Convert M4A to WAV on Mac
Select the M4A 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 M4A to WAV 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 “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The M4A files stay as they are.
M4A and WAV
M4A is lossy, so it’s not ideal as a master copy for editing. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor and on every system.
What changes when you convert
- WAV 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 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Audio with AAC | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) | Microsoft and IBM |
| Compression | Lossy (AAC) | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Music, podcasts and voice recordings | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Apple devices, Android, Windows and most players | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .m4a | .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.
Music
In the Music app, choose Music → Settings → Files → Import Settings and set Import Using to WAV Encoder. Then select the songs and choose File → Convert → Create WAV Version.
The songs have to be in your Music library.
Terminal
afconvert is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 voice-memo.m4a voice-memo.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about M4A and WAV
Does converting M4A to WAV lose quality?
WAV 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 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 M4A file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to M4A?
Yes, FileFlip converts WAV 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