Convert CAF to FLAC on Mac
Select the CAF 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 CAF to FLAC 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 “FLAC” to jump to it.
Choose FLAC and press Return
The FLAC files appear next to the originals with the same names. The CAF files stay as they are.
CAF and FLAC
Few apps outside the Mac can open CAF files. FLAC is lossless, open and supported by most players and hi-fi devices.
What changes when you convert
- FLAC is lossless, so the sound is saved without further loss.
| Property | CAF | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Core Audio Format | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
| Made by | Apple | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Introduced | 2005 | 2001 |
| Compression | Any codec; often uncompressed | Lossless |
| Best for | Audio for Apple developer tools and very long recordings | Lossless music collections and hi-fi players |
| Opens in | macOS and Apple’s audio and developer tools; rarely elsewhere | Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows |
| File extension | .caf | .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 sound.caf sound.flacBuilt into macOS. Run afconvert -hf to see which formats your macOS version can write.
Questions about CAF and FLAC
Does converting CAF to FLAC lose quality?
FLAC 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 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 CAF file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert FLAC 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