In this guide
AIFF is an audio file format commonly used with uncompressed PCM. AIFF-C is a related variant that can contain compressed or uncompressed audio. Check the file's actual encoding and settings; converting a previously lossy source does not restore missing detail.
AIFF stands for Audio Interchange File Format, an audio file format commonly used to store uncompressed PCM sound. You may encounter files ending in .aif or .aiff in recording, editing and music libraries. AIFF-C, also called AIFC, is a related variant that can contain compressed or uncompressed sampled audio.
AIFF is a container around audio and other data; the extension alone is not a complete description of its encoding, sample rate or source history. The Library of Congress AIFF description explains the format and its relationship to AIFF-C; the UK National Archives AIFF-C description notes that AIFF-C can store compressed or uncompressed sampled sound.
Is AIFF lossless or uncompressed?
When an AIFF stores uncompressed PCM, it can preserve the supplied sample values without an additional lossy audio encode. That says how the current file stores audio; it does not prove the recording was never compressed, resampled or edited before it became AIFF. AIFF-C supports different encodings, so inspect the actual file rather than assuming every variant is uncompressed.
Converting an MP3 to uncompressed AIFF makes a new file from the decoded MP3. It cannot recreate information discarded by the earlier lossy encoding. Apple's file conversion guidance explains why converting a compressed source to an uncompressed format does not improve the source's original quality.
AIFF vs. WAV vs. MP3
| Format | Common use | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PCM AIFF | Recording, editing or delivery of uncompressed audio. | Sample rate, bit depth, channels, size and whether the receiving software accepts the file. |
| PCM WAV | Uncompressed editing and delivery across compatible software. | WAV is also a container; verify its actual encoding and the recipient's specifications. |
| MP3 | A smaller listening or sharing copy. | MP3 is lossy; compare the result and keep the original for further work. |
If two files contain the same PCM sample values at the same rate, bit depth and channels, the different AIFF and WAV container names alone do not make one sound better. Their headers, byte representation, metadata and compatibility can still differ. See what a WAV file is and MP3 vs. WAV for more context.
Why are AIFF files often large?
Uncompressed PCM stores samples throughout the recording. At 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo, one minute contains 60 × 44,100 × 2 channels × 2 bytes = 10,584,000 bytes of audio data, about 10.58 decimal MB before the file's header and other data. Higher rates, wider stored samples, more channels or longer duration increase the payload.
This is a PCM estimate, not a fixed size for every AIFF-C file. The audio file size calculator can estimate PCM payloads with your own settings; check the complete exported file for its actual size.
How to open and convert an AIFF file
Try a compatible audio player or editor and confirm the encoding and channel settings if it does not open. Apple documents AIFF as an import and conversion option in its music software; support depends on the particular file and application. A Mac recording made with QuickTime's Maximum setting may be AIFF-C, as explained in the Mac recording guide.
Convert a supported PCM AIFF to WAV
- Open AIFF to WAV and select an uncompressed mono or stereo PCM .aif or .aiff. Supported input is 8-, 16-, 24- or 32-bit PCM at 8–192 kHz, up to five minutes and 50 MiB.
- Convert and download the WAV; the output must also fit 50 MiB. For supported sources, the converter preserves sample values, rate, bit depth and channel layout without resampling or lossy encoding.
- Open the result in the destination editor. Keep the original: AIFF tags, artwork, markers, loops and other non-audio chunks are not copied. AIFF-C and compressed variants are not supported by this converter.
Make a smaller MP3 listening copy
The AIFF to MP3 converter accepts the same class of supported short uncompressed PCM AIFF, with input and output limits of 50 MiB and a five-minute input limit. Choose a bitrate, prepare the file and listen to the actual download. MP3 is newly lossy encoded; keep the AIFF original. The converter's alternative WAV output is a 16-bit working copy at 44.1 or 48 kHz and can change samples through bit-depth reduction or resampling; use the separate AIFF-to-WAV tool above when its sample-preserving conditions matter.
Common questions
Can AIFF be played on Windows?
Compatible Windows software can open AIFF; it is not restricted to Mac. Support depends on the application and the file's encoding. Apple's iTunes documentation lists AIFF as an option on PC.
Are AIFF and AIF the same?
The extensions .aif and .aiff commonly identify AIFF files. AIFF-C is a related variant; check its encoding and your software's support rather than changing the extension.
Is AIFF always better quality than MP3?
No. An uncompressed AIFF can preserve the samples supplied to it, but it may have been created from an MP3 or a noisy recording. Listen and consider the original source, settings and task.
Will converting AIFF to WAV reduce quality?
A conversion that preserves the same PCM sample values, rate, bit depth and channels does not add lossy audio encoding. Other conversions can resample, reduce bit depth or use a different encoding; verify the output and keep the source, especially if metadata matters.