How to Compress M4A Files on Windows, Mac, and Online?

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Why Are Your M4A Files So Big?

Part 1: Compressing M4A Files on Windows

Part 2: Compressing M4A Files on Mac

Part 3: Compressing M4A Files Online

======FAQs======

Why Are Your M4A Files So Big?

M4A (MPEG-4 Audio) is a popular audio format developed by Apple, known for delivering high-quality sound. However, your M4A files can become unwieldy, because:

ALAC Encoding: M4A can be encoded with either the space-efficient AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). ALAC-encoded M4A files offer high-quality audio but typically yield larger file sizes compared to the lossy AAC format.
High Bitrate, Sample Rate, and Bit Depth: Higher audio fidelity means your files have a lot of data packed in, which can quickly balloon file sizes.
Long Duration: Longer tracks naturally require more space due to the sheer amount of audio data.

To shrink down your M4A files, you can convert ALAC-encoded M4As to AAC or MP3, tweak audio parameters, or trim down the duration. Now, let's explore how to do this on different platforms.

Part 1: Compressing M4A Files on Windows

If you're a Windows user, WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro is a fantastic tool that strikes the perfect balance between ease of use and powerful features for reducing the size of your M4A files. Here's how to make use of it:

Step 1. Add Your M4A Files

DownloadDownload and install the feature-rich application on your PC. Launch it and open "Converter". Add the M4A files you want to compress by clicking "Add Files" or dragging and dropping them into the window.

Step 2. Choose a Compression Option

Once added, there are a few paths you can take to downsize M4A files:

a. Convert ALAC to AAC/MP3

Simply select the "M4A" or "MP3" profile from the "Audio" category in the output format library on the right-hand side. This converts your lossless M4A files to lossy format for compressing the audio file size.

b. Lower Audio Parameters

Pick the "M4A" or "MP3" profile and hit "Parameter settings" to dial down the audio bitrate and sample rate.

c. Trim/Split M4A

Select your output format, use the "Trim" tool in the editing toolbar to chop up long tracks into shorter chunks.

Step 3. Start M4A Compressing

Choose where you want your new, smaller files to be saved and click "Run" to kick off the batch compressing process.

Part 2: Compressing M4A Files on Mac

Mac users have the luxury of using iTunes or the newer Apple Music App for file compression. Here's a concise guide:

Depending on your macOS version, open either iTunes or Music.
Import the M4A files you want to compress into the app's library.
Adjust the import settings:
- For iTunes: Go to "Edit" > "Preferences" > "General", then click "Import Settings".
- For Music: Go to "Music" > "Settings" > "Files", then click "Import Settings".
From the "Import Using" dropdown, choose "AAC Encoder" or "MP3 Encoder".
Adjust the quality settings to find your preferred balance between file size and sound quality.
Select and highlight the M4A files, then go to "File" > "Convert", and click "Create AAC Version" or "Create MP3 Version" to initiate the process.
You'll see the new compressed files appear right next to the originals.

Reduce M4A Files Size Using iTunes or Apple Music App on Mac

Part 3: Compressing M4A Files Online

If you need a quick, no-hassle fix without installing software or working across multiple platforms, online tools are your friend. Just be cautious about privacy if your audio files contain sensitive content.

Recommended Online Services:

AConvert: Straightforward and user-friendly, this platform lets you adjust bitrate percent and compress M4A files quickly.
Aspose: Another solid option, upload your M4A file, tweak the bitrate percent, choose an output format, and download the smaller version.
Convertio: A feature-rich online converter that handles M4A compression with ease. Upload your file, select an export format, modify settings, and download the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is M4A a compressed format?

A: M4A is a container format that can hold either compressed (AAC) or uncompressed (ALAC) audio. Compression is possible, depending on the codec used.

Q2: Is it possible to compress an M4A file for email?

A: Yes, compressing files reduces their size, making them more manageable for email attachment limits.

Q3: Will reducing the bitrate mess up the sound quality?

A: It depends on how much you reduce it. Dropping the bitrate too low will make the audio sound fuzzy or tinny, but a moderate reduction should still sound decent. It's crucial to find a balance.

Q4: Will trimming affect the quality of the M4A file?

A: Trimming or splitting a file does not inherently reduce its quality; it merely shortens the file's duration.

Q5: Are there any limitations when downsizing M4A files online?

A: Some online M4A compression tools may have file size limits or restrictions on the number of files you can upload and compress at once. Be sure to check the tool's specifications before using it.

Q6: Does it make sense to compress M4A to MP3?

A: It depends. Compressing M4A to MP3 makes sense if you prioritize compatibility and storage efficiency over maximum audio quality. Just be sure to choose appropriate settings to strike the right balance between quality and size.