Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Choose your target bitrate
256 kbps AAC: transparent quality for most listeners. 192 kbps: excellent, good default. 128 kbps: acceptable for casual listening. Never go below 128 kbps for music.
Go to converter - 2
Convert with FFmpeg (all platforms)
ffmpeg -i input.flac -c:a aac -b:a 256k output.m4a. For variable bitrate: ffmpeg -i input.flac -c:a aac -q:a 2 output.m4a (q:a 1–5, lower = higher quality).
- 3
Convert with iTunes/Music on Mac
In Music: Preferences → Files → Import Settings → AAC Encoder → 256 kbps → OK. Drag your FLAC file into the library → right-click → Create AAC Version. Apple's AAC encoder is among the best available.
- 4
Batch convert a FLAC library
for f in *.flac; do ffmpeg -i "$f" -c:a aac -b:a 256k "${f%.flac}.m4a"; done.
Why convert FLAC to AAC?
AAC offers better quality than MP3 at equivalent bitrates and is the native format for iPhone, Apple Music, YouTube, and Android. Converting FLAC to AAC gives you near-lossless quality in a file 5–8× smaller.
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
Is it worth converting FLAC to AAC?
Should I delete FLAC after converting to AAC?
No account. No upload. Works in any browser.