Convert AIFF to FLAC on Mac
Select the AIFF 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 AIFF to FLAC with FileFlip
Select the AIFF 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 AIFF. Type “FLAC” to jump to it.
Choose FLAC and press Return
The FLAC files appear next to the originals with the same names. The AIFF files stay as they are.
AIFF and FLAC
AIFF is uncompressed, so it takes a lot of space for everyday listening. FLAC is lossless, open and supported by most players and hi-fi devices.
What changes when you convert
- Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
| Property | AIFF | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Audio Interchange File Format | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
| Made by | Apple | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Introduced | 1988 | 2001 |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Lossless |
| Best for | Music production on the Mac | Lossless music collections and hi-fi players |
| Opens in | Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players | Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows |
| File extension | .aiff, .aif | .flac |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | 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 song.aiff song.flacBuilt into macOS. Run afconvert -hf to see which formats your macOS version can write.
Questions about AIFF and FLAC
Does converting AIFF to FLAC lose quality?
Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
Can I convert many AIFF 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 AIFF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert FLAC back to AIFF?
Yes, FileFlip converts FLAC to AIFF as well.
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