Convert AIFF to WAV on Mac
Select the AIFF 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 AIFF to WAV 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 “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The AIFF files stay as they are.
AIFF and WAV
AIFF is uncompressed, so it takes a lot of space for everyday listening. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor and on every system.
What changes when you convert
- Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
| Property | AIFF | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Audio Interchange File Format | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | Apple | Microsoft and IBM |
| Introduced | 1988 | 1991 |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Music production on the Mac | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .aiff, .aif | .wav |
| 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.
Music
In the Music app, choose Music → Settings → Files → Import Settings and set Import Using to WAV Encoder. Then select the songs and choose File → Convert → Create WAV Version.
The songs have to be in your Music library.
Terminal
afconvert is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 song.aiff song.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about AIFF and WAV
Does converting AIFF to WAV 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 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 AIFF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to AIFF?
Yes, FileFlip converts WAV 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