With the rise of digital music streaming, file formats have become increasingly important. Although most digital music streaming services support different file formats, some of them do not support the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) format, which is commonly used in Apple’s iTunes and other applications. AAC files, compared to MP3 files, offer better quality and smaller file sizes. However, if you need to share or play your music on a device that doesn’t support these files, you can convert them to MP3 format. In this blog post, we will show you how to convert an AAC file to an MP3 file with several different methods.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Convert An AAC File to MP3
There are several reasons why you might need to convert an AAC file to an MP3 file:
- Some music streaming services do not support the AAC format, such as Spotify and Amazon Music.
- Some devices or media players only support MP3 format, such as some car stereos and older portable music players.
- Converting AAC files to MP3 can help reduce the file size while maintaining decent audio quality.
Method 1: Using iTunes
Before starting this method, make sure you have the most updated version of iTunes on your computer.
In this method, we will use iTunes, the native media player developed by Apple, to convert AAC files to MP3.
- Open iTunes on your computer and select "Edit" from the top menu and choose "Preferences".
- In the "General" tab, click on the "Import Settings" button.
- In the "Import Using" drop-down menu, select "MP3 Encoder".
- Then, click on the "OK" button twice to save the settings and go back to the main window of iTunes.
- Import the AAC file you want to convert to iTunes by dragging and dropping it into the iTunes library or by selecting "File" from the top menu and choosing "Add to Library".
- After the file has been added to the library, right-click on it and choose "Convert to MP3".
- iTunes will start the conversion process, and once it’s complete, the newly created MP3 file will appear in your iTunes library.
Pros:
- This method is easy to use, especially if you have already downloaded iTunes on your computer.
- It’s free and doesn’t require any additional software.
- The converted MP3 file will have decent audio quality and can be played on most devices and media players.
Cons:
- It may take some time to convert the file, depending on the size of the file and the speed of your computer.
- This method only works with AAC files that are in your iTunes library.
- It can be confusing to find the converted file in your iTunes library if you have a lot of songs.
Method 2: Using Online Converters
If you don’t want to download any software, you can use an online converter to convert your AAC files to MP3.
- Open your preferred search engine and search for "AAC to MP3 converter".
- Select one of the online converters from the search results, such as Online-Convert.com or Convertio.co.
- Upload the AAC file you want to convert by clicking on the "Select Files" button or by dragging and dropping the file into the online converter.
- Choose the "MP3" option from the "Output Format" drop-down menu.
- Click on the "Convert" or "Start Conversion" button to begin the conversion process.
- Once the conversion is complete, download the newly created MP3 file to your computer.
Pros:
- Online converters are free and do not require any software installation.
- They can be easily accessed through any web browser.
- Most online converters support a wide variety of file formats, including AAC and MP3.
Cons:
- Using an online converter requires a stable and fast internet connection.
- Upload and download speeds may vary depending on the size of the file and your internet connection.
- Online converters may have limitations on the number of files you can convert per day or the maximum file size allowed.
Method 3: Using Free Software
There are several free software programs that you can download and install on your computer to convert AAC files to MP3. In this method, we will use Free Audio Converter.
- Download Free Audio Converter from a trusted software download website, such as CNET or Softonic.
- Install the software on your computer by following the instructions provided by the installer.
- Launch Free Audio Converter and click on the "Add File" button to upload the AAC file you want to convert.
- Choose "MP3" as the output format from the "Output Format" drop-down menu.
- Click on the "Convert" button to start the conversion process.
- After the conversion is complete, the newly created MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original AAC file.
Pros:
- Free Audio Converter is a powerful and easy-to-use program, and it’s free to download and install.
- It supports a wide range of audio formats, including AAC, MP3, and WAV.
- You can use it to batch convert multiple AAC files to MP3 at the same time.
Cons:
- Free Audio Converter may not be compatible with all operating systems, such as MacOS.
- It may take some time to download and install the software, depending on your internet speed.
- The quality of the converted MP3 file may vary depending on the settings you choose.
What to Do If You Can’t Convert An AAC File to MP3
If you encounter any issues or errors when trying to convert an AAC file to MP3, here are some fixes you can try:
- Try restarting the software or the computer and try again.
- Check for any software updates or patches and install them.
- Make sure the source AAC file is not corrupted or damaged.
- Try converting the file using a different method or software.
- Check the settings in the software to make sure you are selecting the correct input and output formats.
- Consult the software’s user manual or online forums or support groups for more help.
Bonus Tip
To avoid the need to convert audio files in the first place, consider using a music streaming service that supports different file formats, such as Spotify, Google Play Music, or Tidal. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing a compatible media player or device that supports the AAC format, such as an Apple iPod or iPhone.
5 FAQs
Q1: Are there any differences in audio quality between an AAC and an MP3 file?
A: Both AAC and MP3 files can offer decent audio quality, but AAC files typically offer better sound quality at a smaller file size compared to MP3 files.
Q2: Can I convert an MP3 file to an AAC file?
A: Yes, you can use the same methods outlined in this blog post to convert an MP3 file to an AAC file.
Q3: How do I know which method to use to convert an AAC file to MP3?
A: It depends on your personal preferences and the resources or tools available to you. If you prefer to use free software and have the time to download and install it, using Method 3 may be the best option. If you value convenience and have a stable internet connection, using an online converter (Method 2) may be more suitable for you.
Q4: Can I convert AAC files to other file formats?
A: Yes, you can use most of the same methods outlined in this blog post to convert AAC files to different formats, such as FLAC, WAV, or OGG.
Q5: Do all audio players support the MP3 format?
A: Most audio players and devices support the MP3 format, including most smartphones, tablets, and computers. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specifications of the device or player you plan to use to make sure it supports the MP3 format.
Final Thoughts
Converting AAC files to MP3 format is a simple process that can help you enjoy your music on a wider range of devices and platforms. Whether you prefer using iTunes, online converters, or free software, there are several methods available to convert your files. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can convert your AAC files to MP3 quickly and easily.