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.alac

Apple Lossless Audio Codec

Commonly known as ALAC

Apple’s proprietary lossless codec designed for iTunes and Apple Music ecosystems. developed by Apple and released in 2004, it has become a standard for Apple Music libraries, Audiophile playback, Mastering archives.

Key Features

  • Lossless quality
  • Native to Apple devices
  • Supports metadata and artwork

Limitations

  • Bigger files than AAC
  • Limited support outside Apple
  • Encodes slower than lossy codecs

When to use ALAC?

The ALAC format is ideal for Apple Music libraries, Audiophile playback, Mastering archives. Its MIME type is audio/alac.

How to open .alac files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support ALAC.
  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 ALAC to...

ALAC to MP3
ALAC to WAV
ALAC to AAC
ALAC to OGG

Convert to ALAC

FAQs about ALAC

How do I open a .alac file?

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

Is ALAC still relevant in 2025?

ALAC remains essential for Apple Music libraries thanks to its lossless quality benefit.

How do I convert ALAC into other formats?

Visit our ALAC conversion directory to switch between Apple Lossless Audio Codec and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.