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.aac

Advanced Audio Coding

Commonly known as AAC

Successor to MP3 with better sound quality at similar bit rates. developed by Bell Labs and released in 1997, it has become a standard for iTunes, YouTube Audio, Streaming.

Key Features

  • Better quality than MP3
  • Standard for YouTube/Apple

Limitations

  • Lossy compression
  • Complex licensing

When to use AAC?

The AAC format is ideal for iTunes, YouTube Audio, Streaming. Its MIME type is audio/aac.

How to open .aac files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support AAC.
  2. Windows: Open via Photos, Media Player, or dedicated editors by enabling the relevant codec pack.
  3. Browser: Drag the file into FileConvert to transform it into a universally supported alternative before sharing.

Popular Conversions

Convert AAC to...

AAC to MP3
AAC to WAV
AAC to OGG

Convert to AAC

MP3 to AAC
WAV to AAC
OGG to AAC
FLAC to AAC
ALAC to AAC
AIFF to AAC

FAQs about AAC

How do I open a .aac file?

You can open AAC files with native tools on Mac, Windows, and Linux or convert them for free using FileConvert.

Is AAC still relevant in 2025?

AAC remains essential for iTunes thanks to its better quality than mp3 benefit.

How do I convert AAC into other formats?

Visit our AAC conversion directory to switch between Advanced Audio Coding and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.