Convert WAV to AIFF on Mac
Select the WAV files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose AIFF and press Return. FileFlip saves each AIFF next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert WAV to AIFF with FileFlip
Select the WAV 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 WAV. Type “AIFF” to jump to it.
Choose AIFF and press Return
The AIFF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The WAV files stay as they are.
WAV and AIFF
WAV is uncompressed, so recordings take far more space than they need for listening. AIFF is uncompressed and at home in Mac audio apps like Logic Pro and GarageBand.
What changes when you convert
- Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
| Property | WAV | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Waveform Audio File Format | Audio Interchange File Format |
| Made by | Microsoft and IBM | Apple |
| Introduced | 1991 | 1988 |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Uncompressed |
| Best for | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound | Music production on the Mac |
| Opens in | Every audio app and operating system | Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players |
| File extension | .wav | .aiff, .aif |
| 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 AIFF Encoder. Then select the songs and choose File → Convert → Create AIFF Version.
The songs have to be in your Music library.
Terminal
afconvert is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f AIFF -d BEI16 podcast-ep12.wav podcast-ep12.aiffBuilt into macOS. BEI16 is 16-bit audio; use BEI24 for 24-bit.
Questions about WAV and AIFF
Does converting WAV to AIFF lose quality?
Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
Can I convert many WAV files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose AIFF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does AIFF play?
Mac audio apps, most audio editors and players.
Where is the AIFF file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .aiff extension. The WAV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert AIFF back to WAV?
Yes, FileFlip converts AIFF to WAV 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