How to Use iTunes to Create MP3s, AACs, and More

Convert music and audio files to the best formats possible

By
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Sam Costello
Writer
  • Ithaca College
Sam Costello has been writing about tech since 2000. His writing has appeared in publications such as CNN.com, PC World, InfoWord, and many others.
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Updated on February 11, 2021

What to Know

  • For Macs, go to iTunes menu > Preferences > General > Import Settings > Import Using > select audio format > Setting > OK.
  • To change settings on Windows, start in the Edit menu > Preferences.
  • Import formatting supported: AAC, AIFF, MP3, and WAV.

This article explains how to use iTunes to create MP3s and AAC’s from your CDs. Information covers how to change the import settings in iTunes.

How to Change the Import Settings in iTunes

Every file type has its own strengths and weaknesses—some have higher-quality sound, and others create smaller files. To take advantage of the different kinds of files, change the iTunes import settings.

  1. Open iTunes and navigate to the Preferences:

    • On a Mac, go to the iTunes menu and choose Preferences.
    • On Windows, go to the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
    Preferences in iTunes on a Mac

  2. On the General tab, click Import Settings.

    Import Settings in iTunes on a Mac

  3. The settings on the next screen control what happens to a CD when you put it into your computer and import songs (or when you use the iTunes built-in music-file conversion feature).

  4. Select the Import Using drop-down menu and choose what kind of audio file is created—MP3, AAC, WAV, or other.

    The Import Using settings in Import Settings of iTunes

  5. Select the Setting drop-down menu and choose the quality of the files that output. The higher the quality, the better it will sound, but the more space it will take up on your computer or device.

  6. Click OK to save your changes.

    OK button in Import Settings of iTunes

  7. The next time you rip a CD (or convert an existing music file on your computer), iTunes uses these settings to save it.

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