Free online AIFF to ALAC converter

Source format: AIFF

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is an uncompressed audio container developed by Apple and widely used in professional audio production, especially on macOS systems. It stores high-quality PCM audio, so it is common for studio masters, editing, archiving, and exchanging audio between DAWs and audio tools. Because AIFF is typically uncompressed, files are usually large, but the audio quality is preserved exactly.

Target format: ALAC

ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) is a lossless compressed audio format designed by Apple. It keeps the original audio quality while reducing file size compared with uncompressed formats like AIFF. ALAC is widely supported in the Apple ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Music, and iTunes/Finder media libraries. It is a good choice when you want smaller files without sacrificing fidelity.

How to convert AIFF to ALAC

The easiest desktop method is to use iTunes on Windows or older macOS versions, or the Music app on modern macOS. You can also use command-line tools such as ffmpeg for precise batch conversion.

Using Apple Music or iTunes

1. Open Music → Settings on macOS or Edit → Preferences in iTunes on Windows.
2. Go to the Files or General section and choose Import Settings.
3. Set the import format to Apple Lossless Encoder.
4. Add the AIFF file to your library if it is not already there.
5. Select the track, then use File → Convert → Create Apple Lossless Version.
6. The new ALAC file will appear alongside the original AIFF in your library.

Using ffmpeg

If you prefer a direct conversion, run:

ffmpeg -i input.aiff -c:a alac output.m4a

This creates an ALAC file in an M4A container, which is the most common way ALAC is stored. You can also use output.m4a or output.m4a as the filename extension for compatibility with Apple devices and media players.

Using the built-in online converter on 101convert.com

You can also convert the file on 101convert.com for free, without installing any software. Upload the AIFF file, choose ALAC as the output format, and download the converted file when it is ready.

Notes on quality, compatibility, and limitations

AIFF to ALAC is lossless if the source AIFF contains standard PCM audio. That means the converted file should sound identical to the original, while usually taking less storage space.

Keep in mind that ALAC is typically stored in an M4A container, not a standalone .alac file. Some software may label the output as ALAC even though the file extension is .m4a.

Metadata such as artist, album, and track number is usually preserved, but results can vary depending on the tool used. If your AIFF file contains unusual sample rates, multichannel audio, or nonstandard metadata, test the output in your target player before converting a large library.

For best compatibility with Apple devices and modern media players, ALAC in M4A is the recommended output.