Convert WAV to FLAC on Mac
Select the WAV files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose FLAC and press Return. FileFlip saves each FLAC next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert WAV to FLAC 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 “FLAC” to jump to it.
Choose FLAC and press Return
The FLAC files appear next to the originals with the same names. The WAV files stay as they are.
WAV and FLAC
WAV is uncompressed, so recordings take far more space than they need for listening. FLAC is lossless, open and supported by most players and hi-fi devices.
What changes when you convert
- Both formats are lossless, so the sound itself doesn’t change. Only file size and compatibility do.
| Property | WAV | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Waveform Audio File Format | Free Lossless Audio Codec |
| Made by | Microsoft and IBM | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Introduced | 1991 | 2001 |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Lossless |
| Best for | Recording, editing and audio apps that need raw sound | Lossless music collections and hi-fi players |
| Opens in | Every audio app and operating system | Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows |
| File extension | .wav | .flac |
| 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 is Apple’s command-line audio converter.
afconvert -f flac -d flac podcast-ep12.wav podcast-ep12.flacBuilt into macOS. Run afconvert -hf to see which formats your macOS version can write.
Questions about WAV and FLAC
Does converting WAV to FLAC 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 FLAC. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where does FLAC play?
Most players and hi-fi devices, Android and Windows.
Where is the FLAC file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .flac extension. The WAV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert FLAC back to WAV?
Yes, FileFlip converts FLAC 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