What is an AIF file?
AIF stands for Audio Interchange File Format. It was created by Apple and first released in 1988. AIF is the same format as AIFF with a three-letter extension, common in sample libraries that had to work on older Windows systems.
AIFF and AIFC are the same format under another extension.
| Type | audio |
|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless |
| Usually contains | uncompressed PCM, big-endian |
| In a browser | plays in Safari; Chrome and Firefox do not play it |
| Common uses | sample packs and Mac audio software |
| MIME type | audio/aiff |
Which format should you convert AIF to?
- AIF to MP3 to play on any device, car stereo or website.
- AIF to WAV to edit in an audio editor or burn to CD.
- AIF to MP4 to upload somewhere that only accepts video.
AIF is lossless, so converting it to a lossy format is where the file gets much smaller.
How to open an AIF file
Whether an AIF file opens with a double click depends on the device. Here is what works on each, without buying software:
| Windows | Films and TV and Media Player open the common formats; VLC opens almost any audio file, AIF included. |
|---|---|
| Mac | QuickTime Player opens formats Apple supports; VLC or IINA open the rest. |
| iPhone and iPad | The Files app plays formats Apple supports. For others, a player such as VLC for iOS, or converting the file here, is the easiest route. |
| Android | Most gallery and music apps play the common formats; VLC for Android plays almost everything. |
| Web browser | AIF plays in Safari; Chrome and Firefox do not play it. |
Want the technical details? See what a .aif file is, with its MIME type, file signature and a viewer.
AIF compared with other audio formats
How AIF stacks up against the formats people most often convert it to or from:
| Format | Compression | Usually contains | Released | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIF | Lossless | uncompressed PCM, big-endian | 1988 | sample packs and Mac audio software |
| MP3 | Lossy | MP3 audio, typically 128 to 320 kbps | 1993 | music libraries, podcasts and anything that has to play everywhere |
| WAV | Lossless | uncompressed PCM, usually 16-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz | 1991 | recording, editing, sound effects and CD audio |
| M4A | Either | AAC, or ALAC for lossless files | 2001 | iTunes purchases, iPhone voice memos and Apple Music downloads |
| FLAC | Lossless | FLAC lossless audio, up to 32-bit and 655 kHz | 2001 | CD rips, hi-res music stores and audio archives |
How to use the AIF converter
- Choose the format you want in the Convert to menu.
- Drop your AIF files on the box, or press Choose AIF files. Several files can go in at once.
- Adjust the settings if you need to; the defaults suit most people.
- Press Convert and save each file with its Download button. Nothing is uploaded at any point.
Tips for converting AIF files without losing quality
AIF is lossless, so it is a good source for any conversion. Converting it to a lossy format is where the file gets much smaller, and converting it to another lossless format keeps every sample.
- Keep a lossless master. If you have WAV, FLAC, AIFF or ALAC, keep it, and make lossy copies such as MP3 or AAC from it when you need them.
- Avoid converting one lossy format into another more than once. Each MP3, AAC or OGG encode throws away a little more, and the losses add up.
- Match the bitrate to the content: 192 kbps and up for music, 96 to 128 kbps for podcasts, 64 kbps for voice notes.
- Stick to 44.1 kHz for music and 48 kHz for audio that goes with video; resampling between them is harmless but pointless.
Convert AIF files from the command line
Everything this page does can also be done in a terminal. The most common AIF conversion, to MP3, looks like this with ffmpeg:
ffmpeg -i input.aif -vn -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 192k output.mp3Change the output extension to pick another format. The converter above runs the same ffmpeg engine inside your browser, so you get the result without installing anything.
AIF converter FAQ
What is an AIF file?
AIF stands for Audio Interchange File Format, an alternative extension for a audio format created by Apple in 1988. AIF is the same format as AIFF with a three-letter extension, common in sample libraries that had to work on older Windows systems.
How do I open an AIF file?
AIF plays in Safari; Chrome and Firefox do not play it. If the program you need will not open it, convert it to a more widely supported format above.
What is the most common AIF conversion?
AIF to MP3 is the conversion people search for most. The audio is decoded and written as MP3 at 192 kbps.
Does converting AIF files here upload them?
No. Every conversion on this page runs inside your browser, so your AIF files never leave your device.
Is the AIF converter free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and no watermark, and no limit on how many AIF files you convert. The site is supported by advertising.
Can I convert AIF files on iPhone or Android?
Yes. Open this page in Safari on iPhone and iPad, or in Chrome on Android, choose your AIF files and download the results to your Downloads folder.
Can I convert several AIF files at once?
Yes. Drop as many as you like; they are converted one after another, each with its own download button.