Compare
AIFF vs FLAC
AIFF is an audio container often used for uncompressed PCM in production. FLAC losslessly compresses PCM audio so a compatible decoder can reproduce the original data.
Which format should you choose?
Choose AIFF when a production workflow or recipient specifically requires it. Consider FLAC to store or distribute audio losslessly with less space than uncompressed PCM in many cases.
Good fit for AIFF
Audio editing and exchange
- Production teams that exchange PCM audio with AIFF-capable tools
Good fit for FLAC
Music archiving
- Keeping a lossless master while making smaller listening copies
Basic information
| Field | AIFF | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .aiff, .aif | .flac |
| MIME type | audio/aiff | audio/flac |
| Common uses | Audio editing and exchange | Music archiving |
| How to open | Open with an AIFF-capable editor or player and check the recipient's software support. | Open with a FLAC-capable player, media library, or audio editor. |
| Export or convert | For distribution, choose a supported format and retain the editing original separately. | Keep the original FLAC when making an MP3 distribution copy; lossy encoding cannot be reversed. |
Choose by use case
Production teams that exchange PCM audio with AIFF-capable tools
Audio editing and exchange
AIFFKeeping a lossless master while making smaller listening copies
Music archiving
FLACKey point 1
AIFF is a container; its extension alone does not establish the exact encoding inside.
More on the differencesKey point 2
FLAC is a lossless codec format that can reproduce the original PCM audio after decoding.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use AIFF for compatible production workflows and specified handoffs. Use FLAC when lossless preservation and reduced storage are priorities, after checking support in editing software and playback devices.
- AIFF is often used with uncompressed PCM, which can require substantial storage.
- FLAC compresses PCM without losing audio data, though the resulting size depends on the source.
- Confirm sample format, metadata needs, and recipient support before exchanging either format.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting AIFF to FLAC reduce audio quality?
A lossless FLAC encode can preserve the decoded PCM audio, provided the conversion does not change the sample format or apply processing.