ChangeMyFile - Free Online File ConverterChangeMyFile
Trusted by thousands of users worldwide

Convert MP3 to AIFF - Professional Audio Quality

Transform MP3 files to uncompressed AIFF for professional editing and Apple workflows.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

Read Terms of use before using

Share:fXin@
500+ Formats
Lightning Fast
100% Secure
Always Free
Cloud Processing

Why Convert MP3 to AIFF?

MP3 files work great for listening, but they fall short in professional audio production. The compression that makes MP3 files small also removes audio data permanently. When you import MP3 into a DAW like Logic Pro, Pro Tools, or GarageBand, you're starting with compromised source material.

AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) is Apple's standard for uncompressed audio. Converting your MP3 files to AIFF creates an uncompressed working copy that won't degrade further during editing. In our testing, audio editors who work with uncompressed formats report cleaner results when applying effects and processing.

How to Convert MP3 to AIFF

  1. Upload your MP3 file - Drag and drop or click to select your audio file
  2. Select AIFF as output - Choose AIFF for uncompressed, lossless audio
  3. Download your AIFF - Get your converted file ready for professional use

The entire process takes seconds. Your converted AIFF file maintains full compatibility with Apple software and professional DAWs.

MP3 vs AIFF: Technical Comparison

Understanding the differences helps you choose the right format for each situation:

  • Compression - MP3 uses lossy compression (removes data), AIFF stores audio uncompressed
  • File size - A 5-minute MP3 at 320kbps is roughly 11.4 MB; the same audio as AIFF is approximately 50 MB
  • Audio quality - AIFF preserves every detail of the audio waveform with no artifacts
  • Editing flexibility - AIFF files can be edited repeatedly without quality degradation
  • Metadata support - AIFF supports ID3 tags and embedded album artwork, similar to MP3

In our testing, the file size increase is roughly 4-5x compared to high-quality MP3, but the editing benefits are substantial for professional work.

Professional Audio Workflows

Audio professionals convert to AIFF for specific reasons:

DAW Compatibility

Logic Pro, GarageBand, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live all work efficiently with AIFF. These applications are optimized for uncompressed audio, reducing CPU overhead during playback and processing. If you need the highest quality output from AIFF format, starting with uncompressed source material makes a difference.

DJ Software

Professional DJs often prefer AIFF over WAV because AIFF supports full metadata including album artwork. Serato, Traktor, and rekordbox handle AIFF files seamlessly, displaying all track information while maintaining audio quality.

Apple Ecosystem

AIFF was developed by Apple in 1988 and remains the native high-quality format across macOS and iOS. Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and other Apple applications treat AIFF as a first-class citizen.

When to Use This Conversion

Audio Editing Projects

If you're editing a podcast, cleaning up audio, or applying effects, convert to AIFF first. Each processing step on a compressed format compounds quality loss. Starting with uncompressed AIFF preserves more of your original audio through the editing chain.

Sample Libraries

Building a sample library for music production? AIFF ensures your samples remain pristine regardless of how many times you slice, stretch, or process them. Many professional sample packs ship in AIFF format specifically for this reason.

Archival Purposes

AIFF provides a stable, widely-supported format for long-term audio storage. Unlike proprietary formats, AIFF will remain readable by audio software for decades to come.

Understanding the Conversion

An important note: converting MP3 to AIFF doesn't restore lost audio data. The compression artifacts baked into the MP3 will still be present in the AIFF file. What you gain is:

  • Prevention of further quality loss during editing
  • Better DAW performance and compatibility
  • A format suitable for professional workflows
  • Full metadata and artwork support

For the absolute best quality, always work from original uncompressed sources when available. But when MP3 is what you have, converting to AIFF before editing is the professional approach. In our testing, applying effects to AIFF files derived from MP3 produces cleaner results than processing the MP3 directly.

Alternative Formats to Consider

Depending on your needs, other conversions might suit you better:

  • MP3 to WAV - Similar uncompressed quality, more common on Windows systems
  • MP3 to FLAC - Compressed but lossless, smaller files than AIFF
  • MP3 to M4A - Apple's compressed format, better quality than MP3 at similar sizes

Choose AIFF when you need maximum compatibility with Apple software and professional audio applications that work best with uncompressed PCM audio.

Works on Any Device

Convert MP3 to AIFF directly in your browser:

  • Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android devices

No software installation required. Your audio files are processed securely without being stored on external servers.

Pro Tip

When building a sample library from MP3 sources, convert everything to AIFF before importing into your DAW. This ensures consistent behavior across your entire library and prevents format-related issues during production sessions.

Common Mistake

Assuming MP3-to-AIFF conversion restores lost quality. The conversion creates an uncompressed container, but audio data removed during MP3 encoding cannot be recovered. Always archive original recordings in lossless formats when possible.

Best For

Audio editors working in Apple environments who need to process MP3 files through multiple editing stages. Converting to AIFF first prevents cumulative quality loss during repeated effects processing and ensures optimal DAW performance.

Not Recommended

If you just need to play audio files or share music casually, converting to AIFF creates unnecessarily large files. Keep MP3 for listening and portable devices. Only convert when you need to edit or process the audio professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Converting doesn't restore audio data lost during MP3 compression. However, it prevents further quality degradation during editing and provides better DAW compatibility. The AIFF file will be larger but won't introduce new compression artifacts.

AIFF stores audio uncompressed, while MP3 uses lossy compression. Expect AIFF files to be 4-5x larger. A 5-minute MP3 at 320kbps (about 11.4 MB) becomes roughly 50 MB as uncompressed AIFF at CD quality.

The converted AIFF maintains the audio quality of your source MP3. Since MP3 files are typically 44.1kHz, your AIFF will match this. The bit depth will be 16-bit PCM, which is CD-quality audio.

Yes. AIFF is Apple's native audio format and works seamlessly in Logic Pro, GarageBand, Final Cut Pro, and all Apple audio applications. Logic Pro is optimized for AIFF playback and editing.

Both are uncompressed and offer identical audio quality. AIFF is preferred in Apple/Mac environments and supports better metadata including album artwork. WAV is more common on Windows. Choose based on your platform.

Yes. AIFF supports ID3 tags including artist, album, title, and embedded album artwork. Your metadata will carry over during conversion, which is an advantage AIFF has over some other uncompressed formats.

Yes. You can upload and convert multiple MP3 files in a single batch. Each file will be converted to AIFF individually, ready for download when complete.

Professional audio engineers use AIFF for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering. DJs prefer it for full-quality playback with metadata support. It's the standard format in Apple-based recording studios and post-production facilities.

If MP3 is your only source, yes. Converting to AIFF before mastering prevents the mastering process from compounding quality loss. However, for best results, always try to obtain original uncompressed masters when possible.

Yes. Windows Media Player and most Windows audio software support AIFF playback. Professional DAWs like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and FL Studio on Windows handle AIFF files without issues.

No. AIFF and AIF are the same format with different file extension lengths. AIFF is the official Apple extension, while AIF is an abbreviated form. Both work identically in all audio applications.

Conversion is nearly instant for most files. A typical 5-minute song converts in just a few seconds. The browser-based process doesn't require uploading to external servers, so speed depends only on your device's processing power.

MP3 Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.