AIFF files: Apple's uncompressed audio, and why it is still around
How AIFF differs from WAV, why it is the right source for an MP3, and what its size means. Convert AIFF in your browser, no upload.
At a glance
- Type
- Audio
- Compression
- Lossless
- Extensions
- .aiff, .aif
- MIME type
- audio/aiff
- Common codecs
- pcm
AIFF is Apple's Audio Interchange File Format from 1988, and for audio purposes it is WAV arrived at independently: raw uncompressed samples in a simple container, about 10 MB per minute at CD quality. The differences are technical — byte order and how metadata is stored — rather than audible. Logic, Pro Tools and older Mac audio software write it by default, which is why it turns up in project folders and studio archives.
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Because it has never been through a lossy codec, AIFF is an ideal source for an MP3 or AAC. That encode is first-generation: the model works from the complete signal rather than from something already reduced. Converting an M4A or a video soundtrack to MP3 is a second generation and always costs more.
For storage, FLAC is the better destination — identical samples at roughly half the size, with checksums to verify the file later. Keep the AIFF only if a specific tool in your workflow demands uncompressed input, and keep it as the master rather than deleting it once you have an MP3: once the uncompressed original is gone, every future conversion starts from damaged audio.
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FAQ
Is AIFF the same as WAV?
For audio purposes, effectively yes — both store uncompressed samples. They differ in byte order and metadata handling, not in sound.
Is AIFF a good source for making an MP3?
One of the best. It has never been through a lossy codec, so the MP3 is a first-generation encode working from the complete signal.
How large are AIFF files?
About 10 MB per minute at CD quality, since nothing is compressed. An hour-long recording is roughly 600 MB.
Should I convert AIFF to FLAC?
For storage, yes — identical samples at roughly half the size, with checksums so you can verify integrity years later. Keep AIFF only when a tool insists on uncompressed input.
Can I delete the AIFF after making an MP3?
Not if it is a master. The MP3 is a distribution copy; deleting the uncompressed original means every future conversion starts from compressed audio.
Will AIFF play on Windows and Android?
Generally yes, though support is less universal than WAV. Converting to FLAC or MP3 removes any doubt.