Convert AAC to FLAC on Mac
Select the AAC files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose FLAC and press Return. FileFlip saves each FLAC next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert AAC to FLAC with FileFlip
Select the AAC files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from AAC. Type “FLAC” to jump to it.
Choose FLAC and press Return
The FLAC files appear next to the originals with the same names. The AAC files stay as they are.
AAC and FLAC
Bare .aac files have almost no room for tags, and some apps handle them poorly. FLAC is lossless, open and supported by most players and hi-fi devices.
What changes when you convert
- FLAC is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that AAC compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
| Property | AAC | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Advanced Audio Coding (ADTS stream) | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
| Made by | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Introduced | 1997 | 2001 |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless |
| Best for | Raw output from recorders and streaming tools | Lossless music collections and hi-fi players |
| Opens in | Most players | Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows |
| File extension | .aac | .flac |
| In FileFlip | Opens | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Terminal
afconvert is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f flac -d flac recording.aac recording.flacBuilt into macOS. Run afconvert -hf to see which formats your macOS version can write.
Questions about AAC and FLAC
Does converting AAC to FLAC lose quality?
FLAC is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that AAC compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
Can I convert many AAC files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose FLAC. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does FLAC play?
Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows.
Where is the FLAC file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .flac extension. The AAC file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert FLAC back to AAC?
No. FileFlip opens AAC files but doesn’t save them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole album at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac