How to convert FLAC to ALAC with tags and cover art images

If you’re an audiophile or simply someone who values high-quality audio, chances are you’re familiar with both FLAC and ALAC file formats. These are two of the most common lossless audio formats in use today. FLAC, or Free Lossless Audio Codec, is widely used across platforms, but Apple’s ecosystem—including iTunes and iOS devices—only natively supports ALAC, which stands for Apple Lossless Audio Codec.

If you have a music library in FLAC and want to maintain compatibility with Apple devices and software, converting your files to ALAC is a practical solution. But it’s not just the audio quality you want to preserve—you’ll also want to ensure that metadata, like artist names, album titles, and cover art, stays intact during the conversion. In this article, we’ll guide you through a reliable method to convert FLAC to ALAC while keeping all associated tags and artwork preserved.

Why Convert FLAC to ALAC?

Before we dive into the “how,” it’s worth understanding the “why.” While both FLAC and ALAC are lossless and offer excellent sound quality, there are specific scenarios where ALAC is preferable:

• Compatibility with Apple Devices: ALAC files can be played on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and within iTunes without additional software.
• Library Standardization: If you manage your media collection using Apple’s Music app or iTunes, converting to ALAC simplifies organization and playback.
• Preserving High-Quality Audio: Since both formats are lossless, converting between them will not degrade the sound quality.

Required Tools

To successfully convert FLAC to ALAC while preserving metadata and cover art, you’ll need the following:

• FFmpeg: A powerful command-line tool for audio and video processing.
• Music Tag Editors (optional): Tools like Mp3tag (Windows) or Kid3 (multi-platform) can help you verify or manually edit tags.
• A Command-Line Interface: Terminal on macOS/Linux or Command Prompt/PowerShell on Windows.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conversion with FFmpeg

Follow these steps to convert your FLAC files to ALAC using FFmpeg:

1. Install FFmpeg

   FFmpeg is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. You can download it from the official site (https://ffmpeg.org). Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system.

2. Open your Terminal or Command Prompt

   Navigate to the folder where your FLAC file is located using the cd command.

3. Use FFmpeg to Convert FLAC to ALAC

   Run the following command:

   ffmpeg -i "input.flac" -c:a alac "output.m4a"

   This command tells FFmpeg to take your FLAC file as input and output it in ALAC format in an M4A container, which is natively recognized by Apple.

4. Preserve Metadata and Cover Art

   FFmpeg is capable of copying metadata and embedded album art. If your FLAC file contains valid metadata, it should automatically be transferred. To verify this, use a media player or tag editor to check the M4A file.

5. Optional: Edit or Add Tags Post-Conversion

   If you find missing metadata or need to make adjustments, open the M4A in a tag editor like Mp3tag or Kid3. These tools allow you to edit fields such as artist, album, genre, track numbers, and add cover art manually if needed.

Best Practices

To ensure seamless conversion and compatibility, follow these best practices:

• Backup First: Always make a copy of your original files before performing bulk conversions.
• Batch Processing: If you’re converting many files, consider using a simple script or batch command to automate the process.
• Consistent Tag Formatting: Use tag editors to standardize your metadata formatting across your library.

Conclusion

Converting FLAC to ALAC with preserved tags and cover art doesn’t have to be complicated. With tools like FFmpeg and optional tag editors, you can transition your high-resolution audio files into Apple’s ecosystem without losing the metadata that helps organize and identify your music. This approach ensures that your library remains intact, organized, and ready for seamless playback across all your devices.

While there are graphical tools that can handle conversions, using FFmpeg offers precision, performance, and reliability—characteristics that are especially valued by serious collectors and audiophiles. Take the time to confirm your tags and artwork post-conversion, and you’ll enjoy a smooth and high-fidelity listening experience on any Apple device.