What does it mean to convert to AAC in itunes?

Answer 1

AAC is an Apple audio file type.

I always change the advanced settings to convert to MP3 in iTunes instead of AAC. That way when a cd is imported, it will be in standard MP3 format that my other players can use as well. They are larger, but better for me. If you only use iPods, it doesn't matter.

Answer 2

AAC is the default audio format for iPods, with an .M4A file extension. Apple Lossless also uses the .M4A extension, but has no theoretical loss in sound quality while still reducing the total file size from what's found on a store-bought music CD. AAC will further reduce the file-size, but there will be some loss of sound quality, particularly if you drop the bit-rate too low (128kbps is the default).

Now, for the "convert to AAC" function, what that's doing is taking a non-AAC file and producing a duplicate copy in the AAC format for use on the iPod. If it's an MP3 file, there's not much point in doing this, as the MP3 format is less clean than any of the newer audio codecs like AAC, and you can't add clarity back in just by converting formats. If it's a format that's not supported by the iPod, like WMA, this can be used to produce a duplicate that's actually playable on the iPod without having to go through the wasteful process of burning a CD in the MP3 format.

Or, if you have a non-iPod player and you want to be able to make some of your AAC music files playable on it, you can set your default format to MP3 (pull down the Edit menu, select Preferences, click the Advanced tab, then the Importing tab, convert "Import Using" to MP3...and remember to switch it back when you're done with all of this) and the menu selection in question will change to "Convert to MP3" instead of "Convert to AAC". This can be used to make unprotected MP3 copies of music purchased from the iTunes store, or make copies of music that you've ripped from your own CD collection without having to go back through the entire stack and rerip them. Just highlight every song that you want to convert at the same time, select the Convert To X option, and you'll have a full set of duplicate song files in both formats.

Answer 3

aac is the standard format that most cds are made. most ppl convert to mp3 b/c the streamline is smaller so you can download and hold more music. hope that helps.