Convert AIFF to MP3 on Mac

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Step-by-Step Guide Using Apple Music, QuickTime, and Other Built-in Tools

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Audio Conversion
Published: Jan 28, 2025 Edited: Jan 29, 2025

Convert AIFF to MP3 on Mac

Using Apple Music

Apple Music provides a simple way to convert AIFF files to MP3. Follow these steps for a smooth conversion process:

Open Apple Music

Launch the Apple Music app from your Applications folder.

Import AIFF Files

Click File in the top menu and select Import.

Locate and select the AIFF file you want to convert, then click Open.

Change Import Settings to MP3

Click Music in the top left corner of the screen, and select Preferences.

In the General tab, click Import Settings.

In the drop-down menu next to Import Using, select MP3 Encoder and choose your preferred bit rate.

Convert the AIFF to MP3

In your Apple Music library, find the AIFF track you imported.

Click on the three dots next to the track and select Convert.

Choose Create MP3 Version, and the app will create an MP3 file.

Locate Your MP3 File

The MP3 file will now appear in your Apple Music library. You can drag it out to your desktop or your desired folder.

Using QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is another built-in option on Mac for converting AIFF files to MP3. Here’s how to do it:

Open the AIFF File in QuickTime Player

Find your AIFF file and right-click to open it with QuickTime Player.

Export the File

With the file open, click on File in the top menu and select Export As.

Choose the option for Audio Only.

Choose MP3 Format

In the Export As dialogue box, select MP3 as the format.

You can adjust the bit rate settings if needed (128 kbps is a typical choice for good sound quality).

Save the MP3

Choose the location where you want to save your MP3 file and click Save.

Your AIFF file is now converted to MP3.

Using Audacity (Free Third-Party Software)

If you’re looking for an alternative option, Audacity is a free and open-source audio editing software that also allows AIFF to MP3 conversion. Here's how to use it:

Download and Install Audacity

Visit the Audacity website and download the version compatible with your Mac.

Follow the instructions to install Audacity on your computer.

Install the LAME MP3 Encoder

Audacity requires the LAME MP3 encoder to export files as MP3. During installation, Audacity should prompt you to download and install the encoder. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Import AIFF File into Audacity

Launch Audacity, then go to File > Import > Audio.

Locate your AIFF file and click Open.

Export as MP3

Once the AIFF file is loaded in Audacity, go to File > Export > Export as MP3.

Choose the output location, set the desired MP3 quality settings, and click Save.

Locate Your MP3 File

The MP3 file will be saved to the location you selected during the export process.

A Brief Overview of AIFF and MP3 Formats

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)

AIFF is a high-quality, uncompressed audio format developed by Apple in 1988. It’s often used for professional audio work because it preserves the full fidelity of sound. However, since it’s uncompressed, AIFF files can be large, making them less efficient for storage and sharing compared to compressed formats like MP3.

MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III)

MP3, developed in the 1990s, is a popular lossy audio compression format.

Unlike AIFF, MP3 reduces file size by discarding audio data that is less perceptible to the human ear. While this compression can affect sound quality, it allows for much smaller file sizes, making MP3 ideal for portable devices and streaming. MP3s remain one of the most widely used audio formats for music and podcasts.

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