What is an AIFC file?
AIFC stands for Audio Interchange File Format, Compressed. It was created by Apple and first released in 1991. AIFC is the variant of AIFF that allows compressed audio. Few modern programs write it, so most people meet it in old sound libraries.
AIFF and AIF are the same format under another extension.
| Type | audio |
|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy or lossless |
| Usually contains | PCM or compressed codecs such as IMA ADPCM |
| In a browser | plays in some Mac apps; browsers do not play it |
| Common uses | older Mac software and some sound effect libraries |
| MIME type | audio/aiff |
Which format should you convert AIFC to?
- AIFC to MP3 to play on any device, car stereo or website.
- AIFC to WAV to edit in an audio editor or burn to CD.
- AIFC to MP4 to upload somewhere that only accepts video.
AIFC is lossy or lossless depending on how it was saved, so check what a program needs before converting.
How to open an AIFC file
Whether an AIFC 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, AIFC 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 | AIFC plays in some Mac apps; browsers do not play it. |
Want the technical details? See what a .aifc file is, with its MIME type, file signature and a viewer.
AIFC compared with other audio formats
How AIFC stacks up against the formats people most often convert it to or from:
| Format | Compression | Usually contains | Released | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIFC | Either | PCM or compressed codecs such as IMA ADPCM | 1991 | older Mac software and some sound effect libraries |
| 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 AIFC converter
- Choose the format you want in the Convert to menu.
- Drop your AIFC files on the box, or press Choose AIFC 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 AIFC files without losing quality
AIFC can be lossy or lossless depending on how the file was saved. Either way, converting to a lossless format keeps exactly what is there, and converting to a lossy one trades a little detail for a much smaller file.
- 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 AIFC files from the command line
Everything this page does can also be done in a terminal. The most common AIFC conversion, to MP3, looks like this with ffmpeg:
ffmpeg -i input.aifc -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.
AIFC converter FAQ
What is an AIFC file?
AIFC stands for Audio Interchange File Format, Compressed, an alternative extension for a audio format created by Apple in 1991. AIFC is the variant of AIFF that allows compressed audio. Few modern programs write it, so most people meet it in old sound libraries.
How do I open an AIFC file?
AIFC plays in some Mac apps; browsers 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 AIFC conversion?
AIFC to MP3 is the conversion people search for most. The audio is decoded and written as MP3 at 192 kbps.
Does converting AIFC files here upload them?
No. Every conversion on this page runs inside your browser, so your AIFC files never leave your device.
Is the AIFC converter free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and no watermark, and no limit on how many AIFC files you convert. The site is supported by advertising.
Can I convert AIFC files on iPhone or Android?
Yes. Open this page in Safari on iPhone and iPad, or in Chrome on Android, choose your AIFC files and download the results to your Downloads folder.
Can I convert several AIFC files at once?
Yes. Drop as many as you like; they are converted one after another, each with its own download button.