio file but takes up much less space on your hard drive. However, its limited compatibility often pushes people to convert FLAC to MP3 or other more widely-used audio formats. Such inconveniences seem to be exaggerated for Mac users as Apple devices can't recognize nor play it. We collect 6 FLAC converters for you to convert FLAC to Mac supported formats without any hassle to help you out.
Part 1. Recommend FLAC Converter to Convert FLAC Video on Mac/Windows
If you want to convert your FLAC audio file with great and high-quality results, Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is the best FLAC converter for Mac and Windows. It stands out among other video converter programs with 30X times faster speed without quality loss. If you often visit video-hosting sites like YouTube, you'll love their one-click download, which allows you to download videos directly for offline playback.
Wondershare UniConverter - Best FLAC to MP3 Converter
Convert FLAC to MP3 and other 1000+ audio formats like M4A/WAV/M4B/AAC with simple Mac steps.
Compress FLAC files to a smaller size without losing any quality.
Download YouTube videos and playlists to MP3 and other audio formats by pasting the URL.
Edit FLAC audio files before converting with trimming and adjusting volume.
Transfer audio and video files from Mac to iPhone/Android devices easily via a USB cable.
Convert FLAC audio files in batch with super fast speed.
Versatile toolbox combines fixed video metadata, GIF maker, cast video to TV, CD burner, and screen recorder.
Supported OS: Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista.
Security Verified, 5,942,222 people have downloaded it
How to Convert FLAC to MP3/AIFF with Wondershare FLAC Converter
The following guide will show you how to convert FLAC files on Mac within 3 simple steps.
Step 1 Add FLAC Audio to Convert
Launch Wondershare FLAC Converter on your Mac, then click the Add Files button on the upper left to add FLAC video to convert to MP3. Or you can also directly drag and drop your desired FLAC audio to the FLAC to MP3 converter.
Step 2 Choose MP3/AIFF as Output Format
Click on the down-arrow button on the bottom and choose MP3 or other audio formats as you like under the Audio tab. The output audio quality can also be chosen here. If you want to batch convert all FLAC files to the same audio format, you can click on the Start all button.
Step 3 Start Converting FLAC to Other Formats
Now click on the Start All button to start converting FLAC to MP3, AIFF, or any format you want on your Mac system, the converting process will be finished within a few seconds, and you can switch to the Finished tab to locate the converted .flac files on your Mac.
If you want to know how to play FLAC files directly, here are Top 30 Flac Player for Windows/Mac/iOS/Android >> you cannot miss.
Part 2. 5 Common Free FLAC Converters for Mac
1. All2MP3
Key Features: Using AppleScript, this MP3 audio converter converts PC, APE, WV, FLAC, OGG, WMA, AIFF, and WAV files to MP3, which is one of the most popular and compatible audio formats available.
Pros:
It's free
Easy to use
Supports drag and drop
Cons:
It can only convert to MP3, which excludes many other, better, Apple compatible formats with better quality
You can't convert large batches of FLAC files at once
2. Switch Audio File Converter Software
Key Features: Switch is a free audio converter program that converts multiple audio formats, including FLAC to MP3. Its paid version offers more versatility, but the free one is limited to converting only to MP3.
Pros:
It is totally free to use
Various formats can be converted
Easy to use
Cons:
The free version only converts to MP3, limiting your options
Additional features are only free to try out
It installs additional software behind your back
3. X Lossless Decoder
Key Features: This music converter can decode, convert, or play various 'lossless' audio formats on Mac OS, and help to convert FLAC to MP3 and other more compatible audio formats.
Pros:
You can choose from multiple output formats when converting
It's free
Cons:
Interface is complicated
You can only convert lossless audio formats, which limits its functionality
4. MediaHuman Audio Converter for Mac
Key Features: MediaHuman Audio Converter is a free FLAC converter that helps you convert FLAC to AIFF, AAC, WAV, OGG, WMA, and other popular or lossless audio formats.
Pros:
It's 100% free to use
It supports multiple file conversion at once
You can use it to extract audio track from videos.
Cons:
This program is not easy to use
Slow and unreliable at times
5. fre:ac
Key Features: fre:ac is a professional FLAC converter Mac, which combines free audio converter and CD ripper into Mac OS. Apart from FLAC, it also supports MP3, MP4/M4A, WMA, AAC, WAV, OGG, and Bonk audio formats to convert your FLAC file.
Pros:
A totally free FLAC converter program
Integrated option to rip audio CDs
Cons:
Supports a few audio formats
Part 3. External Knowledge on Limitation of Free FLAC Converter
It doesn't take a genius to notice that almost any free FLAC converters share the following limitations although they are easy to use:
Various limitations prevent you from enjoying the full features of FLAC converter Mac.
Slower converting speed than desktop FLAC converters, especially when converting large or multiple files
Poor support of development results in unstable user experience
Inevitable audio quality loss after free FLAC conversion
Unlike free FLAC converter, Wondershare UniConverter provides an ultra-fast and smooth experience of converting FLAC to MP3 Mac. Seeing is believing; come to give it a free shot!
by Brian Fisher • Mar 12,2020 • Proven solutions
Can I convert FLAC to Apple Lossless audio file (ALAC)?
