Convert M4A to FLAC on Mac
Select the M4A 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 M4A to FLAC 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 “FLAC” to jump to it.
Choose FLAC and press Return
The FLAC files appear next to the originals with the same names. The M4A files stay as they are.
M4A and FLAC
M4A is lossy, so it’s not ideal as a master copy for editing. FLAC is lossless, open and supported by most players and hi-fi devices.
What changes when you convert
- FLAC 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 | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Audio with AAC | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
| Made by | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Compression | Lossy (AAC) | Lossless |
| Best for | Music, podcasts and voice recordings | Lossless music collections and hi-fi players |
| Opens in | Apple devices, Android, Windows and most players | Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows |
| File extension | .m4a | .flac |
| 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 flac -d flac voice-memo.m4a voice-memo.flacBuilt into macOS. Run afconvert -hf to see which formats your macOS version can write.
Questions about M4A and FLAC
Does converting M4A to FLAC lose quality?
FLAC 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 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 M4A file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert FLAC back to M4A?
Yes, FileFlip converts FLAC 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