Convert AAC to WAV on Mac
Select the AAC files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose WAV and press Return. FileFlip saves each WAV next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert AAC to WAV 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 “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The AAC files stay as they are.
AAC and WAV
Bare .aac files have almost no room for tags, and some apps handle them poorly. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor and on every system.
What changes when you convert
- WAV 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 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Advanced Audio Coding (ADTS stream) | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) | Microsoft and IBM |
| Introduced | 1997 | 1991 |
| Compression | Lossy | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Raw output from recorders and streaming tools | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Most players | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .aac | .wav |
| 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 WAVE -d LEI16 recording.aac recording.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about AAC and WAV
Does converting AAC to WAV lose quality?
WAV 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 WAV. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does WAV play?
Every audio app and operating system.
Where is the WAV file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .wav extension. The AAC file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV 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