Can you transfer FLAC files into iTunes?

For audiophiles and music enthusiasts who value high-quality sound, FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is a favored format due to its ability to compress audio files without compromising quality. On the other hand, iTunes—Apple’s long-standing media player and library—does not natively support FLAC files. This presents a challenge for users who want to import their FLAC music collection into iTunes. So, is it possible to transfer FLAC files into iTunes? The short answer is yes, but not directly and not without some conversion.

Understanding the Compatibility Issue

FLAC files are known for their lossless audio quality, making them suitable for users who demand studio-grade sound fidelity. However, Apple promotes its own lossless format, Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), which is fully supported by iTunes. As a result, iTunes does not accept FLAC files in their original format. Attempting to drag and drop a FLAC file into iTunes will result in an error or simply nothing happening at all.

How to Work Around the FLAC Limitation in iTunes

Although iTunes doesn’t support FLAC, the problem isn’t insurmountable. There are a few convenient ways to convert your FLAC files into a format that is recognized by iTunes, such as ALAC or AAC. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use a FLAC to ALAC Converter

This method retains the original lossless quality of your music. Several free and paid tools can help with this:

• XLD (X Lossless Decoder) – Popular among Mac users, this tool offers straightforward FLAC to ALAC conversion without losing audio quality.
• fre:ac – A free, open-source audio converter that supports a wide range of formats including both FLAC and ALAC.
• MediaHuman Audio Converter – User-friendly and supports batch conversion of FLAC to ALAC or AAC.

Once converted, you can easily import the ALAC files into iTunes by dragging them into the library or using the “Add to Library” option from the File menu.

2. Use iTunes Alternative Apps Supporting FLAC

For users who don’t want to deal with conversions, there are third-party media players and library managers that support FLAC files natively and offer iTunes-like features:

• VLC Media Player – A versatile tool that supports nearly all audio formats.
• Foobar2000 – Offers customize features and FLAC support.
• Audirvana – Ideal for audiophiles, with high-res audio support including FLAC.

Why Convert to ALAC Instead of MP3 or AAC?

While iTunes supports MP3 and AAC formats, these are lossy formats, meaning they compress audio by permanently removing some data. This results in smaller file sizes but lower sound quality. If audio fidelity is important, it’s best to convert FLAC files to ALAC, preserving the original sound integrity while maintaining iTunes compatibility.

Steps to Import Converted FLAC Files into iTunes

After converting FLAC files to a compatible format (preferably ALAC), importing them into iTunes is quite simple:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Go to File > Add to Library.
3. Select the converted files from your system.
4. Click Open and iTunes will add them to your music library.

Alternatively, you can simply drag and drop the files into the iTunes window.

Conclusion

While you cannot directly transfer FLAC files into iTunes, several straightforward workarounds make it possible to enjoy high-quality audio within Apple’s ecosystem. Converting to ALAC is the best route to retain full audio fidelity while ensuring compatibility with iTunes. With the right tools and a few extra steps, you can manage and play your favorite FLAC tracks just like any other music in your collection.

FAQs: FLAC Files in iTunes

• Q: Why won’t iTunes accept my FLAC files?
  A: iTunes does not natively support the FLAC format due to Apple’s preference for their own ALAC format.
• Q: Will converting FLAC to ALAC reduce sound quality?
  A: No. Both FLAC and ALAC are lossless formats, meaning no audio quality is lost during conversion.
• Q: Can I use iTunes alternatives to play FLAC files?
  A: Yes. Apps like VLC Media Player, Foobar2000, and Audirvana support FLAC playback natively.
• Q: Are there any iOS apps that can play FLAC files?
  A: Yes. Apps such as VOX Player and FLAC Player+ allow FLAC playback on iPhones and iPads.
• Q: Is it legal to convert and import FLAC files into iTunes?
  A: Yes, provided you own the rights to the audio content, converting and importing for personal use is legal.