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FLAC to AAC Converter

Turn FLAC files into AAC in a couple of clicks. Lossless compression — CD quality at roughly half the size. The successor to MP3 — better quality per bit. The output is re-encoded, so quality depends on the settings you choose.

On your deviceNever uploadedGone when you close the tabHow this works

Drop your files here

FLAC files (.flac) · up to 300 MB each

or paste files from your clipboard

Ready when you are

Drop a FLAC file above and FileTools360 will turn it into AAC — right here on your device, without uploading anything.

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How to use it

  1. 1

    Add your FLAC files

    Drag them onto the upload area, choose them from your device, or paste them from your clipboard. You can queue several at once.

  2. 2

    Adjust the settings if you want to

    The defaults suit most people. Open Advanced to control bitrate, sample rate and channels and start and end times.

  3. 3

    Convert and download

    Press Convert. Everything happens on your own device — nothing is uploaded. Download files one by one, or grab them all as a ZIP.

FLAC and AAC explained

FLAC compresses audio losslessly, typically to about half the size of WAV. Decompressed, it is bit-for-bit identical to the original — the compression is mathematical, not perceptual.

AAC is the successor to MP3 and is the default audio codec for MP4 video, Apple Music and YouTube. At the same bitrate it generally sounds noticeably better than MP3.

Where FLAC files come from
Hi-fi music libraries and archival rips of physical media.
Where AAC is used
Streaming services, video soundtracks and Apple devices.

FLAC vs AAC

The two formats solve different problems, which is why converting between them involves trade-offs rather than a straight upgrade.

FLAC compared with AAC
PropertySourceTarget
CompressionLosslessLossy
Introduced20011997
Browser supportGreat on desktop and Android; iOS support is newer.Excellent across modern devices.
FLAC is stronger at
Lossless — provably identical to the source. Roughly half the size of WAV. Rich metadata and cover art support.
AAC is stronger at
Better quality per bit than MP3. The standard audio track for MP4 video. Excellent device support.

Why convert FLAC to AAC?

People make this switch when they run into the limits of FLAC: streaming, or converting from an already-lossy source. AAC is the better fit when modern streaming, or the audio track of a video.

FLAC limitations that prompt the switch
Much larger than MP3 or AAC. Not supported natively by all portable devices. Pointless as a destination for already-lossy audio.
What you give up
Still lossy. Patent licensing applies to encoders.

Does converting FLAC to AAC reduce quality?

FLAC stores your data exactly; AAC does not. Some detail is discarded permanently in exchange for a much smaller file, which is usually the right trade for sharing and publishing. Keep your FLAC original if it is the only copy — the conversion cannot be undone.

About these formats

Source

Free Lossless Audio Codec

Lossless compression — CD quality at roughly half the size.

Extensions
.flac
MIME type
audio/flac
Best for
Hi-fi music libraries · Archiving · Audiophiles
Compatibility
Great on desktop and Android; iOS support is newer.

Target

Advanced Audio Coding

The successor to MP3 — better quality per bit.

Extensions
.aac, .adts
MIME type
audio/aac
Best for
Streaming · Apple devices · Video soundtracks
Compatibility
Excellent across modern devices.

Going from a lossless source to a compressed format discards audio data permanently. Keep your original if it is the only copy.

Good to know

FLAC to AAC Converter — questions

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FileTools360 by the numbers

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