Convert Mac WMA audio files to MP3?

I have a bunch of WMA format audio files on my Mac and really want to put them on my RCA Lyra MP3 player but it only supports MP3 format. Somehow, I need to convert the audio from WMA to MP3. How?

Dave's Answer:

There are a bunch of audio conversion programs you can use to accomplish this task under Mac OS X, actually, including Music Man and Sound Grinder, but my favorite tool is the Australian-produced Switch, which also has a Windows version available.

Converting the WMA files with Switch is darn easy. First, download the application from their Web site and you'll find that it pops right up on your desktop. Launch it and you'll see:

If you have a folder full of music, click on "Add Folder", then select the individual files that are in the appropriate input format (in my case, it's WMA). Then click on "Browse Folder..." to pick the output directory, specify the audio output format from the long list, and click on "Convert":

That's all there is to it!

Hopefully that'll get things converted so you can enjoy your Lyra MP3 player.

Update: Experimenting with this again, I have learned that in many situations you need to download the utility Flip4Mac before Switch knows how to work with Mp3 audio files. You can do this - for free - by going to VersionTracker. Here's a link: Download Flip4Mac.

Disclaimer: The Switch link is an affiliate link. You get a nice discount on the software license and I make a few pennies off the transaction too, helping keep the lights on here at AskDaveTaylor. FYI.

More Useful iPod, Sony PSP and MP3 Player Help Articles:

✔ Deleted iTunes library but still have tracks on iPod...

Hi Dave, I have been following your newsletter for awhile now. Most of your topics are way over my head but very interesting....

✔ How do I fix the time / date on my Apple iPod Touch?

I pulled my iTouch [ed note: "iPod Touch", actually] out of the drawer and when it was fully charged I realized that the...

✔ Can I remove songs from an unsync'd iPod Touch?

My son has just come home from his uncle's house with a new iPod. Very nice. Full of a wide variety of music,...

✔ Get started with iTunes Match!

I have a huge library of music, Dave, and want to be able to enjoy it on all my Apple devices, but am...

✔ Can I pre-order a music CD from the Apple iTunes Store?

I have a bunch of bands and musicians I follow faithfully and when I see that there's a new CD coming out from...

Let's stay in touch!

Sign up for my weekly AskDaveTaylor Newsletter and you'll receive even more tech and gadget help right to your inbox, along with exclusive news and industry updates. It's good stuff. I promise!

Categorized: Mac OS X Help , iPod, Sony PSP and MP3 Player Help (Article 4710, Written by Dave Taylor)
Tagged: audio conversion, audio converter, mac os x, mp3, wma
Previous: I got a LinkedIn request to forward. Now what?
Next: How do I invite someone to join my LinkedIn network?

Reader Comments To Date: 119

stephen said, on April 4, 2011 8:37 PM:

I tried Switch. It did nothing with the wma file I tried to convert to an mp3.

Anyone who formats in exe files knows a Mac user can't do anything with them except drag them to the trash and delete them. So why don't they use formats both Macs and PCs can use?

andyklei said, on April 14, 2011 12:50 AM:

I wanted to convert audacity files to mp3 - Switch recognizes the data folder of the song in audacity and can convert it - the problem is that the data folder is comprised of several short pieces and it wont play continuously. Switch wont recognize the individual aup in Audacity that has the song as a whole... Any suggestions?

Bissett said, on April 14, 2011 7:15 PM:

There a small freeware program called "switch" that can convert WMA's to mp3's as well as other format. Its easy to use and free so I recommend looking it up. http://www.video-converter-mac.org/wma-to-mp3-on-mac/

Holly Hawkins said, on May 19, 2011 8:30 AM:

Thanks so much for this! As a relatively non-technical computer user I love to do a search, find and answer and IT WORKS! This worked right away and perfectly! No hassles! I appreciate you sharing your wisdom! Blessings,
Holly

meliabird said, on June 4, 2011 11:40 PM:

I just downloaded and installed Switch on my iMac, converted in a batch about 12 WMP's to MP3 simply and quickly.

Thanks for the Switch recommendation.

Gabrielle said, on July 11, 2011 1:34 PM:

Thanks so much. This was an easy, fast solution. Thanks Dave!

jonathon said, on August 12, 2011 4:16 AM:

Switch is the program i just picked up...and its free...works great, or try MP3 Converter for Mac. It converts from WMA to MP3, M4A, AIFF and WAV in a batch

Tracy said, on September 29, 2011 2:30 AM:

Thank you! Switch was so easy to use. You saved me a ton of time and stress from the boss. Whew.

CATHERINE JONES said, on October 29, 2011 3:52 PM:

Thank you so much! One of my tutors downloaded a file we have to listen to, but I couldn't download the .wma format and don't have the money right now to pay for the Quickplayer additional softeware. Not only is Switch so easy to use, but the instructions were easy to follow for once! I found a free version of Switch and just popped it in and out it came as an MP3!
I really am very grateful. Thank you!

thomasbodetti said, on November 13, 2011 6:48 AM:

Tried it out and it just does not seem to work well it is a bit like trying to scramble eggs, and then cook them in a microwave oven everything has to be just right else you get a mess that sticks to the ceiling.

Adam Bash said, on December 3, 2011 3:22 PM:

dude Switch is the SH.. thanks for the post! just so you know tho it took me a while to find the download link. there are like 3 different download links on this page..thanks anyways tho

Simone Lovera said, on February 11, 2012 5:23 PM:

Switch worked fine, thanks for the advice!

John said, on February 21, 2012 9:27 AM:

Downloaded Switch to convert music files for my MAC Computer.
Its perfect.
Thanks, Im a new fan.
John

Jess said, on February 25, 2012 8:11 PM:

Works perfectly, thank you very much.

Joan Hall said, on June 9, 2012 3:48 PM:

This worked exactly as you described. I had a project which needed WMA files converted to mp3. Switch took the files and flawlessly converted them in a couple of minutes. Thank you for posting this information.

joachim said, on June 25, 2012 2:48 PM:

I downloaded Switch and dragged it into the application folder, but when I tried to open it, it said: " “Switch” can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash. "

How do I fix this?

Dave Taylor said, on June 25, 2012 9:13 PM:

Joachim, hate to say this, but are you sure you downloaded the version of Switch that matches your operating system?

Bruno said, on July 11, 2012 10:53 AM:

I have the same issue as Joachim. I download it and drag it to the Applications but when I try and open it is says that same message "switch can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash." I have downloaded the Mac version.
One thing is that I used to have the trial version on the computer and then it ran out so I deleted it. Now I paid for the full version and re-downloaded the program, but now it doesn't open!!!

Help!?

Bruno said, on July 13, 2012 11:55 AM:

Figured it out.
SCREW YOU MAC GATEKEEPER!

I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

« First | Previous | 1 | 2 | All 2 Pages

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

Convert Mac WMA audio files to MP3?

Reader Comments To Date: 119

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

Check This Out Too...