FormatDrop doesn't convert MP3 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 MP3 to AIFF
- 1
Music app on a Mac
Music → Settings → Files → Import Settings → Import Using: AIFF Encoder → OK. Then select the songs and choose File → Convert → Create AIFF Version. The copies appear next to the originals in your library.
- 2
Audacity (free)
File → Open the MP3, then File → Export Audio (older versions: File → Export) → AIFF → export.
- 3
FFmpeg (command line)
ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -c:a pcm_s16be -write_id3v2 1 output.aiff. The -write_id3v2 1 part keeps artist and album tags.
Why convert MP3 to AIFF?
MP3 is for listeners; AIFF is for editors. Converting MP3 to AIFF brings compressed audio back into a form that Apple's audio tools handle as a first-class citizen.
Frequently asked questions
Will MP3 to AIFF improve quality?
No — MP3 is lossy and information was permanently discarded. AIFF stores what's in the MP3 exactly, so the AIFF will sound the same as the MP3, just much larger. Quality cannot be recovered after lossy compression.
FFmpeg command for MP3 to AIFF?
`ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -c:a pcm_s16be output.aiff`. For 24-bit: `-c:a pcm_s24be`. For float audio: `-c:a pcm_f32be`.
Why use AIFF instead of WAV on Mac?
Both work fine on Mac. Logic and GarageBand handle both. AIFF is the long-standing Mac convention; WAV is more universal. For pure macOS workflows, AIFF is the convention; for cross-platform sharing, WAV is safer.
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