What Is AIFF? Apple's Lossless Format
Learn about AIFF, Apple's uncompressed audio format used in professional music production. Covers specs, uses, and conversions.
# What Is AIFF? Apple's Lossless Format
AIFF is Apple's answer to WAV. Uncompressed. Lossless. Professional grade. If WAV is the Windows standard for raw audio, AIFF is the Mac standard.
The Basics
AIFF stands for Audio Interchange File Format. Apple created it in 1988, basing it on Electronic Arts' IFF format. It stores uncompressed PCM audio, just like WAV.
A CD-quality AIFF file is identical in size to a WAV file. Same bitrate. Same quality. Same massive files. About 10 MB per minute of stereo audio at 44.1 kHz / 16-bit.
AIFF vs WAV
They're essentially the same thing in different wrappers. Both store uncompressed PCM audio. Both deliver bit-perfect quality. The differences are minor:
- AIFF uses big-endian byte order (Mac heritage)
- WAV uses little-endian byte order (Windows heritage)
- AIFF has better metadata support in the original spec
- WAV has wider compatibility outside Apple's ecosystem
In practice, every modern DAW reads both. Choose based on your platform and workflow.
Where AIFF Is Used
AIFF lives in the Apple ecosystem. You'll find it in:
- Logic Pro -- Apple's professional DAW
- GarageBand -- For hobbyists and beginners
- macOS -- Native support throughout the OS
- iTunes -- Can import and export AIFF
- DJ software -- Many DJs prefer AIFF for its metadata handling
Professional music producers on Mac often work in AIFF. The format handles loop points and instrument data well, which matters in sample-based production.
When to Convert AIFF
AIFF files are huge and not universally supported. If you need to share audio or save space, convert.
For universal compatibility, convert AIFF to MP3. For cross-platform editing, convert AIFF to WAV. Both conversions are straightforward.
Going from MP3 to WAV with our WAV converter gives you an uncompressed file that any editor can handle, whether you're on Mac or Windows.
AIFF-C: The Compressed Variant
Apple also created AIFF-C (AIFF Compressed). It can store compressed audio, including IMA ADPCM and other codecs. AIFF-C is less common today. Most people use standard AIFF or switch to ALAC/FLAC for lossless compression.
Technical Specifications
AIFF supports:
- Bit depth: 8-bit, 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit
- Sample rates: Any rate, commonly 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz
- Channels: Mono, stereo, and multichannel
- Metadata: Extensive tag support including markers and instrument chunks
24-bit / 48 kHz is common in professional production. Some engineers work at 96 kHz for extra headroom during mixing.
Should You Use AIFF?
If you work on a Mac in Logic Pro or GarageBand, AIFF is a natural choice. The integration is seamless.
If you work cross-platform, WAV is safer. More tools outside Apple's ecosystem expect WAV.
For distribution, neither AIFF nor WAV makes sense. Convert to MP3, AAC, or OGG depending on your audience. Convert AIFF to MP3 for the widest reach.
For archiving, consider FLAC instead. It gives you the same perfect quality at half the file size. AIFF and WAV waste storage when lossless compression exists.
The Bottom Line
AIFF is a solid, professional format with perfect audio quality. It's the Mac equivalent of WAV. Use it in Apple-centric workflows. Convert it when sharing outside that world. And consider FLAC or ALAC if storage matters.