How to Change AIFF to MP3 on Mac

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Quick Solutions for Converting Your AIFF Files to MP3 on Mac Devices

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Audio Conversion
Published: Jan 28, 2025 Edited: Jan 30, 2025

How to Change AIFF to MP3 on Mac

Using Apple Music

Apple Music is one of the simplest ways to change AIFF to MP3 on a Mac. Just follow these easy steps:

Apple Music streaming service logo 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 the AIFF file you want to change and 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, locate the AIFF track you imported.

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

Choose Create MP3 Version, and Apple Music will automatically convert the file.

Locate Your MP3 File

The MP3 version will appear in your Apple Music library. You can then drag it to your desktop or another folder of your choice.

Using QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is a built-in application on Mac that allows you to easily change AIFF to MP3. Here’s how:

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

Select Audio Only.

Choose MP3 Format

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

You can adjust the bit rate settings if necessary. A common choice is 128 kbps, which provides a balance between file size and sound quality.

Save the MP3

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

Your AIFF file is now changed to MP3.

Using Audacity (Free Third-Party Software)

For users who prefer more flexibility, Audacity is a free and open-source audio editing software that can also change AIFF to MP3. Here’s how to use it:

Download and Install Audacity

Visit the Audacity website and download the latest version for Mac.

Follow the installation instructions to get Audacity set up on your Mac.

Install the LAME MP3 Encoder

Audacity requires the LAME MP3 encoder to export MP3 files. You will be prompted to install it when you first run Audacity. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Import Your AIFF File

Open Audacity and go to File > Import > Audio.

Locate your AIFF file, select it, and click Open.

Export as MP3

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

Choose the location where you want to save the MP3 file, select your desired MP3 settings, and click Save.

Locate Your MP3 File

Your 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 is often used in professional audio settings due to its ability to retain all the original sound data. However, since AIFF files are uncompressed, they can be quite large, making them less efficient for storage and sharing compared to compressed formats like MP3.

MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III)

The MP3 format, introduced in the early 1990s, revolutionized digital music by allowing significant audio compression without drastically affecting sound quality.

Unlike AIFF, MP3 files use lossy compression, which discards less noticeable audio information to reduce file size. MP3s became popular due to their small size and portability, making them ideal for music players, phones, and streaming services.

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