How to convert M4A files to MP3 on your computer without using iTunesĪlternatively you can use one of a multitude of different audio conversion programs that are free to download for Windows and Mac users. Note that you won’t lose the original M4A in the process. Click File, then Convert, then Create MP3 version.Note that you can use the Shift key to highlight multiple songs.

Select the track or tracks that you wish to convert to MP3 by highlighting them.

Click OK and head back to your iTunes library.

You’ll spy a drop-down box and from inside there, choose MP3 Encoder.

In General Preferences, click on Import Settings.

Load up iTunes and click on Edit in the toolbar, followed by Preferences.

If you use Apple’s iTunes software, then you can convert those tracks from within the app on your computer. Related: What will happen when iTunes disappears? How do I convert an M4A audio file to MP3 using iTunes? However, you may still want to convert to MP3 to improve the compatibility. M4A tracks are supported by a wide range of players and devices these days, not just iPhones and other Apple gadgets. Better still, M4A files often take up less storage space than MP3s, so it’s the best of both worlds. Apple’s Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC for short) means your music is stored without information loss, so you’ll get a rich, full-bodied sound. It’s not the best option for audio quality, as tracks are compressed quite significantly and some precious data is lost in the process, but that compression also means that MP3s take up comparatively little storage space.Īpple, always one to buck a trend, instead plumped for the newer M4A format on iTunes. MP3 remains one of the most popular formats for music, as these files are supported by pretty much any media player out there.

However, you may need to convert your music tracks to the better-supported MP3 format to enjoy them on any device. The M4A format, also known as MPEG-4 Audio, has been popularised in recent times by Apple with its iTunes service.

Best way to convert m4a to mp3