How to use the CAF to MP3 converter
- Choose your CAF file or drop it on the box.
- Pick an audio quality. 192 kbps is the usual choice; 320 kbps for music you care about.
- Click "Convert to MP3". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your MP3 and listen to it right on the page.
Why convert CAF to MP3?
CAF is an Apple developer format that almost nothing outside macOS plays. MP3 makes those sounds usable anywhere.
- CAF: almost unknown outside Apple software.
- MP3: plays on every device.
- MP3: small files.
CAF files are often lossless; 256 kbps MP3 keeps them sounding the same.
CAF vs MP3
| CAF | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Core Audio Format | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
| Type | Audio | Audio |
| Created by | Apple (2005) | the Fraunhofer Institute and MPEG (1993) |
| Compression | Depends on codec | Lossy |
| Codec | ALAC, AAC or PCM | MP3 |
| Best for | iOS app sounds, GarageBand loops and long recordings | Music, podcasts, audiobooks and ringtones |
| Plays on | Macs, iPhones and QuickTime; Windows and Android need a converter | Every phone, computer, car stereo, smart speaker and browser |
Does converting CAF to MP3 lose quality?
Both formats are lossy, so converting adds a small amount of loss. Use the same or a higher bitrate than your CAF (192 kbps covers most files) and the change is inaudible.
How long does it take?
A few seconds for a song, and under a minute for an hour-long recording on most computers.
What is a CAF file?
CAF is Apple's Core Audio container, made to remove the 4 GB limit of WAV and AIFF. Xcode projects, GarageBand loops and iOS apps use CAF for sound effects.
What is an MP3 file?
MP3 is the most widely used audio format in the world. It removes sounds people are unlikely to hear, shrinking a song to about a tenth of its CD size. At 192 kbps or higher most listeners cannot tell it from the original, and every device plays it. Its patents expired in 2017, so it is now free to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CAF to MP3 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.
Are my files safe?
Yes. Files are converted locally in your browser and are never uploaded. When you close the page, nothing is left behind.
Will the MP3 sound as good as the CAF?
Both formats are lossy, so converting adds a small amount of loss. Use the same or a higher bitrate than your CAF (192 kbps covers most files) and the change is inaudible.
Can I convert MP3 back to CAF?
Yes, use the CAF Converter and choose CAF as the output.
A CAF file will not play on Windows. What should I do?
Convert CAF to MP3 or WAV.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in your phone's browser and choose a file. Phones have less memory than computers, so very large files are better converted on a laptop or desktop.