How to Convert FLAC to iTunes in Lossless Quality (Best Way)

Valeria Storm
December 21, 2022

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Nowadays, people love to store their files in FLAC format for its lossless compression, unlike other format, FLAC does not destroy any original audio information but restore the sound quality of music. However, it may frustrate you when you want to play FLAC files in iTunes but only to find out that iTunes doesn’t support FLAC files. Luckily, this article will help clear up your confusion and you will learn how to convert your FLAC to iTunes Lossless.

What Audio File Formats Does iTunes Support

If you use iTunes, you can easily find that iTunes supports the 5 file formats:

MP3
AIFF
WAV
AAC
Apple Lossless

Besides,iTunes can also play anything QuickTime can play, including protected AAC files from the iTunes Store and Audible.com audio books. The Windows version of iTunes can automatically convert unprotected WMA files to other audio formats, but it does not support directly play or compiled WMA format. You can find them by choosing “iTunes > Preferences”, then click the “General > Import Settings”.

However, if you are fond of FLAC audio files, unfortunately, you cannot play FLAC on iTunes because iTunes is not compatible with it. But as FLAC is the lossless audio format, many of you may not want to give up it. So what can we do? A detailed solution will be presented in the following part. Just keep reading.

[Best Method] How to Convert FLAC to iTunes

In order to convert FLAC to the formats that iTunes support, it is recommended to convert it to AIFF lossless format. The reason why AIFF is the first choice is that AIFF is also a lossless file format, and it does not require extra steps to be played on players. Therefore, when you convert FLAC to iTunes in AIFF format, you can play the file on iTunes with lossless quality. Besides, other lossless formats supported by iTunes, ALAC and WAV are also available in VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate.

For helping you to convert audio in the easiest way, VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate is one of the best FLAC converters you can rely on, not only can it support converting on Windows and Mac but also have the formats iTunes supports such as ALAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF.A list of key features of VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate that ensure your Converting FLAC to iTunes is below:

Support lossless compression
Fast conversion speed to save time
Compatible with multiple file formats & encoders
Allow adjusting encoders according to different needs
Intuitive interface and easy operation to get started at once

The processes of conversion as follow may help you:

Step 1. Install & Launch the Converter

Download VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate on your computer, and install it following the instructions. Then, launch it.

Step 2. Add FLAC File into the Program

Click “Add Files” button on the top of the interface or plus icon and select the FLAC file you want to convert. You can also drag and drop your video file to the software directly. Batch converting is also supported in the registered version.

Step 3. Choose AIFF as the Output Format

After adding files to the interface, you can click the blue rightmost button, then go to “Audio” category and browse the format to find “AIFF”and choose the quality you want. You can customize your files like encoder, channel, sample rate, bitrate by clicking the gear button.

If you add videos more than one, you can directly set up output format from top right corner by clicking “Convert All to” for convenience.

Note:

Before converting, you can edit, rotate, crop, add filter & effect, add watermark to the video.

Step 4. Start Converting FLAC to iTunes Format

If you are satisfied with the setups, then you can click “Convert All” at the bottom. The process will take you some time, after the conversion, you can get your converted AIFF files.

Here, we also provide you with a video tutorial to let you understand VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate in a more intuitive form.

How to Put FLAC in iTunes After Conversion

After conversion is done, you may wonder how to import the converted file to iTunes, here are the steps:

Open iTunes;
Click the “files” button at the top right corner, Choose “Add File to Library” (or press Ctrl+O on Windows / Command+O on Mac);
Then you can navigate through the folders on your computer where your converted file is located in a pop-up dialog;
Choose the converted audio file, and hit Enter (Windows) / Return (Mac);
iTunes will add the file from your Mac/PC to your iTunes library; Now, you can play FLAC on iTunes in other iTunes-supported formats.

FAQs About Converting FLAC to iTunes

Why iTunes Can’t Support FLAC Files?

First of all, FLAC is free, which means you can get it for free. More importantly, the FLAC file format is fully open to the public, and you can use it for any purpose. FLAC file format and encoding/decoding implementation are not restricted by any known patents. It means support FLAC in iTunes could be a trouble since many open-source software algorithms can be targets of patent trolls. A big company such as Apple start to support FLAC would likely be sought copious damage when people dredge up a patent.

What’s more, apple has its own lossless codec- Apple Lossless, which also has the functions of fast encoding, lossless compression and well-restored quality, and also compatible with iTunes and iOS devices.

Therefore, if you want to play FLAC files in iTunes, you need to convert them to Apple Lossless or other formats that iTunes support. Then import it to iTunes.

What Output Format Do I Choose When Converting FLAC to iTunes?

Before you consider which format to choose, let’s learn about compression of audio files that affects the audio quality.

Normally, we compress the files to minimize the file size and save much space. When it comes to audio file compression, 2 types are available: lossless compression and lossy compression. It’s easy to understand that lossless compression doesn’t remove data from the original files and the quality won’t be impaired, while lossy compression will cause data loss.

Now let’s see what compression type the 5 file types in iTunes use:

Lossless compression: ALAC

Lossy compression: MP3, AAC

No compression: AIFF, WAV

Now we’d like to further explain why AIFF is the first target format you can choose. MP3 and AAC will lose data during compression, so they cannot maintain the original quality of FLAC file. AIFF and WAV are uncompressed, which also means they won’t cause data loss, but no compression means they may occupy much space. So why not choose ALAC?

Actually, when playing an Apple Lossless audio file, the player needs to unzip the file. In contrast, AIFF will be more stable and convenient because it is uncompressed. As another lossless file format, WAV usually takes up more space, so AIFF is the first choice.

Conclusion

All in all, though FLAC format is not in iTunes’s supported list, VideoSolo Video Converter Ultimate is an effective way for you to convert FLAC to iTunes compatible formats. It also provides a free trial version. Download and have a try!