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How to Convert AAC to MP3 With iTunes
If you prefer MP3s, iTunes can deliver them for DRM-free tracks
By Sam Costello Sam Costello Writer Ithaca College Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 11, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Music, Podcasts, & Audio CDs, MP3s, & Other Media Music For Your Life Audio Streaming Podcasts Radio What to Know
Launch iTunes and go to Edit > Preferences (Win 10) or iTunes > Preferences (Mac) > General tab > Import Settings.Choose MP3 Encoder under the Import Using menu. Under Setting, choose either Higher Quality or Custom (256 kbps).Select the songs you want to convert, then go to File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. This article explains how to convert songs from the Apple AAC digital audio format to MP3s. Only songs that are DRM-free can be converted. If a song uses Digital Rights Management protection, it can't be converted because the conversion could remove the DRM. Change iTunes Settings to Create MP3s
The first step is to make sure the iTunes file conversion feature is set to create MP3 files. It can produce many kinds of files, including AAC, MP3, and Apple Lossless. To enable iTunes to create MP3 files: Launch iTunes. On a Windows PC, go to Edit > Preferences. On a Mac, go to iTunes > Preferences. Lifewire On the General tab, select Import Settings. Lifewire Select the Import Using drop-down arrow and choose MP3 Encoder. Lifewire Select the Setting drop-down arrow and choose a quality setting. Choose either the Higher Quality setting, which is 192 kbps or choose Custom and select 256 kbps. Don't use anything lower than the current bit rate of the AAC file being converted. If you don't know it, find it in the song's ID3 tags. Select OK. How to Convert AAC to MP3 Using iTunes
To convert an AAC music file to MP3 format in iTunes: Select the songs you want to convert to MP3. To select multiples files, press Ctrl on Windows or Command on Mac and click each file. Go the File menu. Select Convert. Select Create MP3 Version. Lifewire ITunes notifies you if any of the songs you choose cannot be converted due to DRM restrictions. Deselect those songs to proceed. Wait while the files are converted. When the conversion from AAC to MP3 is complete, the iTunes Library contains a copy of the song in each format. To find out if a file is in AAC or MP3 format, select the file and press Ctrl+I on Windows or Command+I on a Mac to display the song information window. Then, go to the File tab and look in the Kind field. If you don't want the ACC files, delete the song files from iTunes. How to Get the Best Sound Quality for Converted Files
Converting a song from AAC to MP3 (or vice versa) can result in a loss of sound quality for the converted file. That's because both formats keep the file size small by using compression technologies that reduce some sound quality at high and low frequencies. Most people don't notice this compression. This means that AAC and MP3 files are already compressed. Converting the song to a new format further compresses it. You may not notice this difference in audio quality, but if you have great ears or great audio equipment, you might. Ensure the best audio quality for files by converting from a high-quality original, rather than a compressed file. For example, ripping a song from CD to MP3 is better than ripping it to AAC and then converting to MP3. If you don't have a CD, find a lossless version of the original song to convert. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Convert iTunes Songs to MP3 in 5 Easy Steps AAC vs. MP3 How to Copy a Music CD to iTunes 6 Best Free Audio Converter Software Programs M4A File (What It Is and How to Open One) M4P File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Rip Music From CDs Using Windows Media Player 11 AC3 File (What It Is & How to Open One) M4R File (What It Is & How to Open One) What Are MP3 CDs? AAC File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Rip Music CDs to ALAC in iTunes FLAC File (What It Is & How to Open One) How to Make a Song Your Ringtone On iPhone M4V File (What It Is and How to Open One) WMA File (What It Is and How to Open One) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies