Convert FLAC Files with XLD

Before you start

XLD is a macOS application that runs locally, so the source audio files stay on the computer during conversion. You need XLD installed, the FLAC file or files you want to convert, and enough free disk space for the new output. XLD can use built-in decoders for FLAC input. If you plan to export to a licensed format such as MP3 or AAC, check whether the required external encoder is already available on your Mac or inside the application package according to the current XLD documentation.

Close other applications that may be using the source files. Have a separate destination folder ready if you do not want the converted files placed next to the originals.

Step-by-step instructions

The exact labels can differ between XLD versions, but the main workflow remains the same.

• Open XLD, then choose File > Open and select one or more FLAC files. You can also drag the files onto the XLD window.
• Check the Output Format menu near the top of the XLD window and choose the format you want, such as WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC or MP3.
• Open XLD > Preferences and select the output format category to adjust encoder settings. For lossless output, choose options such as bit depth, sample rate and channel layout that match your intended use.
• Set the destination folder in Preferences or in the conversion window if your version offers that control.
• Select the files in the list and click the Convert or Decode button.
• Wait for the progress display to finish. Do not move or delete the source files until the conversion is complete.

Keep the original FLAC files until you have checked the output. If the destination format is lossy, the conversion cannot be reversed to recover the original quality.

Check the output

Open the destination folder and confirm that the converted files are present and have the expected filename extension. Play each file briefly in a media player to check that audio is present from beginning to end.

If you converted to a lossless format, the audio data should remain lossless, but file size can change. If you converted to a lossy format, the output uses less space and permanently discards some audio information. Check the file properties only to confirm the format, sample rate or channel count you selected; do not rely on file size alone as a quality measurement.

Common problems and next steps

If XLD reports that an encoder is missing, open Preferences and check the encoder location for the selected output format. Install or point XLD to the encoder only from a source you trust, then retry the conversion.

If the output is unexpectedly quiet, distorted or the wrong length, check whether the source FLAC has unusual sample rates or channel layouts. Try converting one file to WAV or AIFF with the same sample rate and bit depth as the source, then inspect that file in a player.

If files are not written to the expected folder, check the output destination and confirm that the disk is not full or read-only. If a converted file will not open, confirm that the target device or player supports the chosen format and settings.