Convert CAF to FLAC

Understanding CAF and FLAC file formats

CAF (Core Audio Format) is an audio container format developed by Apple, primarily used for storing high-quality audio data and metadata. It supports a wide range of audio codecs and is commonly used in professional audio applications on macOS and iOS.

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a popular open-source audio format known for lossless compression, meaning it reduces file size without any loss in audio quality. FLAC is widely supported across platforms and is favored by audiophiles for music archiving and playback.

Why convert CAF to FLAC?

Converting CAF files to FLAC is useful when you need broader compatibility with audio players and devices, or when you want to preserve audio quality in a widely supported, lossless format.

Best software for CAF to FLAC conversion

One of the most reliable tools for converting CAF to FLAC is Audacity, a free, open-source audio editor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Another excellent option is fre:ac, which is also free and supports batch conversions.

How to convert CAF to FLAC using Audacity

1. Download and install Audacity from the official website.
2. Open Audacity and go to File → Open to select your CAF file.
3. Once the file is loaded, go to File → Export → Export as FLAC.
4. Choose your desired settings and click Save.

Alternative: Using fre:ac for batch conversion

1. Install fre:ac from the official website.
2. Add your CAF files to the conversion list.
3. Select FLAC as the output format.
4. Click Start Encoding to begin the conversion process.

Key considerations

• Audio quality is preserved during conversion since both CAF and FLAC support lossless audio.
• Metadata such as track titles and artist information may need to be re-entered after conversion, depending on the software used.
• Always use trusted software to avoid potential security risks.