Convert a FLAC file to MP3
FLAC is a lossless format, loved by audiophiles but poorly supported by some car stereos, players and phones. Converting it to MP3 gives a file three to five times smaller that plays everywhere.
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How to use it
- Install ffmpeg if you haven't already.
- Open a terminal in the folder containing your file.
- Copy the generated command, adjust the file names if needed, then run it.
- Open the resulting file to check the result.
Which setting should you choose?
Variable mode (-q:a) gives a smaller file than a constant bitrate at equal quality. Setting 2 (about 190 kbps) is indistinguishable from the original on most equipment; 128 kbps is enough for voice; 320 kbps makes the file larger for a gain that is rarely audible.
Convert a whole library
To process all the flac files in a folder at once, the script generator prepares the loop suited to your system.
Convert all the files in a folder
Frequently asked questions
Why does a conversion lose quality?
FLAC compresses losslessly, MP3 lossily. Keep your FLAC files as archives and only produce MP3s for playback on devices. Converting an MP3 back to FLAC never brings back the lost quality.
Is the metadata (title, artist, cover art) preserved?
The title, artist and album are, thanks to "-map_metadata 0". Cover art is dropped by "-vn": to keep it, replace that option with "-map 0:a -map 0:v? -c:v copy" or add it afterward with a tag editor.
Can I keep the cover art too?
Yes: replace "-vn" with "-c:v copy" and keep the .mp3 extension. The cover art embedded in the FLAC is then copied into the MP3.
How do I convert a whole folder of files?
Use the folder script generator, choosing flac as the input extension.