Convert FLAC Files on Mac
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio format using the .flac extension. Consul converts FLAC files to 11 other formats, and 25 formats to FLAC. Rename a file's extension in Finder and Consul handles the conversion automatically.
What is FLAC?
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is the most widely used lossless audio format, developed by Xiph.Org and released in 2001. It shrinks audio to roughly half size while reconstructing the original bit-for-bit, making it the standard for music archiving and hi-res downloads.
FLAC uses lossless compression, so files shrink without losing any information and decode back to the original data exactly. Files can carry Vorbis comments.
FLAC was developed by the Xiph.Org Foundation and is an open standard.
Opening FLAC files on a Mac
Quick Look previews FLAC files. Select one in Finder and press Space.
The Music app cannot import or play FLAC files, and QuickTime Player doesn't open them either. afconvert can convert FLAC from Terminal, e.g. to ALAC or AAC.
Consul supports 36 conversions for FLAC
Consul is the easiest way to convert FLAC files on your Mac, or to turn other files into FLAC. Rename file.flac to change its extension, and Consul converts it automatically.