Converting AIFF files to take up less space

You can use iTunes to convert any copy protection free songs in your library another format. When you convert a song in iTunes it will be converted to the format that you have set to import your CDs in. Converting creates a second copy of the song in the format you have chosen which gives you the opportunity to either keep or delete the original. Go to iTunes>Preferences>General and click on Import Settings,, Change your Import format to AAC Encoder for example and choose the Setting or "bit rate" you want (the default setting iTunes Plus will give you a bit rate of 256kbps). Go back to your library and highlight the songs you want to convert and go to the Advanced menu at the top of your iTunes window and choose "Create AAC version": iTunes: How to convert a song to a different file format

If you're using i-devices it will have to be Apple Lossless. I prefer FLAC because it has a wider platform support and isn't dependent upon a single company for support, but then too, Apple doesn't support FLAC so it's no good on your i-gadgets.

For mobile devices I'd really consider a lossy codec. A lossy compression codec will usually squeeze down to 10-20% whan an AIFF requires (depends upon quality setting). A lossless codec will only squeeze down to about 60% of the original AIFF. I'd keep the lossless version for archive but use lossy on the devices.

Message was edited by: Limnos