Free online WAV to AIFF converter

A receiving application, sampler, or Mac-based production workflow may require AIFF instead of WAV. Converting between them also provides an uncompressed file in the format needed for editing, delivery, or archiving without changing the audio when the PCM settings are retained.

What the WAV format is

WAV is an audio container based on the Microsoft and IBM RIFF specification. It commonly stores uncompressed PCM audio, including 16-bit or 24-bit recordings at 44.1 or 48 kHz, but the container can also hold other codecs.

Windows recording tools, audio interfaces, digital audio workstations, game-audio tools, browsers, and mastering applications commonly create WAV files. They may contain microphone recordings, exported tracks, stems, sound effects, or intermediate production files. The .wav extension does not guarantee uncompressed PCM, so check the codec, bit depth, sample rate, and channel count before converting.

What the AIFF format is

AIFF, or Audio Interchange File Format, is an Apple-developed audio container based on the IFF specification. Standard AIFF normally stores uncompressed PCM and is supported by professional editors, samplers, media players, and many macOS applications. AIFF-C is a related variant that can support additional compression formats.

AIFF is appropriate when a receiving program or device specifically requires it, or when an established Apple-oriented workflow expects AIFF files or metadata. With identical PCM sample rate, bit depth, and channel count, AIFF and WAV have the same audio fidelity and usually nearly the same file size. Changing the container does not improve sound quality.

How to convert WAV to AIFF

Using 101convert.com

On 101convert.com, select the WAV file, choose AIFF as the output format, start the conversion, and download the result. The conversion runs without installing desktop software. Check the output duration, channel layout, sample rate, bit depth, and metadata before adding it to a production session.

Using FFmpeg

FFmpeg is suitable for repeatable command-line conversions. First inspect the source:

ffprobe input.wav

For a 16-bit PCM source, create conventional big-endian PCM AIFF with:

ffmpeg -i input.wav -c:a pcm_s16be output.aiff

For a 24-bit source, use the matching PCM codec:

ffmpeg -i input.wav -c:a pcm_s24be output.aiff

To specify the output sample rate and channel count, add -ar and -ac. This creates 24-bit, 48 kHz stereo AIFF:

ffmpeg -i input.wav -ar 48000 -ac 2 -c:a pcm_s24be output.aiff

Use the source sample rate, bit depth, and channel count unless the receiving system specifies different values. Match the FFmpeg PCM codec to the source where the destination supports it; the examples above explicitly produce 16-bit or 24-bit integer audio rather than automatically preserving every possible source encoding.

Using desktop audio software

In Audacity, open File → Import → Audio, then choose File → Export Audio, select AIFF, set the required bit depth, and export. In Logic Pro or GarageBand, use the audio export or bounce command and select AIFF in its format options; menu names vary by version.

Quality and compatibility limits

• For an audio-equivalent conversion, retain the source sample rate, bit depth, and channel count. Do not select MP3, AAC, or another lossy codec.
• If the WAV already contains compressed or lossy audio, converting it to AIFF cannot restore discarded detail.
• Reducing, for example, 24-bit audio to 16-bit AIFF discards resolution. Apply dithering when intentionally reducing bit depth, particularly for final delivery.
• Standard AIFF commonly stores big-endian PCM, while WAV commonly stores little-endian PCM. A valid converter changes byte order without changing the audio values.
• Some AIFF applications have limited support for embedded artwork, broadcast metadata, markers, cue points, or very large files. Verify these items when converting samples or mastering files.
• AIFF is uncompressed and therefore does not normally reduce the size of an equivalent PCM WAV. Use FLAC only when the receiving application supports lossless compressed audio.