iTunes: How to convert a recording to MP3

You can convert a recording to MP3 while keeping a copy of the original.

Saving a copy of a recording in a new file format

When converting from a compressed to uncompressed file format (for example, from MP3 to AIFF) you shouldn't notice any reduction in sound quality. However, when converting between compressed formats (for example MP3 and AAC), you may notice a reduction in the sound quality. For the best results, if you want your recording encoded in a different file format, you should import the recording again from the original source using the new encoding format.

To convert a recording's file format:


   1. Open iTunes Preferences.
      
      Windows: On the Edit menu, click Preferences.
      Mac: From the iTunes menu, choose Preferences.

   2. Click the Advanced button, then click the Importing button at the top of the window.

   3. From the Import Using pop-up menu, choose the encoding format that you want to convert the song to (in our case MP3), then click OK to save the settings.

   4. Select one or more songs in your library, then from the Advanced menu, choose 'Convert Selection to MP3'
(The menu item changes to show what's selected in your Importing preferences):


To convert all the songs in a folder or on a disk, hold down the Option key and from the Advanced menu, choose Convert Selection to. All the songs in the folder or on the disk will be converted.