WAV → AIFF
WAV to AIFF Converter
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Choose fileThis tool converts standard WAV audio to uncompressed 16-bit AIFF, entirely in your browser. The output is big-endian PCM, compatible with most Mac and pro audio software. Drop your WAV file, convert, and download the AIFF—no quality loss, no uploads, and no size limits beyond your device’s memory.
How to convert WAV to AIFF
- Drop your WAV file above or click Browse to select it from your device.
- Wait for the file to load. Check the details to confirm it’s the right audio.
- Click Convert. The conversion runs locally in your browser—no uploading.
- Download your new AIFF file. It stays on your device; nothing is stored online.
Why convert WAV to AIFF?
WAV and AIFF are both uncompressed audio formats, but they’re not interchangeable everywhere. WAV is the default on Windows, widely used for recording, editing, and archiving. AIFF is the classic Apple format, favored by Logic Pro, GarageBand, Final Cut, and older Mac hardware. Some music libraries, samplers, and CD authoring tools only accept AIFF, especially in professional or legacy Mac workflows.
You might need to convert WAV to AIFF if you’re moving audio from a Windows DAW (like Audacity, FL Studio, or REAPER) to a Mac-based studio. Audio professionals often send stems or masters in AIFF format to avoid import issues. Some samplers and digital instruments (Akai, Roland, Korg) only load AIFF for certain patches. Even today, some audio CDs are mastered from AIFF files for compatibility with older Mac tools.
AIFF and WAV both store audio as raw PCM. The main differences are in byte order (AIFF uses big-endian, WAV uses little-endian) and metadata structure. The conversion does not change sample rate or bit depth; it simply rewrites the bytes to fit AIFF’s structure. Quality stays identical. A four-minute stereo WAV at 16-bit/44.1kHz is about 40–45 MB; the AIFF will be nearly the same size, sometimes a few kilobytes larger due to header differences.
You don’t need to convert if your target software reads both formats equally well. Most modern DAWs (Ableton, Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase) accept WAV and AIFF. But if your Mac app refuses to open a WAV, or you need files for a sampler or CD burner that only takes AIFF, this conversion is the right step.
Need to trim the audio before conversion? Use the audio trimmer. To combine several tracks, try the audio joiner.
WAV vs AIFF: what's the difference?
| Property | WAV | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .wav | .aiff |
| Origin | Microsoft/IBM | Apple |
| Encoding | Uncompressed PCM (little-endian) | Uncompressed PCM (big-endian) |
| Typical size (4 min, stereo, 16-bit/44.1kHz) | 40–45 MB | 40–45 MB |
| Metadata | RIFF chunks (BWF, tags) | IFF chunks (loop points, markers) |
| Best compatibility | Windows, most DAWs | macOS, Logic, samplers |
WAV is an uncompressed audio format from Windows, using little-endian PCM. AIFF is Apple’s uncompressed format, using big-endian PCM. Both deliver full-quality sound, but some tools and hardware prefer one over the other.
Does converting WAV to AIFF reduce quality?
No. This conversion is lossless. The audio data is decoded and rewritten as 16-bit big-endian PCM in an AIFF wrapper. There’s no compression, resampling, or dithering. The output matches the input byte-for-byte in audio fidelity.
You won’t find a bitrate or quality slider—there’s nothing to adjust. The only change is the file structure and byte order, which is what some Mac tools need for compatibility. If your original WAV is higher than 16-bit, this preset will downconvert to 16-bit, which is standard for AIFF. For most uses (music, archiving, samplers), 16-bit AIFF is accepted everywhere that supports AIFF at all.
File size stays about the same. For a four-minute stereo 16-bit/44.1kHz track, expect roughly 40–45 MB. Minor differences (a few kilobytes) come from header metadata, not the audio itself.
When should you NOT convert WAV to AIFF?
Don’t convert if your app or device already accepts WAV. Modern Macs, iPhones, and DAWs can usually open WAV files without issue. There’s no benefit to converting unless a specific tool or sampler requires AIFF. If your original WAV is higher than 16-bit or uses an unusual sample rate, check the output in your target app first. Some legacy devices only support certain AIFF flavors (like 16-bit/44.1kHz).
If you need compressed audio for space savings (like MP3, AAC, or OGG), converting to AIFF is the wrong move—AIFF will always be large. For podcasting, streaming, or sharing online, stick to compressed formats. Use AIFF only for uncompressed workflows where compatibility matters.
Frequently asked questions
Will the AIFF file be the same size as the WAV?
- Yes, almost exactly. A four-minute stereo 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV is about 40–45 MB. The AIFF output will match that size, give or take a few kilobytes for headers. Both are uncompressed PCM; there’s no space savings or increase.
Does this conversion change the audio quality?
- No. Audio is decoded and rewritten as 16-bit big-endian PCM, the standard for AIFF. No compression or resampling is applied. The sound quality is identical to the original WAV.
Can I convert 24-bit or 32-bit WAV files?
- This preset outputs 16-bit AIFF. If you input a 24- or 32-bit WAV, it will be downconverted to 16-bit, which may lose some resolution. For most music and general use, 16-bit is fine, but audio mastering might require higher bit depth.
What if my Mac or DAW already reads WAV?
- If your workflow accepts WAV, there’s no technical reason to convert. Only use AIFF if you hit compatibility issues—like loading samples into a hardware sampler or burning audio CDs with legacy Mac tools.
Are there built-in ways to convert WAV to AIFF?
- Yes. On Mac, you can use QuickTime Player to export audio, or iTunes/Music app (with import settings set to AIFF). Audacity (free on all platforms) and VLC can also convert between WAV and AIFF. Videozify is an option if you want a browser-based, no-install solution with no uploads.
Why do some samplers or CD tools require AIFF?
- Some older Mac-based samplers and CD burning software only read AIFF due to the way they handle PCM data. AIFF uses big-endian byte order, which matches classic Mac hardware. Modern tools usually read both, but legacy gear may not.
Is AIFF better than WAV for music production?
- Sound quality is the same—both are uncompressed PCM. The only difference is compatibility. Some Mac software prefers AIFF, while Windows tools favor WAV. Choose based on your workflow and the devices you need to support.
Can I batch convert multiple WAV files?
- Videozify currently converts one file at a time in the browser. For batch jobs, use Audacity or a command-line tool like ffmpeg on your computer. This keeps your files local and works well for large projects.