Convert CAF to AIFF on Mac
Select the CAF files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose AIFF and press Return. FileFlip saves each AIFF next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert CAF to AIFF with FileFlip
Select the CAF 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 CAF. Type “AIFF” to jump to it.
Choose AIFF and press Return
The AIFF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The CAF files stay as they are.
CAF and AIFF
Few apps outside the Mac can open CAF files. AIFF is uncompressed and at home in Mac audio apps like Logic Pro and GarageBand.
What changes when you convert
- AIFF is lossless, so the sound is saved without further loss.
| Property | CAF | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Core Audio Format | Audio Interchange File Format |
| Made by | Apple | Apple |
| Introduced | 2005 | 1988 |
| Compression | Any codec; often uncompressed | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Audio for Apple developer tools and very long recordings | Music production on the Mac |
| Opens in | macOS and Apple’s audio and developer tools; rarely elsewhere | Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players |
| File extension | .caf | .aiff, .aif |
| 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 AIFF -d BEI16 sound.caf sound.aiffBuilt into macOS. BEI16 is 16-bit audio; use BEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about CAF and AIFF
Does converting CAF to AIFF lose quality?
AIFF is lossless, so the sound is saved without further loss.
Can I convert many CAF files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose AIFF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does AIFF play?
Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players.
Where is the AIFF file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .aiff extension. The CAF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert AIFF back to CAF?
No. FileFlip opens CAF 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