Logic Pro Audio Format Guide: Best Import and Export Settings
Best audio formats for Logic Pro X. Recommended import formats, bounce settings, and delivery specs for music production.
Logic Pro X is Apple's professional DAW, and it lives in the AIFF and WAV world for session audio while exporting to MP3, AAC, and AIFF for delivery. Here is the definitive format reference for Logic users.
Logic Pro's Native Formats
Logic Pro works natively with AIFF and WAV at any bit depth (16, 24, 32-bit float) and any sample rate (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz). Within a session, Logic stores audio as either AIFF or CAF (Core Audio Format) depending on your project settings. Logic can also import MP3, AAC (M4A), and Apple Lossless (ALAC) files directly into the timeline.
Best Format for Import
For audio you will edit — stems, samples, vocal takes — import at WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, matching the project sample rate. For samples loaded into the EXS24 Sampler or Quick Sampler, AIFF is traditionally preferred (Logic's sampler was built around AIFF). WAV samples also work perfectly. Avoid importing compressed formats (MP3, AAC) into the timeline for audio you will process — start lossless.
Bounce Settings for Different Deliverables
Final mix for streaming: AIFF or WAV at 24-bit, matching project sample rate. Send to mastering engineer. After mastering: WAV or AIFF at 24-bit for archive, MP3 at 320 kbps for reference, and let the distributor or mastering engineer handle streaming-specific encoding. For client approval previews: MP3 at 192 or 256 kbps. For sync licensing: WAV at 48 kHz, 24-bit is typically requested.
Apple Loops and AIFF
Apple Loops — the .aiff files with embedded tempo and key metadata that populate Logic's loop browser — are standard AIFF files with additional Apple-specific metadata blocks. You can create your own Apple Loops from audio files using Logic's Loop Utility. Third-party loop packs are often delivered as WAV files that Logic automatically converts to Apple Loop format on first analysis.
Logic Pro and FLAC
Logic Pro X does not natively import FLAC files as of Logic Pro 10.7. If you have FLAC source audio, convert to WAV or AIFF using AudioUtils before importing into Logic. This is a common workflow for producers receiving FLAC sample packs or archival recordings.