Hacking iTunes to Convert Audio Files

Submitted by Jonathan Graves on Fri | 05.22.2009 | 05:26

Did you know you can convert your WAV files to MP3s and back with iTunes? This isn't really a "hack," but it feels something like a hidden feature that most people aren't aware of.

Let's say I have a WAV file and I want to convert it to an MP3 to put it on MySpace. Open it up in iTunes, and then:

:

1. Select "Preferences..." from the iTunes menu.

2. Click "Import Settings..."

3. Choose your file format. Along with its own proprietary formats, iTunes gives you the choice of AIF, WAV and MP3. I've chosen the "Higher Quality (192 kbps)" setting for MP3. 

Hit "OK" when you're ready.

 

4. Now, Ctrl-click the track you want to convert, and select "Create MP3 Version" from the context menu. This option will change depending on what format you selected in the Preferences.

 

5. Ctrl-click on the newly created copy of your track, and pick "Show in Finder." A new Finder window will open with the location of your MP3, and you can move it or upload it wherever you want from there.