FormatDrop
How-To Guide

How to Convert AIFF to WAV

AIFF is Apple's uncompressed audio format — WAV is Microsoft's. Both store identical PCM audio data in different container formats. Converting AIFF to WAV is completely lossless and is done for Windows DAW compatibility, audio hardware expecting WAV, or broadcast tools requiring BWF (Broadcast Wave Format).

Open AIFF to WAV Converter

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 1

    FFmpeg (command line, any OS)

    Lossless conversion: `ffmpeg -i input.aiff -c:a pcm_s24le output.wav` (24-bit little-endian, WAV standard). For 16-bit: `-c:a pcm_s16le`. Auto-detect: `ffmpeg -i input.aiff output.wav`. Batch: `for f in *.aiff; do ffmpeg -i "$f" "${f%.aiff}.wav"; done`. Also works on .aif files.

    Go to converter
  2. 2

    afconvert (Mac built-in)

    `afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI16 input.aiff output.wav` (16-bit WAV). For 24-bit: `afconvert -f WAVE -d LEI24 input.aiff output.wav`. No installation required — available in Terminal on any macOS version.

  3. 3

    Audacity (GUI)

    Open Audacity → Import → select AIFF. File → Export → Export as WAV. Set PCM encoding to 16-bit or 24-bit. Good when you want to normalize, trim, or process the audio before converting.

  4. 4

    Logic Pro / GarageBand on Mac

    In Logic Pro: File → Export → All Tracks as Audio Files → set File Type to WAV → set bit depth → Export. Or Bounce to disk with WAV format selected.

Why convert AIFF to WAV?

AIFF and WAV are identical audio quality in different containers. Converting to WAV opens the audio to the full Windows and cross-platform ecosystem without any compromise.

Your files never leave your device

FormatDrop runs the conversion engine entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly. No file upload. No server. Nothing stored. You can verify this by opening DevTools → Network tab and watching: zero upload requests.

Frequently asked questions

Will AIFF to WAV affect audio quality?
No. Both AIFF and WAV are uncompressed PCM containers — converting between them at the same bit depth and sample rate produces output bit-for-bit identical to the source. You can verify by computing the MD5 of decoded PCM from both files — they'll match.
What's the difference between .aiff and .aif extensions?
.aiff and .aif are the same format. .aiff is the full extension; .aif is the 3-character abbreviated version from older Mac systems. Both use identical container structure. FFmpeg treats them interchangeably.
Can I use AIFF files in Windows DAWs?
Most Windows DAWs (Reaper, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools) read AIFF without issues. Older hardware devices (audio interfaces, samplers) that specifically expect WAV are the main reason to convert. If your Windows tool accepts AIFF, no need to convert.
Convert AIFF to WAV Now — Free

No account. No upload. Works in any browser.

More guides

How to Convert HEIC to JPGHow to Convert PNG to PDFHow to Convert MOV to MP4How to Convert WebP to JPG