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Convert AIFF to WAV - Cross-Platform Audio Made Simple

Convert Apple AIFF files to universal WAV format. Full quality, any platform.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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AIFF Files Not Working on Windows?

You've got audio files from a Mac-based session but your Windows DAW struggles with AIFF format. Or you need to send stems to a collaborator who uses different software. AIFF-Apple's professional audio format-doesn't always play nice outside the Apple ecosystem.

Converting AIFF files to WAV solves this instantly. WAV is the universal standard that every digital audio workstation, sampler, and playback system recognizes without issues. In our testing, WAV files load faster and cause fewer compatibility headaches across mixed Mac/Windows workflows.

How to Convert AIFF to WAV

  1. Upload your AIFF file - Drag and drop or click to select your audio file
  2. Confirm WAV output - WAV is selected as the cross-platform standard
  3. Download your audio - Full quality preserved, ready for any system

The entire process takes seconds. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting.

Why Convert AIFF to WAV?

Both AIFF and WAV are uncompressed, lossless audio formats that preserve every detail of your recording. The audio data is bit-for-bit identical-you can convert between them all day without any quality loss. So why convert?

Universal Compatibility

WAV works everywhere. Every DAW on every platform-Pro Tools, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Reaper, Cubase-handles WAV flawlessly. While AIFF support exists in most software, WAV is the industry default that professionals expect when receiving files.

Windows Workflows

AIFF was developed by Apple in 1988 for Mac systems. WAV was developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991 for Windows. If you're working primarily on Windows or collaborating with Windows users, WAV eliminates potential compatibility friction.

Hardware Samplers

Hardware samplers, drum machines, and standalone audio equipment almost universally prefer WAV format. In our testing across multiple hardware units, WAV files loaded more reliably than AIFF equivalents.

Technical Comparison: AIFF vs WAV

Understanding the technical differences helps you make informed decisions:

FeatureAIFFWAV
Audio QualityLossless PCMLossless PCM
Bit DepthUp to 32-bitUp to 32-bit
Sample RatesUp to 192kHzUp to 192kHz
File Size~10MB per minute (16-bit/44.1kHz)~10MB per minute (16-bit/44.1kHz)
MetadataExtensive supportLimited support
Platform OriginApple (Mac)Microsoft/IBM (Windows)

The key difference is metadata handling. AIFF supports extensive metadata including track names, artist information, and album artwork. WAV has more limited metadata fields. If you rely heavily on embedded metadata, consider whether you need to preserve that information separately.

Common Use Cases

Professional Collaboration

When sending stems, masters, or audio assets to clients or collaborators, WAV is the safest choice. In our experience, specifying "please send as WAV" is common practice in professional settings because it eliminates format ambiguity.

Sample Libraries

Building sample packs or sound libraries? WAV is the expected format. Sample marketplaces, plugin developers, and content platforms standardize on WAV for maximum compatibility. Converting your AIFF to MP3 would lose quality-WAV preserves everything.

Video Post-Production

Video editors working in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro often prefer WAV for audio assets. While these programs support AIFF, WAV integrates more seamlessly, especially in cross-platform team environments.

Archiving and Backup

For long-term audio archival, both formats work equally well since they're both lossless. However, WAV's broader compatibility means your archives remain accessible regardless of what systems you use in the future.

Quality Preservation

Converting AIFF to WAV is a lossless process. Both formats store audio using PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) without compression. The waveform data-every sample at every frequency-transfers perfectly.

In our testing, we've verified that converted files are bit-for-bit identical in audio content. The only changes are in the file container structure (how the data is packaged), not the audio itself. A 24-bit/96kHz AIFF becomes a 24-bit/96kHz WAV with zero quality degradation.

This is fundamentally different from converting to lossy formats like MP3 or AAC, which discard audio data to reduce file size.

