How do I convert audio files bought from iTunes store to MP3 format?

The option to save/convert to MP3 format does not come up on my pop-up menu; it shows up on the file menu. But when I use it, it does not convert the file. It says, the song "could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to other formats."

How do I get a version of this song that I can use on non-Apple devices -- notably, my car.

The Music you purchased from iTunes are AAC (m4a) format. You can convert these AAC format into mp3 format so that you can transfer those mp3 files to your Media Player.

Go to Itunes menu, EDIT > PREFERENCES, GENERAL tab. Go in IMPORT SETTINGS, under IMPORT USING, select MP3 encoder, then OK and OK.

Right mouse click the song(s) in music library will give you a Menu to select CREATE MP3 version.

Rigt click the newly created mp3 music and select Get Info, under "Where:" will give you location of the newly created file.

Any music bought from iTunes since the beginning of 2009 should be DRM free. Set your desired import settings in iTunes via Edit > Preferences > General tab > Import Settings..., e.g. MP3 Encoder > Custom... > 256 kbps, then select the songs you want to convert, right-click and select Create MP3 Version.

This will create new copies of the files in your chosen format and add them to the library as duplicates. If you'd like to avoid that my script ConvertFormat might prove useful.

tt2

So, these answers are somewhat dated. I would like to download all of my albums and single songs from my iTune library to my PC in an mp3 format (I don't have very many of either). The suggestions given before seem centered on using a Mac, iPod or other Apple product and it seems that once you make these changes in the preference window, then that is the default download for future purchases. What are your thoughts now? Please keep in mind that I am not a strong user of Apple products. When you answer please use simple language and step-by-step instructions. Thanks in advance for your help. I always get good answers from Apple community.

You selected a four year old thread, but nothing much has changed.

iTunes allows you to rip CDs in a number of formats. Use Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings to choose which format and bitrate you desire. (Start with iTunes instead of Edit if you're on a Mac). Anything purchased from the iTunes Store will be delivered in 256k AAC, regardless of your preferred import format. You cannot change that, but you can convert the format afterwards if it is necessary. E.g. you want to copy the tracks to a media player that doesn't support AAC. The script I mentioned earlier can be used to convert tracks from one format to another without having to manually tidy up the duplicates that otherwise get created when you use iTunes to make a copy in a new format.

tt2

Buy it. The protected version is either rented via Apple Music or was purchased over 8 years ago and is a 128k DRM AAC version you could potentially burn to CD and then rip back with a consequent loss of quality.

tt2

I just discovered this - open RealPlayer, then go to Window/Open Real Player Converter and you can drag and drop the necessary music files, and it offers a number of conversion options, as wells a customization option. Hope that helps!

Having same issue. Bought an audiobook in October 2017, get a pop-up "could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to other formats" Any other sugggestions?

The point of DRM is to limit your use of the content, such as making copies in another format free of DRM. You might be able to burn to CD and then rip back to a format of your choice. It depends on what limitations are imposed, and typical audiobook files may be larger than a single CD. Burning to disc was possible with 128k protected audio files sold up until 2009, but isn't possible with Apple Music items, which are designed to work only while you have an active subscription.

tt2

Burn to CD, then rip them back. Or subscribe to iTunes Match.

tt2

What if it is from before 2009. I know my songs are not DRM free so what I want to know is how to convert the ones I have.

Not going to help with DRM protected content. Not necessary for unprotected media when iTunes can do it already.

tt2