How to use the AC3 converter
- Choose a file. Drop an AC3 file to convert it to something else, or any other audio file to convert it to AC3.
- Check "Convert to". The converter picks MP3 for AC3 files and AC3 for everything else; change it if you need something different.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an AC3 file?
AC3 is Dolby Digital, the surround-sound format of DVDs, many Blu-rays and TV broadcasts. It carries up to 5.1 channels and is decoded by almost every home-theatre receiver.
AC3 is mainly used for DVD and TV surround sound and home theatre. It plays on AV receivers, TVs, DVD players and VLC; many phones and browsers do not.
AC3 at a glance
| Full name | Dolby Digital (Audio Coding 3) |
|---|---|
| Type | Audio |
| Created by | Dolby Laboratories, 1991 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Codec | AC3 |
| Can be created here | Yes |
Pros and cons of AC3
Good
- 5.1 surround sound
- Universal on home-theatre gear
Not so good
- Not supported by many phones and web players
Common AC3 problems and fixes
A video plays silently on a phone
Its sound may be AC3. Convert the video to MP4 so the audio becomes AAC.
Popular AC3 conversions
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an AC3 file?
AC3 files play on AV receivers, TVs, DVD players and VLC; many phones and browsers do not. If yours will not open, convert it to MP3 on this page; that format plays on any device.
How do I convert a file to AC3?
Drop any audio file on this page. "Convert to" is set to AC3 automatically for files that are not AC3 already.
Is the AC3 converter free?
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Files up to 1 GB each can be converted, and there is no daily limit.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The converter runs inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your file is processed on your own device and never sent to us or anyone else.
Is AC3 lossy?
Yes, AC3 normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.