To convert M4A to FLAC, select or drop your .m4a file above, check that FLAC is chosen as the output, and click Convert. This conversion runs on our server, and your files are deleted 72 hours later.
What is an M4A file?
M4A – MPEG-4 audio (M4A). M4A is audio (usually AAC or Apple Lossless) in an MP4 file, the format of iTunes, Apple Music and iPhone voice memos. Converting makes a new file: the sound is decoded and written again, so converting from a lossy format never brings back what was lost.
M4A Converter →What is a FLAC file?
FLAC – FLAC lossless audio. FLAC compresses audio to about half its size without losing anything: decoding gives back exactly what went in. Converting makes a new file: the sound is decoded and written again, so converting from a lossy format never brings back what was lost.
FLAC Converter →How to convert M4A to FLAC
- Click Select File, or drop your .m4a files anywhere on this page. You can add several at once.
- Check that FLAC is chosen as the output format. On this page it is picked for you.
- Click Convert. When a file has to go to our server, the button says Upload and convert instead.
- Click Download next to each file when it's done.
M4A vs FLAC: how they compare
| M4A | FLAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | A stream of sound | A stream of sound |
| Editable | In audio editors | In audio editors |
| Created by | Apple, 2001 | Xiph.Org, 2001 |
| Best for | Music in iTunes and on iPhones | Keeping music at full quality |
Good to know
- The sound is decoded and written as a FLAC file, every sample kept.
- M4A lost detail when it was made, and FLAC cannot bring it back: the file gets bigger but sounds the same as the M4A.
- Tags such as title and artist are kept where the new format has room for them. Only the first audio track is converted; pictures and video are left out.
Frequently asked questions
Is converting M4A to FLAC free?
Yes. Everyone gets 25 free credits a day, with no account needed. Conversions on our server use one credit per started minute of work, so most cost a single credit. Credits reset at midnight UTC.
Are my M4A files uploaded anywhere?
This conversion runs on our server, because converting audio needs ffmpeg, which does not run in a browser. Your file is sent over an encrypted connection, and both it and the result are deleted 72 hours after the conversion. The server has no internet access while it works on your file.
How large can the M4A file be?
Up to 1 GB per file. This conversion runs on our server, which accepts files up to that size.
Will the FLAC look the same as the M4A?
Yes for the sound: every sample is kept, and tags such as title and artist are kept where FLAC has room for them. The M4A lost detail when it was made, and FLAC cannot bring it back.
Can I convert several M4A files at once?
Yes. Add as many files as you like; they are converted one after another, and each one gets its own Download button.
How long does converting M4A to FLAC take?
In our tests a one-hour WAV recording became an M4A file in about 46 seconds. A song of a few minutes takes a few seconds, and most conversions cost a single credit.
Convert M4A to other formats
- M4A Converter
- M4A to AAC Converter
- M4A to AIFF Converter
- M4A to MP3 Converter
- M4A to WAV Converter
- M4A to WMA Converter
Convert other files to FLAC
- Convert to FLAC
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- MOV to FLAC Converter
- MKV to FLAC Converter
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- WEBM to FLAC Converter
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