• Tech
  • News
  • Health

What is a M4A File? Everything You Need to Know

15Shares
15.3KViews

An M4A file is an audio file that may store various types of audio content, such as songs, podcasts, and audiobooks. It is saved in the MPEG-4 format and encoded with either the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec or the Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC).

This article explains what an M4A file is and how to open one on your computer. We’ll also look at how to convert an M4A file to a different file format.

What is a M4A file?

MPEG-4 audio files with M4A file extension usually contain digital audio stream encoded with AAC or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) compression standards. This audio container was first used by Apple to differentiate MPEG-4 audio files from the popular MP4 video file container. The AAC compression in M4A files allows audio data to be downsized, preserving decent quality. Because of that, M4A audio files are comparatively smaller in size and great for storing and sharing digital music, audiobook content, podcasts, etc. It is the standard for delivering music tracks and other audio content from Apple iTunes Store, this audio container is supported by all major platforms like Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.

How to Open M4A

COPYRIGHT_NOVA: Published on https://www.novabach.com/i/what-is-a-m4a-file/ by Daniel Barrett on 2022-08-03T01:09:41.000Z

If you are a Windows or Mac user, you may wonder how to open the M4A file. You can try the following programs to open the files – VLC, iTunes, QuickTime, Windows Media Player, Media Player Classic, Winamp, and possibly other popular media player applications.

Android tablets and phones and Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch can also be used as M4A players, and audio files can be opened directly from emails or websites without any special applications, regardless of whether the file uses AAC or ALAC.

How to Convert the File Extension

While this is a common file type, M4A files certainly don’t trump MP3s, which is why you might want to convert M4A to MP3. You can do this with iTunes, which is helpful if the song is already in your iTunes library. Another option is to convert it with a free file converter.

To save an M4A to MP3 with iTunes, change the program’s import settings and then use the Convert menu option.

Screenshot of the iTunes import settings with MP3 encoder selected
Screenshot of the iTunes import settings with MP3 encoder selected
Create MP3 Version option highlighted in iTunes Convert menu
Create MP3 Version option highlighted in iTunes Convert menu
  • Go to Edit Preferences and then make sure you’re focused in the General tab.
  • Select Import Settings.
  • Choose MP3 Encoder from the drop-down menu.
  • Select OK and then OK again on the General Preferences window.
  • Select the M4A file from your library that you want to convert.
  • Go to File Convert > Create MP3 Version.

A few free M4A converters that can save the file to not only MP3 but others like WAV, M4R, WMA, AIFF, and AC3, include Freemake Audio Converter and MediaHuman Audio Converter.

Something else you can do is convert M4A to MP3 online with a tool like FileZigZag or Zamzar. Upload the file to one of those websites and you’ll be given many output options in addition to MP3, including FLAC, M4R, WAV, OPUS, and OGG, among others.

Editor’s Picks:

Share: Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin

About The Authors

Daniel Barrett

Daniel Barrett

Recent Articles

  • Xnxubd 2023 Nvidia New - The Future Of Graphics Technology

    PC

    Xnxubd 2023 Nvidia New - The Future Of Graphics Technology

    In recent years, the demand for high-performance graphics technology has increased significantly, and Xnxubd 2023 Nvidia New is poised to be the solution for the most demanding users. This new technology promises to deliver unparalleled performance and features that will set a new standard in the world of graphics.

  • How To Delete A Youtube Channel On IPhone?

    iPhone

    How To Delete A Youtube Channel On IPhone?

    YouTube has become an integral part of our daily lives, and millions of users are uploading, watching, and commenting on videos every day. If you have a YouTube channel that you no longer use or want to get rid of, you might be wondering how to delete a youtube channel on iPhone. If you have an iPhone, you can delete your YouTube channel in a few simple steps.

  • Google Lens For IPhone - Revolutionizing Search

    iPhone

    Google Lens For IPhone - Revolutionizing Search

    From your iPhone, you may utilize a picture to access the power of Google's search engine. With Google Lens for iPhone, you can search for things in a picture or with your camera. Send a picture instead of typing and ask Google to identify it. Keep reading to learn in detail

  • Xnxubd 2023 Nvidia Drivers - System Stability And Performance

    Software & Apps

    Xnxubd 2023 Nvidia Drivers - System Stability And Performance

    Nvidia is one of the leading manufacturers of graphics processing units (GPUs) and graphics cards. The Xnxubd 2023 Nvidia Drivers is the latest version of their software package that is designed to ensure that Nvidia GPUs work optimally with the latest computer games and applications. In this article, we will discuss the importance of updating the Xnxubd 2023 Nvidia Drivers.

  • How To Make Nvidia My Default Graphics Card

    PC

    How To Make Nvidia My Default Graphics Card

    In recent years, the use of dedicated graphics cards has become increasingly popular for both personal and professional use. In this article, we will discuss how to make nvidia my default graphics card, ensuring that your computer is using the dedicated graphics card instead of the integrated graphics card that comes with your motherboard.

  • What You Need To Know About PCIe SSD

    Hardware

    What You Need To Know About PCIe SSD

    In this tutorial, we will be explaining everything you need to know about PCIe SSD (PCIe solid-state drive). Click the link to read full guide.

  • Ring Vs Blink: Which Smart Security Camera System Is The Best

    Comparisons

    Ring Vs Blink: Which Smart Security Camera System Is The Best

    In this article, we will be comparing the two best Amazon home security cameras, Blink Vs Ring (camera). Click the link to read full guide.

  • Intel Core i3, i5 And i7: The Differences Explained

    Guides

    Intel Core i3, i5 And i7: The Differences Explained

    This article explains the differences between Intel Core i3, i5, and i7. Click the link to read the full guide.

  • How To Fix A TV That Turns On By Itself

    Gadgets

    How To Fix A TV That Turns On By Itself

    In this article, we will highlight some reasons why your TV turns itself on and what you can do to prevent it. Click the link to read more..

  • The 5 Best Cheap Wireless Routers Under $50

  • How To Open Firewall Ports In Windows 10

  • How To Use Google Chrome Password Manager To Save Logins

  • How To Fix Chrome OS Is Missing Or Damaged on Your Chromebook

  • How to See Who’s Connected to Your Wi-Fi Network