Convert MP4 to WAV on Mac
Select the MP4 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 MP4 to WAV with FileFlip
Select the MP4 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 MP4. Type “WAV” to jump to it.
Choose WAV and press Return
The WAV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The MP4 files stay as they are.
MP4 and WAV
The most widely supported video file format. Phones, browsers, TVs and social networks all play 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 | MP4 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Part 14 | Waveform Audio File Format |
| Made by | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) | Microsoft and IBM |
| Introduced | 2001 | 1991 |
| Compression | Container; usually H.264, HEVC or AV1 video | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Sharing and uploading video | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound |
| Opens in | Practically everywhere: phones, browsers, TVs, Windows and video sites | Every audio app and operating system |
| File extension | .mp4 | .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.mp4 clip.wavBuilt into macOS. LEI16 is 16-bit audio; use LEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about MP4 and WAV
What happens to the video?
The WAV file contains only the soundtrack. The MP4 stays untouched next to it.
Can I convert many MP4 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 MP4 file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert WAV back to MP4?
No, FileFlip doesn’t convert WAV to MP4.
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