How do you convert M4A to MP3?

[Idiot-Boy]

I don't own an iPhone (by choice) and I stupidly didn't realize that iTunes sells M4A files and not MP3 files. I am using Snow Leopard and a music device that only uses MP3 files.

Thanks

 

[appleguy123]

Go into iTunes and preferences and import settings. Use mp3 encoder. Right click on the songs you want to purchase and click "Create MP3 version."

 

[Idiot-Boy]

Mp3

Thanks Appleguy123, but I already purchased the album. Now I need to know how to convert the songs on my HD. Any ideas?

 

[appleguy123]

Thanks Appleguy123, but I already purchased the album. Now I need to know how to convert the songs on my HD. Any ideas?

That's what you do. After you've bought a song...

 

[Idiot-Boy]

Mp3

That's what you do. After you've bought a song...

Do I re-download the songs? Is that even permissible?

 

[appleguy123]

Do I re-download the songs? Is that even permissible?

no. You do this within the software app iTunes. Just try it.

 

[Idiot-Boy]

NOTE: These settings do not apply to songs downloaded from the iTunes Store

no. You do this within the software app iTunes. Just try it.

NOTE: These settings do not apply to songs downloaded from the iTunes Store

is the message at the bottom of the "Import Settings" (iTunes=>Preferences=>General=>Import Settings)

I have tried and this does not work. Am I missing something?

 

[ChrisA]

I have tried and this does not work. Am I missing something?

Maybe the instructions where not clear. If you have the songs already inside iTunes then you (1) change the import settings, then (2) select the songs you want to change. then (3) click on Advanced->create MP3 Version. Now you should have two copies of the song

 

[Nermal]

Right click on the songs you want to purchase and click "Create MP3 version."

Annoyingly, the latest version of iTunes has moved this option from the right-click menu to the Advanced menu.

 

[Idiot-Boy]

Annoyingly, the latest version of iTunes has moved this option from the right-click menu to the Advanced menu.

I am not finding it under "advanced."

 

[J the Ninja]

I am not finding it under "advanced."

 

[appleguy123]

Maybe the instructions where not clear. If you have the songs already inside iTunes then you (1) change the import settings, then (2) select the songs you want to change. then (3) click on Advanced->create MP3 Version. Now you should have two copies of the song

Yeah, I just tried to say the, quickly. I was on my iPhone and don't like typing there.

 

[Idiot-Boy]

A picture is worth a thousand words... The big problem for me is that "advanced" can be found in a few places (like under preferences). Thanks

Yeah, I just tried to say the, quickly. I was on my iPhone and don't like typing there.

With the picture from Ninja, your directions are crystal clear! Thank you.

 

[daddyg]

Errrr. So how do you do it again? Go into iTunes.....

Seriously though, I love my MAC, but hate iTunes - have a substantial collection of music in all formats (all owned) and want to convert M4A to MP3. What's the easiest route?

 

[DoFoT9]

this

 

[daddyg]

this

Legend. Just what the doctor ordered. Pity it won't batch process, but cheers for that.

 

[DoFoT9]

Legend. Just what the doctor ordered. Pity it won't batch process, but cheers for that.

yea too bad it cant do that.

would Max work for you then? it does batch

 

[daddyg]

yea too bad it cant do that.

would Max work for you then? it does batch

From the other side of the world: I'll try it tomorrow - I gotta sleep dude! many thanks.

 

[DoFoT9]

From the other side of the world: I'll try it tomorrow - I gotta sleep dude! many thanks.

no worries mate - let us know

 

[stephenan]

I used the Alto Mp3 application for converting m4a to mp3. Better performance.