Convert MP3 to WAV on Mac
Select the MP3 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 MP3 to WAV with FileFlip
Select the MP3 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 MP3. Type “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The MP3 files stay as they are.
MP3 and WAV
Some editors and Apple workflows prefer other formats, and MP3 is lossy. 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 MP3 compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
| Property | MP3 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | Fraunhofer IIS and MPEG | Microsoft and IBM |
| Compression | Lossy | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Music and podcasts that have to play anywhere | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Everywhere | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .mp3 | .wav |
| In FileFlip | Opens | 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 song.mp3 song.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about MP3 and WAV
Does converting MP3 to WAV lose quality?
WAV is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that MP3 compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
Can I convert many MP3 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 MP3 file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to MP3?
No. FileFlip opens MP3 files but doesn’t save them.
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