How to Convert FLAC to ALAC

Free tools for FLAC to ALAC

1. 1

   Convert with FFmpeg (all platforms)

   ffmpeg -i input.flac -c:a alac -c:v copy output.m4a. The -c:a alac flag picks the ALAC codec, and .m4a is the Apple container. The -c:v copy part keeps embedded cover art as cover art; without it, FFmpeg turns the picture into a one-frame video track. The result plays in the Music app, iTunes and on iPhone.

2. 2

   Batch convert a FLAC library to ALAC

   for f in *.flac; do ffmpeg -i "$f" -c:a alac -c:v copy "${f%.flac}.m4a"; done. For subfolders too: find . -name '*.flac' -exec sh -c 'ffmpeg -i "$1" -c:a alac -c:v copy "${1%.flac}.m4a"' _ {} \;

3. 3

   Use XLD on macOS (handles CUE sheets)

   Install XLD (free for Mac) → Preferences → General → Output format: Apple Lossless → drag FLAC files onto XLD. XLD can also split a single-file album with a CUE sheet into separate tracks.

4. 4

   Import ALAC into Music or iTunes

   Drag the .m4a files into the Music library. Select a track → Get Info → File: the kind should say Apple Lossless. The Music app plays ALAC on Mac, iPhone and iPad.