Free online ALAC to CAF converter
ALAC can be copied into CAF without re-encoding audio quality.
Convert ALAC to CAF online - free
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How it works
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Upload your .alac file
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Perform .alac to .caf conversion
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How to convert alac to caf file
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Source format: ALAC
ALAC stands for Apple Lossless Audio Codec. It is a lossless audio format used to store music without losing any original audio data during compression. ALAC is commonly used by Apple devices and software, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, iTunes, and the Music app. It is often found in .m4a files and is popular for archiving music collections, syncing with Apple ecosystems, and preserving CD-quality audio in a smaller file size than uncompressed formats.
Target format: CAF
CAF means Core Audio Format. It is an Apple-developed audio container designed for large, high-quality, and flexible audio storage. CAF supports very long recordings, high sample rates, multiple channels, and a wide range of audio codecs. It is commonly used in macOS and iOS development, audio production, and professional recording workflows where compatibility with Apple audio frameworks is important. Compared with ALAC in .m4a, CAF is more of a technical container than a consumer playback format.
How to perform the conversion
The most practical way to convert ALAC to CAF is with FFmpeg, which can read ALAC audio and write it into a CAF container. This is especially useful if you want a fast, local conversion without changing the audio quality.
- Install FFmpeg on your computer if it is not already available.
- Open a terminal or command prompt.
- Run a command such as
ffmpeg -i input.m4a -c:a copy output.caf. - If the source file is not named
.m4a, use the actual ALAC file name, for examplesong.alacortrack.m4a. - Check the resulting
.caffile in a compatible audio player or editor.
If you prefer a graphical workflow, Audacity or Apple’s audio tools may be able to open the source file and export to CAF depending on the installed codecs and platform support. On 101convert.com, you can convert the file online for free without installing any software.
Notes on quality and compatibility
ALAC to CAF is usually a lossless container conversion when the audio stream is copied directly, so the sound quality should remain unchanged. However, compatibility depends on the exact source file and the software used. Some players recognize CAF only on Apple platforms or in professional audio applications. Also, not every tool can preserve metadata such as album art, tags, or chapter markers when moving from ALAC in .m4a to CAF. If metadata is important, verify the output after conversion. CAF files can also be larger or less convenient for everyday playback than standard music formats, so they are best suited for editing, archiving, or Apple-centric workflows.
Note: This alac to caf conversion record is incomplete, must be verified, and may contain inaccuracies. Please vote below whether you found this information helpful or not.
ALAC vs CAF: format comparison
How the ALAC and CAF formats compare on the properties that matter most for this conversion.
| Property | .ALAC Apple Lossless Audio Codec | .CAF Core Audio Format |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Both |
| Audio quality | Lossless | High |
| Audio channels | — | Multichannel |
| Metadata support | Basic | Extensive |
| Streaming | Yes | Partial |
| DRM protection | Optional | — |
| Opens in a web browser | No | No |
| Typical file size | Medium | Medium |
| Open standard | Partly open | Partly open |
| Best used for | Music | Professional production |
| Introduced | 2004 | 2005 |
| Developer | Apple Inc. | Apple Inc. |
| MIME type | audio/alac | audio/x-caf |
Frequently asked questions
Is the ALAC to CAF converter free?
Yes, converting ALAC to CAF on 101convert.com is completely free. No registration, email address or installation is required. If you need a higher file size limit or want to convert more files at once, see our plans.
How large can my ALAC file be?
You can upload ALAC files up to 1000 MB and convert up to 100 files at once in a single batch.
What happens to my uploaded files?
Files are processed automatically and deleted from our servers within a few minutes after conversion. We never view or share your files.
Do I need to install any software to convert ALAC to CAF?
No. The ALAC to CAF conversion runs entirely online in your browser and works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone.
Did the conversion fail?
In most cases, the cause is an incorrect file format. Please upload a valid ALAC file for this ALAC to CAF conversion. Occasionally, the issue may be on our side. We analyze recurring conversion failures and disable or fix the converter if we detect a defect.