How to convert FLAC to ALAC
- Add your FLAC file. Drag the file onto the converter or choose it from your device.
- Click Convert to ALAC. The FLAC is decoded and re-encoded as Apple Lossless inside your browser. There are no settings to choose: lossless to lossless keeps everything.
- Download the .m4a file. Save the file, then add it to Apple Music, iTunes or the Files app.
FLAC vs ALAC
FLAC and ALAC do the same job: they shrink audio without losing any of it. The difference is which devices play them natively. To edit the audio first, the FLAC to WAV converter gives you uncompressed audio, and the MP4 to MP3 converter does the same job for soundtracks in video files.
| Feature | FLAC | ALAC |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Lossless | Lossless |
| File extension | .flac | .m4a |
| File size | About half the size of WAV | Similar to FLAC, usually a little larger |
| Native support | Android, Windows, most hi-fi players | Apple Music, iTunes, iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Licence | Open source | Open source since 2011 |
Why convert FLAC to ALAC
- Apple Music and iTunes. The Apple Music app and iTunes do not import FLAC. ALAC files go straight into your library with no loss of quality.
- Syncing to iPhone and iPad. Music synced from a Mac or PC to an Apple device must be in a format the Music app plays. ALAC keeps your collection lossless on the phone.
- One lossless library. If you listen mainly on Apple devices, ALAC saves you from keeping two copies of every album.
If you need files that play everywhere and space matters more than exactness, convert to MP3 with the FLAC to MP3 converter instead.
Sample rate and bit depth are kept
ALAC supports the same hi-res audio as FLAC. A 24-bit, 96 kHz FLAC becomes a 24-bit, 96 kHz ALAC file, and a CD-quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz file stays at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz. Nothing is resampled.
When the conversion fails
- The file is rejected. Only .flac files are accepted. A file with a .flac name that holds other audio may fail to decode.
- The file is larger than 100 MB. Long hi-res recordings can exceed the browser limit. Split the recording first.
- Windows shows the .m4a as unplayable. Some Windows players do not decode ALAC. Use Apple Music, iTunes or VLC.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert FLAC to ALAC?
Drop the FLAC file into the converter at the top of this page, click Convert to ALAC, then download the .m4a file. Nothing is installed and nothing is uploaded.
Is FLAC to ALAC conversion lossless?
Yes. FLAC and ALAC both store the exact original audio, so converting between them changes only how the data is packed. The decoded sound is bit-for-bit identical.
Why is the file .m4a and not .alac?
ALAC audio is stored in an MPEG-4 container, which uses the .m4a extension. The same extension is used for AAC, but the audio inside this file is lossless ALAC.
Why can't I preview the ALAC file here?
Chrome and Firefox do not play ALAC, so the preview only appears in Safari. The file itself is fine and plays in Apple Music, iTunes, QuickTime, VLC and on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Are tags and cover art kept?
Text tags such as title, artist, album and track number are copied. Embedded cover art is not carried over, so add artwork again in Apple Music if you need it.
Is my FLAC file uploaded?
No. The conversion runs in your browser with WebAssembly. Your audio stays on your device, and closing the tab clears it.