Can iTunes Convert FLAC to ALAC?
A lot of audiophiles using Apple products prefer using FLAC files. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a prevalent audio format that offers high-quality, lossless compression. As an Apple user, you may have wondered if iTunes can instantly convert FLAC to ALAC.
iTunes cannot convert FLAC to ALAC. iTunes does not natively support FLAC files and should be converted to a compatible format first. After conversion, the file format is imported to iTunes. Using a third-party software platform to convert FLAC to ALAC may be faster and more efficient.
You may need to use a third-party converter or alternative music player if you want to convert FLAC to ALAC. These alternative options allow you to enjoy high-quality audio files on your Apple devices without losing quality. Let us look at what options are available:
Can iTunes Convert FLAC to ALAC?
iTunes cannot directly convert FLAC to ALAC and does not support the FLAC to ALAC file conversion. There are several other methods you can use to do a conversion:
- Alternative Converters to iTunes: VOX or Swinsian.They support FLAC and ALAC files and offer conversion options.
- Convert FLAC to WAV: Third-party software such as XLD or dBpoweramp. After converting your audio files on these platforms, you import them to iTunes and then convert them to ALAC.
- Use a FLAC to ALAC Converter: Other third-party FLAC to ALAC converters, such as Max or Fluke, are also popular. These programs can convert your FLAC files to ALAC without converting to WAV first.
To easily convert FLAC to ALAC, you can try using the following third-party conversion software platforms:
- XLD – A free and easy-to-use software that supports batch FLAC file conversions.
- dBpoweramp โ A top-rated platform that supports various formats and can convert multiple files simultaneously.
- Foobar2000 โ A small and customizable platform that supports multiple file formats.
- Max – A free-to-use and user-friendly platform that supports batch conversions. It can also extract audio from CDs.
- MediaHuman Audio Converter โ Very user-friendly and supports multiple file conversion formats over and above FLAC.
Why Can iTunes not Convert FLAC to ALAC?
iTunes cannot convert FLAC to ALAC because FLAC files are open-source, royalty-free audio formats that Apple does not support. ALAC files are Apple’s proprietary lossless audio codec.
Apple developed ALAC specifically for use on their devices and platforms like iTunes and QuickTime player. ALAC provides high-quality audio compression and playback while maintaining original audio quality.
Even though iTunes does not support FLAC, it can convert many audio formats to ALAC.
- WAV
- AIFF
- MP3
To successfully convert FLAC to ALAC for Apple devices or iTunes, third-party conversion software must be used.
Alternatively, users can convert FLAC to a format that iTunes supports and import the files into iTunes. However, this method may result in a loss of quality due to the conversion process.
Are ALAC Files Strictly Used With Apple Devices?
Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) is a lossless audio codec developed by Apple Inc. It is similar to FLAC but explicitly designed for use on Apple devices. ALAC offers high-quality, lossless compression and is compatible with all Apple devices, including iPods, iPhones, and iPads.
While Apple initially developed ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec), it is not limited to use on Apple devices only. ALAC files can be played on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers running Windows, Linux, and Android operating systems.
Many popular music players, like the multipurpose and user-friendly VLC and Foobar2000, support ALAC playback. This makes ALAC a versatile and widely accessible audio format that anyone can use, regardless of their choice of device or operating system.
How Long Does It Take To Convert FLAC to ALAC?
The time or speed it takes to convert a FLAC file to ALAC will depend on factors like the file size, the speed of your computer or phone processor, and what converter you are using.
Converting FLAC to ALAC using a third-party converter or alternative music player is generally faster than using a platform such as iTunes.
Typically a standard-size file conversion takes only a few minutes on any conversion platform. Still, it will take longer if you convert a huge file or several together.
The conversion process is usually faster if you use a third-party converter or alternative music player. Good options, such as XLD, can convert a single file in a matter of seconds. Again that will depend on the file size and your computer’s speed.
Another factor to consider is always that there may be quality losses. Although the quality loss is minimal, it may be picked up by a good ear.
Everything today is about instant results. Instead, prioritize choosing a good third-party converter over one that is lightning-fast but causes significant quality issues.
Does Converting FLAC to ALAC Result In Loss Of Quality?
Significant psychoacoustic losses exist with most file conversions, such as WAV to MP3. WAV to MP3 is a lossless to lossy file conversion, but FLAC to ALAC is lossless to lossless conversion.
However, there is always a chance the file you want to convert will have quality loss unless you convert a lossless to lossless file. Before converting your FLAC files, you should know some facts and information:
- FLAC is a lossless audio format. Lossless means it retains all of the original audio quality and data.
- ALAC is also a lossless audio format. The compression of ALAC is different to that of FLAC.
- When converting from FLAC to ALAC, you will use the ALAC algorithm to compress the data resulting in small audio losses.
- The quality of the converted ALAC file will depend on the quality of the original FLAC file and the conversion software used.
- It’s essential to use high-quality, verified file conversion software to minimize loss of quality or risk of file corruption.
- Some conversion software programs may suggest that you change compression settings, which can impact the finished file quality.
- Perform a listening test to compare the original FLAC file with the converted ALAC file. This will help determine if the desired quality has been achieved.
How To Convert FLAC to ALAC Using XLD?
Among the software conversion platforms, many do the same job to convert your FLAC files to ALAC. As an example, here is how you would be able to effect the conversion step by step using XLD (X Lossless Decoder).
XLD is a free, open-source software that can convert FLAC to ALAC using the following steps. Using paid platform software is only necessary if you work with sensitive or confidential information. Having an updated firewall and malware software installed is always a good idea. :
- Download XLD and install it as directed on your Mac.
- Open XLD and follow the prompt -go to Preferences > General.
- Under Output Format, select Apple Lossless.
- Drag and drop or select your FLAC files into XLD.
- Click theโ Convertโ button to start the file conversion process.
- Once the conversion is complete, you can import the ALAC files into iTunes and sync them with your Apple devices.
Conclusion
While iTunes does not support direct conversion of FLAC to ALAC, there are several workarounds you can use to convert your files.
Converting FLAC to ALAC can ensure compatibility with Apple devices and provide high-quality, lossless sound.
