FormatDrop doesn't convert FLAC to AIFF yet. The methods below use free tools that do. FormatDrop's own converters cover common image, audio, video and PDF formats, all in your browser.
Free tools for FLAC to AIFF
- 1
XLD (free, Mac)
In Preferences → General, set Output format to AIFF, then drag the FLAC files onto XLD. Bit depth and sample rate stay as they are.
- 2
Audacity (free)
File → Open the FLAC, then File → Export Audio (older versions: File → Export) → choose AIFF, keep the bit depth, and export.
- 3
FFmpeg (command line)
ffmpeg -i input.flac -c:a pcm_s16be -write_id3v2 1 -c:v copy output.aiff. Use pcm_s24be for 24-bit files. Without -write_id3v2 1, FFmpeg keeps only the title; with it, artist, album and cover art come along too.
Why convert FLAC to AIFF?
FLAC is the world's lossless format; AIFF is Apple's lossless format. Converting between them is lossless and routine for anyone working in macOS audio production.
Frequently asked questions
Is FLAC to AIFF lossless?
Yes — both FLAC and AIFF store the same audio losslessly. FLAC compresses; AIFF doesn't. Converting between them is a bit-for-bit lossless operation. The audio samples in the AIFF will be identical to those in the original FLAC.
FFmpeg command for FLAC to AIFF?
`ffmpeg -i input.flac -c:a pcm_s16be -map_metadata 0 output.aiff` for 16-bit. For 24-bit: `-c:a pcm_s24be`. AIFF stores PCM big-endian (be) and WAV little-endian (le); that's the main difference in the audio data. Add -write_id3v2 1 to keep artist, album and cover art.
Will metadata transfer from FLAC to AIFF?
AIFF can hold its own NAME and AUTH fields or an ID3v2 tag, which Apple's apps read. By default FFmpeg writes only the title; add -write_id3v2 1 -c:v copy and it keeps artist, album and cover art in an ID3v2 tag.
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