How to Convert WAV to AAC for Free

WAV stands for waveform audio file format. This is an uncompressed audio format. WAV files work on all operating systems and are the most common form of uncompressed audio. Due to the raw nature of the data in a WAV file, the resultant files are much bigger than their compressed counterparts. AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding, and is a compressed audio format. AAC is the preferred audio format used in leading mobile audio devices. Convert your WAV files to AAC to save space on your computer, and to put your audio files onto your portable devices.

WAV to AAC Conversion

• 1

  Install iTunes on your computer if you do not already have it. iTunes is available for free from the Apple website for all major operating systems.

• 2

  Open the preferences pane in iTunes. On a Mac, this is found by going to the "File" button on the toolbar, and selecting "Preferences." It will be found under "Edit" on Windows machines.

• 3

  Find the button labeled "Import Settings" and click on it.

• 4

  Adjust the "Import Using" menu to read "AAC Encoder," and click "OK." Cancel out of the preferences pane if the option is already set to "AAC Encoder."

• 5

  Locate a WAV file in your iTunes library. Add the files manually to your iTunes library if they are not automatically found and indexed.

• 6

  Right click on the file you wish to convert. Click on the option which says "Create AAC Version." Your original WAV file will remain intact, but you will also have a new AAC version of the file.