Convert FLAC to AIFF on Mac
Select the FLAC 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 FLAC to AIFF with FileFlip
Select the FLAC 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 FLAC. Type “AIFF” to jump to it.
Choose AIFF and press Return
The AIFF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The FLAC files stay as they are.
FLAC and AIFF
Apple’s own apps prefer ALAC for lossless music. AIFF is uncompressed and at home in Mac audio apps like Logic Pro and GarageBand.
What changes when you convert
- Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
| Property | FLAC | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Free Lossless Audio Codec | Audio Interchange File Format |
| Made by | Xiph.Org Foundation | Apple |
| Introduced | 2001 | 1988 |
| Compression | Lossless | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Lossless music collections and hi-fi players | Music production on the Mac |
| Opens in | Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows | Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players |
| File extension | .flac | .aiff, .aif |
| 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 AIFF -d BEI16 song.flac song.aiffBuilt into macOS. BEI16 is 16-bit audio; use BEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about FLAC and AIFF
Does converting FLAC to AIFF lose quality?
Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
Can I convert many FLAC 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 FLAC file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert AIFF back to FLAC?
Yes, FileFlip converts AIFF to FLAC 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