Convert M4A to AIFF on Mac
Select the M4A 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 M4A to AIFF with FileFlip
Select the M4A 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 M4A. Type “AIFF” to jump to it.
Choose AIFF and press Return
The AIFF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The M4A files stay as they are.
M4A and AIFF
M4A is lossy, so it’s not ideal as a master copy for editing. AIFF is uncompressed and at home in Mac audio apps like Logic Pro and GarageBand.
What changes when you convert
- AIFF is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that M4A compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
| Property | M4A | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Audio with AAC | Audio Interchange File Format |
| Made by | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) | Apple |
| Compression | Lossy (AAC) | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Music, podcasts and voice recordings | Music production on the Mac |
| Opens in | Apple devices, Android, Windows and most players | Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players |
| File extension | .m4a | .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.
Music
In the Music app, choose Music → Settings → Files → Import Settings and set Import Using to AIFF Encoder. Then select the songs and choose File → Convert → Create AIFF Version.
The songs have to be in your Music library.
Terminal
afconvert is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f AIFF -d BEI16 voice-memo.m4a voice-memo.aiffBuilt into macOS. BEI16 is 16-bit audio; use BEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about M4A and AIFF
Does converting M4A to AIFF lose quality?
AIFF is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that M4A compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
Can I convert many M4A 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 M4A file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert AIFF back to M4A?
Yes, FileFlip converts AIFF to M4A 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