Convert M4V to WAV on Mac
Select the M4V 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 M4V to WAV with FileFlip
Select the M4V 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 M4V. Type “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The M4V files stay as they are.
M4V and WAV
Apple’s variant of MP4, used by the Apple TV app and older iTunes downloads. Without copy protection it plays like an MP4. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor and on every system.
What changes when you convert
- Only the soundtrack is kept; the picture is dropped.
- WAV is uncompressed, so expect roughly 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo.
| Property | M4V | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Apple | Microsoft and IBM |
| Compression | Container; usually H.264 video | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Video for Apple TV and Apple’s apps | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Apple’s apps and most players that open MP4 | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .m4v | .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 can read the soundtrack of a video and write it as WAV.
afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 clip.m4v clip.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about M4V and WAV
What happens to the video?
The WAV file contains only the soundtrack. The M4V stays untouched next to it.
Can I convert many M4V 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 M4V file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to M4V?
No, FileFlip doesn’t convert WAV to M4V.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert all your videos at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac