Convert FLAC to WAV on Mac
Select the FLAC 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 FLAC to WAV 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 “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The FLAC files stay as they are.
FLAC and WAV
Apple’s own apps prefer ALAC for lossless music. 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 | FLAC | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Free Lossless Audio Codec | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | Xiph.Org Foundation | Microsoft and IBM |
| Introduced | 2001 | 1991 |
| Compression | Lossless | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Lossless music collections and hi-fi players | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .flac | .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.
Terminal
afconvert is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 song.flac song.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about FLAC and WAV
Does converting FLAC 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 FLAC 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 FLAC file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to FLAC?
Yes, FileFlip converts WAV 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