iTunes: How to convert a song to a different file format

• Last Modified: December 19, 2008
• Article: HT1550

• Old Article: 93123

Summary

You can convert a song to a different file format while keeping a copy of the original. For example, you can save a copy of an uncompressed song file such as AIFF or WAV to a compressed format like MP3, AAC, or Apple Lossless Encoder.

Products Affected

iTunes

Saving a copy of a song in a new file format

When converting from a compressed to uncompressed file format (for example, from MP3 to AIFF) you shouldn't notice any reduction in sound quality. However, when converting between compressed formats (for example MP3 and AAC), you may notice a reduction in the sound quality. For the best results, if you want your music encoded in a different file format, you should import the music again from the original source using the new encoding format.

To convert a song's file format:

1. Open iTunes Preferences.
   Windows: Choose Edit > Preferences.
   Mac: Choose iTunes > Preferences.
2. Click the General button, then click the Importing Settings button in the second section of the window.
3. From the Import Using pop-up menu, choose the encoding format that you want to convert the song to, then click OK to save the settings.
4. Select one or more songs in your library, then from the Advanced menu, choose one of the following (The menu item changes to show what's selected in your Importing preferences):
   
   
   
   • Create MP3 version
     
   • Create AAC version
     
   • Create AIFF version
     
   • Create WAV version
     
   • Create Apple Lossless version
     

If you haven't imported some songs into iTunes yet, you can import and convert them at the same time. This will create a converted copy of the file in your iTunes Library based on your iTunes preferences. To convert all the songs in a folder or on a disk, hold down the Option key (Mac) or Shift key (Windows) and choose Advanced > Convert Import preference setting. The Import preference setting will match what you chose in step 3. iTunes will prompt you for the location of the folder or disk you want to import and convert. All the songs in the folder or on the disk will be converted. Note: Some purchased songs are encoded using a protected AAC format that prevents them from being converted. iTunes Plus purchases are not protected and can be converted.

The song in its original format and the newly converted song appear in your library.

Additional Information

Go there...
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1550

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