What is an ALAC file?
ALAC stands for Apple Lossless Audio Codec. It was created by Apple and first released in 2004. ALAC is lossless like FLAC, but it plays natively on iPhones, iPads and in the Music app. ALAC files use the .m4a extension, so the file you download will end in .m4a.
| Type | audio |
|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless |
| Usually contains | ALAC lossless audio inside an .m4a file |
| In a browser | plays in Safari and on every Apple device |
| Common uses | lossless music in the Apple Music app and iTunes libraries |
| MIME type | audio/mp4 |
Which format should you convert ALAC to?
- ALAC to MP3 to play on any device, car stereo or website.
- ALAC to M4A for iPhone, iTunes and Apple Music.
- ALAC to WAV to edit in an audio editor or burn to CD.
- ALAC to FLAC to archive without losing any quality.
ALAC is lossless, so converting it to a lossy format is where the file gets much smaller.
How to open an ALAC file
Whether an ALAC 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, ALAC 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 | ALAC plays in Safari and on every Apple device. |
ALAC compared with other audio formats
How ALAC stacks up against the formats people most often convert it to or from:
| Format | Compression | Usually contains | Released | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALAC | Lossless | ALAC lossless audio inside an .m4a file | 2004 | lossless music in the Apple Music app and iTunes 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 ALAC converter
- Choose the format you want in the Convert to menu.
- Drop your ALAC files on the box, or press Choose ALAC 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 ALAC files without losing quality
ALAC 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 ALAC files from the command line
Everything this page does can also be done in a terminal. The most common ALAC conversion, to AAC, looks like this with ffmpeg:
ffmpeg -i input.alac -vn -c:a aac -b:a 192k -f adts output.aacChange 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.
ALAC converter FAQ
What is an ALAC file?
ALAC stands for Apple Lossless Audio Codec, an audio format created by Apple in 2004. ALAC is lossless like FLAC, but it plays natively on iPhones, iPads and in the Music app. ALAC files use the .m4a extension, so the file you download will end in .m4a.
How do I open an ALAC file?
ALAC plays in Safari and on every Apple device. If the program you need will not open it, convert it to a more widely supported format above.
What is the most common ALAC conversion?
ALAC to AAC is the conversion people search for most. The audio is decoded and written as AAC at 192 kbps in an ADTS stream.
Does converting ALAC files here upload them?
No. Every conversion on this page runs inside your browser, so your ALAC files never leave your device.
Is the ALAC converter free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and no watermark, and no limit on how many ALAC files you convert. The site is supported by advertising.
Can I convert ALAC files on iPhone or Android?
Yes. Open this page in Safari on iPhone and iPad, or in Chrome on Android, choose your ALAC files and download the results to your Downloads folder.
Can I convert several ALAC files at once?
Yes. Drop as many as you like; they are converted one after another, each with its own download button.