Alternative Conversions

Sometimes WAV isn't the best choice. Consider these alternatives:

  • AIFF to FLAC - Lossless compression reduces file size by 50-60% while preserving quality. Ideal for archiving when storage matters.
  • AIFF to MP3 - When you need small files for streaming, sharing, or playback on portable devices. Quality loss is minimal at 320kbps.
  • AIFF to M4A - Apple's AAC format offers better quality than MP3 at the same bitrate, with good Apple ecosystem support.

Stick with AIFF-to-WAV when quality is non-negotiable and compatibility is the goal.

Batch Conversion

Converting an entire album, sample pack, or project folder? Upload multiple AIFF files at once and convert them all to WAV in a single batch. No need to process files one at a time.

This is particularly useful when preparing deliverables for clients or standardizing a library of sounds recorded in different formats.

Works in Any Browser

Convert AIFF to WAV directly in your web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Tablets and mobile devices

No software to download, no plugins required. Your audio files are processed locally for privacy and speed.

Pro Tip

When collaborating with Windows-based studios or submitting to sample libraries, always deliver as WAV even if you work in AIFF internally. It's become the unspoken industry standard that prevents any compatibility questions.

Common Mistake

Assuming AIFF will work everywhere because your Mac handles it fine. Windows systems and many hardware samplers have inconsistent AIFF support. Convert to WAV before sending to eliminate potential issues.

Best For

Professional audio workflows requiring cross-platform compatibility-delivering stems to clients, submitting to sample marketplaces, loading samples into hardware, or collaborating with Windows-based studios.

Not Recommended

If you work exclusively on Apple devices and need embedded metadata (artist info, album art, track details), AIFF handles metadata better than WAV. Only convert when you specifically need cross-platform compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Both AIFF and WAV are uncompressed, lossless formats using PCM audio. Converting between them preserves every bit of audio data. The conversion is completely lossless-the audio is identical before and after.

Compatibility. WAV is the universal standard recognized by all DAWs, hardware samplers, and operating systems. AIFF was developed by Apple and works best in Apple environments. For cross-platform work or professional deliverables, WAV eliminates potential issues.

Both are lossless PCM audio formats with identical quality capabilities. AIFF was created by Apple (1988) and supports extensive metadata. WAV was created by Microsoft/IBM (1991) and is the Windows/cross-platform standard. AIFF has better metadata support; WAV has broader compatibility.

Yes. The conversion preserves your original bit depth and sample rate exactly. A high-resolution AIFF file becomes an identical high-resolution WAV file. No resampling or bit depth reduction occurs.

Potentially yes. AIFF supports extensive metadata (artist, album, artwork). WAV has more limited metadata capabilities. If detailed metadata is critical, you may need to preserve that information separately or use a format like FLAC that supports both lossless audio and rich metadata.

WAV is the industry standard for professional audio delivery, collaboration, and archiving. Most studios, clients, and platforms expect WAV files. Use AIFF internally in Apple-centric workflows if you prefer, but deliver as WAV for maximum compatibility.

Yes. Upload multiple AIFF files and convert them all to WAV in a single batch. This is ideal for converting entire albums, sample libraries, or project stems efficiently.

Technically no-both are lossless conversions that preserve identical audio. The direction you choose depends on your needs: AIFF-to-WAV for cross-platform compatibility, WAV-to-AIFF if you specifically need Apple's metadata features.

Nearly identical. Both uncompressed formats produce files around 10MB per minute for CD-quality audio (16-bit/44.1kHz). File size scales with bit depth and sample rate-a 24-bit/96kHz file is about 34MB per minute in either format.

Yes. WAV is universally supported across all professional DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Reaper, and Studio One. It's the most compatible professional audio format available.

For archival purposes, keeping originals is good practice. However, since AIFF and WAV are both lossless, the WAV conversion is a perfect copy of the audio. The main difference is metadata-if your AIFFs contain metadata you need, preserve them or export that data separately.

Our converter handles all standard professional audio specifications: sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, and bit depths from 16-bit to 32-bit float. Your high-resolution audio converts without any downsampling or quality reduction.

AIFF Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.