Convert AIFF to AAF

Post-production systems use AAF to exchange editable timelines, so an AIFF recording must be placed in a session or sequence before it can be delivered as AAF. This creates a project-interchange file, not a different audio encoding of the original file.

What AIFF contains

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), developed by Apple, is an audio container used in recording, editing, and music production, including on macOS. It commonly stores uncompressed PCM audio; AIFF-C can also store compressed audio. An AIFF file holds audio and basic properties such as sample rate and channel count, but not a multitrack editing timeline.

What AAF contains

AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) is an interchange format used by video and audio post-production applications. It can carry timeline edits, clip and other project metadata, and audio that is embedded, copied into separate media files, or referenced externally. This lets compatible applications exchange an editable arrangement, but AAF is not an audio codec, and applications do not necessarily support every AAF feature.

Create an AAF in Pro Tools

Use an edition of Avid Pro Tools with AAF/OMF export enabled. AAF is generated from tracks and their timeline positions, rather than by renaming or directly converting an AIFF file.

1. Create a session at the AIFF file’s sample rate when possible. If the destination requires a different rate or bit depth, set the session to those delivery specifications and expect conversion during import or export.
2. Import the file using File → Import → Audio. Place it on a track at the required timeline position; for a single recording, the track can begin at the session start.
3. Select the track or tracks to include, then choose File → Export → Selected Tracks as New AAF/OMF. Choose AAF in the export dialog.
4. Choose media handling appropriate to the recipient: embed media if both the exporter and receiving application support it, or copy/consolidate the media and deliver the resulting media files with the AAF. Convert audio only if the receiving workflow requires different media specifications.
5. Open the AAF in the destination application and verify the timeline, audio playback, and media links. If the media is external, include the generated media folder and preserve its relative file structure.

AAF/OMF export availability and options vary by Pro Tools edition and version. Online audio converters generally convert audio data, not editable timelines and associated media, so they are not suitable for creating a useful AAF project.

Quality and compatibility

Copying uncompressed PCM at the same sample rate and bit depth avoids unnecessary audio conversion; resampling or bit-depth changes may alter the samples. AAF itself does not guarantee lossless audio, because export settings can convert media. Compatibility also depends on the receiving application’s AAF implementation and media support, so test the exported file in that application before delivery.