How to Convert AIFF to MP3 on MacBook?

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A Simple and Effective Guide for MacBook Users to Convert AIFF to MP3

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Audio Conversion
Published: Jan 28, 2025 Edited: Apr 1, 2025

How to Convert AIFF to MP3 on MacBook

Using Apple Music (Free and Built-in)

If you're using a MacBook, Apple Music provides a simple and free method to convert AIFF to MP3 without installing any extra software. Here's how to do it:

Screenshot of Apple Music app showing music library Open Apple Music

Launch the Apple Music app from your Applications folder.

Import AIFF Files

Click File in the top menu and select Import.

Browse to find 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.

Next to Import Using, select MP3 Encoder from the drop-down menu. You can also choose the desired bit rate for the MP3 (higher bit rates provide better sound quality but larger file sizes).

Convert the AIFF to MP3

Audacity official website main page screenshot In your Apple Music library, locate the AIFF track you just imported.

Right-click on the track and choose Convert.

Select Create MP3 Version, and Apple Music will convert the AIFF file into MP3 format.

Locate Your MP3 File

The MP3 file will now appear in your library. You can drag it to your desktop or your desired folder for easy access.

Using QuickTime Player (Free and Built-in)

QuickTime Player, another built-in app on your MacBook, also allows you to easily convert AIFF to MP3. Here's the process:

Open the AIFF File in QuickTime Player

Find your AIFF file, right-click it, and select Open With > QuickTime Player.

Export the File

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

Choose Audio Only from the options.

Choose MP3 Format

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

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

Save the MP3

Choose where to save your MP3 file (desktop, music folder, etc.) and click Save.

Your AIFF file will now be converted to MP3 and ready for use!

Using Audacity (Free Third-Party Software)

If you prefer more control over your audio files, Audacity is a free, open-source audio editor that can easily convert AIFF to MP3. Here's how to use it:

Download and Install Audacity

Visit the Audacity website and download the Mac version.

Follow the installation steps to get Audacity up and running on your MacBook.

Install the LAME MP3 Encoder

Audacity requires the LAME MP3 encoder to export MP3 files. When you first launch Audacity, you'll be prompted to install the LAME MP3 encoder. Follow the instructions to install it.

Import the AIFF File into Audacity

Launch Audacity and go to File > Import > Audio.

Locate your AIFF file, click Open, and the file will be imported into Audacity.

Export as MP3

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

Select the location where you want to save the MP3 file, adjust any settings if necessary (such as bit rate), and click Save.

Locate Your MP3 File

Your MP3 file will be saved to the location you selected during the export process. You can now enjoy the MP3 version of your AIFF file.

Using Online Converters (Free Option)

If you prefer not to download or install any software, you can use free online converters to convert AIFF to MP3. Here's how to do it:

Visit a Free Online Converter

Go to a free online conversion website like AIFFaMP3, Zamzar, Online Audio Converter, or Convertio.

Upload Your AIFF File

Click the Upload or Choose File button and select the AIFF file you want to convert.

Choose MP3 as the Output Format

Once the file is uploaded, select MP3 as the output format from the available list.

Convert and Download

Click Convert to start the process. After the conversion is finished, the website will provide a download link.

Download Your MP3 File

Click the Download button to save your MP3 file to your MacBook. Your AIFF file is now converted to MP3 and ready to use!

A Brief Overview of AIFF and MP3 Formats

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)

AIFF is an uncompressed audio format introduced by Apple in 1988.

It is often used in professional audio production because it retains the full quality of sound without any loss. However, since it is uncompressed, AIFF files are usually large, making them less ideal for casual listening or storing large libraries of audio. For these reasons, many users choose to convert AIFF files into compressed formats like MP3 for convenience.

MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III)

MP3 is a lossy compression format developed in the early 1990s that allows audio files to be significantly reduced in size while still maintaining reasonable sound quality.

Unlike AIFF, MP3 files discard some audio data that's less noticeable to the human ear, which makes them much smaller and easier to store and share. MP3s are widely used for digital music and have become the standard format for audio playback on most devices.

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