When you are dealing with any file such as videos or audios, it is important to consider different types of file formats that you are dealing with. It is also essential to consider the output format of your file. Using the wrong file format can destroy the quality of the file, or it can make it unnecessarily large. Some media file formats are lossless while others are lossy. For instance, FLAC and ALAC are perfect examples of lossless files. FLAC and ALAC maintain the data when they are converted. Therefore, in case you want to convert FLAC file formats, then the best output format to choose is ALAC and the conversion will ensure that the original quality of the file is retained. Converting FLAC to ALAC is easy, and the steps are discussed in the next part of this article.
Best FLAC to ALAC Converter for Mac/Windows PC
UniConverter is the unsurpassed FLAC to ALAC converter. It supports both the Windows PC and the Mac computer, and you can just use the version that suits your operating system. UniConverter ensures fast and efficient FLAC to ALAC conversion. It converts at 90 times faster than other converters, and it preserves the original quality of the file. Besides, UniConverter does not have any limitation to the size of files, and therefore you can import and convert as many FLAC files as you want. The conversion is also made easy by the simple interface which comprises of three simple steps. Apart from these features, UniConverter has more excellent features which are outlined below.
Best Video Converter - UniConverter
Get the Best FLAC to ALAC Converter:
UniConverter transforms more than 150 video and audio file formats including MP4, MP3, MP2, MWV, FLAC, AAC, WMA, VOB, MOB, WAV, MKV, MPG and many others.
UniConverter supports conversion of both audio and video files to pre-sets supported by different Apple, Android and gaming devices. Such devices include iPhone, iPod, iPad, Motorola, Sony, HTC, Nokia, PS, Xbox 360, etc.
The program supports download and conversion of videos from streaming sites and the internet. You can download videos using their URL from sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, Hulu, and other 1000 more; and convert them to your preferred format.
The program has excellent editing tools and settings that let you modify your output format. For instance, you can change the encoding settings in your audio, and you can crop, merge, rotate, and trim your video among many other editing options.
The program has inbuilt DVD tools to help you convert, burn, copy, create and backup your DVDs.
UniConverter supports batch conversion where you can import and transform multiple files at the same time.
3,981,454 people have downloaded it
Tutorial 1. How to Convert FLAC to Apple Lossless Audio File on Mac
Step 1: Import FLAC Files to the Application
To start with, run the program on your Mac computer. Then you can drag the FLAC file that you need to convert and drop it on the first window of UniConverter. Alternatively, add the FLAC file by going to the “File” menu and then choose the “Load Media Files” option to locate the FLAC file from the media files.
Step 2: Choose M4A as the Output Format
At the bottom “Format” option, click the “Audio” option. Many audio formats will be displayed in this category. Choose “M4A” as the output format for this conversion. Additionally, you can change the encode settings of the ALAC file by clicking the gear icon or by going to the “File” menu and then select “Encode Settings”.
Step 3: Convert FLAC to ALAC
After changing the settings of your output file, you can now choose the location folder for your converted file. You can set a new output folder or you can save the file together with other media files. After that, click the “Convert” button to complete the FLAC to ALAC conversion process. By the way, you can check here to get detailed guide on how to convert FLAC to M4A or convert FLAC to iTunes supported format.
Tutorial 2. How to Convert FLAC to ALAC on Windows PC using UniConverter for Windows
Step 1: Upload the FLAC to the Converter
Begin the conversion process by opening the converter on your Windows PC. Then proceed to import the FLAC file that you wish to convert. You can locate the FLAC file by clicking the “Add Files” button. You will be directed to your media files, and you can choose the FLAC file from its location and the double click to add it to the program. Alternatively, just drag the FLAC file, and drop it to the program’s primary window. The application permits you to load files from the hard drive, or from the DVD system.
Step 2: Select M4A as the Output Format
The software supports a variety of audio output formats. To choose ALAC as your output format, click the “Format” option and then go to the “Audio” menu. The supported audio formats will be displayed here and you can just click the “M4A” format as your selection. You can alter the encode settings of the file such as the channel or the bit rate by clicking the “Settings” icon on the menu.
Step 3: Choose a Destination for your File and Begin the Conversion
You should choose a location where you want the ALAC file to be stored. You can create a new folder, save it in an existing folder or leave it in the default folder. After that, you can complete the conversion by clicking the “Convert” button.
What are Lossless Formats?
Convert Flac To Alac Mac Os X
A lossless format refers to a file which retains the original data of the file during conversion or compression. The opposite of lossless is “lossy” and it describes file formats which lose some data during the conversion. For the images, examples of lossless formats include BMP, PNG, and RAW. Examples of lossless audio formats include FLAC, WAV and ALAC. Some of the lossless formats offer compression. For instance, WAV is an uncompressed audio format which takes a large space. ALAC and FLAC are both lossless audio formats and they contain same data as WAV, but they employ some compression to form smaller files. Formats like ALAC and FLAC do not lose any data. They maintain all the data and compress it like zip files do. The conversion of lossless formats to lossless formats performs well. For instance, when you rip an audio CD to FLAC, you will get files which are as good as the original CD. When the FLAC are also converted, you will also end up with good-quality files.