how to convert wma files for iTunes

annyoho wrote:

You don't need any additional software, iTunes can convert wma files. You can convert wma files to mp3, aac, wav, aiff using itunes.

Only if you are using a Windows computer.

This the iTunes for Mac forum and you need a 3rd party utility to convert WMA on a Mac (as others have noted over the last 14 months in this thread).

Don Lass wrote:

maybe this post is just so old but i just did it so easily - import file to library and iTunes converted to WAV took all of 10 seconds

It's not because this post is old.

It's because you are using Windows and this is the iTunes for Mac forum.

You cannot convert WMA using iTunes for Mac.

FYI: I would highly recommend you do NOT use WAV as WAV files have no tags to store metadata.

If you want the full file, use AIFF or Apple Lossless

i have no idea about it at all but let me try to understand this. if you have an WMA file somewhere and you want to use it on a Mac you have to convert it beforehand just to get it to your "desktop" in order to import it into your iTunes?

and as far as metadata & tags go, what exactly is that and what is it used for?

Don Lass wrote:

i have no idea about it at all but let me try to understand this. if you have an WMA file somewhere and you want to use it on a Mac you have to convert it beforehand

Yes. Or use a 3rd party application.

WMA is a proprietary Microsoft codec and to use it, it must be licensed from Microsoft.

Windows PCs already have it installed (Windows Media Player) so iTunes for Windows can use it..

and as far as metadata & tags go, what exactly is that and what is it used for?

Tags/metadata is what holds information about a file.

In the case of MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless & AIFF files, these tags are Artist, Album, Title, track # and other info.

If you move these files to another computer or application, these tags can be read and the info is there.

With WAV files, if you move them another computer, the only info available is the filename.

eljou wrote:

Try this, using Finder open the folder with the wma file. Highlight the file by clicking on it, and then press the space bar.

Why?

Mac OS cannot play WMA files. You need can application that can play them.

I have Roxio Toast 10: the solution is a bit convoluted, but am able to convert the files quickly. In Toast, I first create an "Audio CD": this creates an AIFF file, which is easily recognized by iTunes on the Mac.

Then, I open File>Save, which sends the AIFF files to a "Roxio Converted Items" folder. I drag the AIFF files into iTunes, and subsequently click on "create MP3 version".

Hello to all!

Having the need which the OP had, I happened to visit this thread and found out that most of the above suggestions were not working for me. I then was able to successfully have an .wma file converted to mp3 format by using Emicsoft M2TS Converter for Mac.

Under Profile select 'GENERAL AUDIO' and select MP3-MPEG Layer-3; then add your file. Click on the settings and select the sample rate, audio bitrate etc. as per your need. Next, when you click the button 'save as...' you enter the name of your song and click the button: youget your profile as User Defined and find the saved file name too. Click ok. Next browse the destination to which you want the file to be saved. Next click upon the START button and in a jiffy you are free to enjoy your mp3 version of your favorite song!

PS. the trial version of this Converter can convert files of 5 minutes or under. Above that duration, you need to buy this Converter.

Hope this will help all of you who have been looking to find a solution to this problem. It has worked fine for me.

Regards and have a great day.

Dr. Somanna

Dr. Somanna, I just tried your suggestion but the limitations of the unregistered version of the converter are these:

"1. The maximum 5 minutes conversion of a more than 5 minutes file.

2. With a less than 5 minutes file, you could only convert half of it."

In other words, there is no way to convert the full file no matter the length without buying the full version.

I've also tried Adaptor as well, and keep getting "incompatible" message.

Don't know what to do anymore.

Hello Peachyskies! I have warned that this free trial version has limitations:

PS. the trial version of this Converter can convert files of 5 minutes or under. Above that duration, you need to buy this Converter.

I have looked up your Media Human audio converter. Right now my need for converting .wma files to MP3 has ceased. I had a few songs of .wma format on my earlier Samsung phone which I wanted to play in my new MP3 player...but found to my delight that the new MP3 player [Philips GoGear Mix] was able to play .wma files.

Regards and have a great day.

Dr. Somanna

Hello peachyskies!

FWIW, I tried out and found other suggestions not suitable for me. I just tried out this free app: Video Converter Master Lite and found it does a wonderful job of converting WMA into high quality MP3!

Dr. Somanna

annyoho's link worked for me. Transfered WMA files from PC to USB memory stick. Memory stick into Macbook.Opened memory stick on desktop.Dragged WMA files to playlist created in itunes. Dialogue window asks if I want to convert WMA files. Click yes. FILES CONVERTED. No 3rd party convert software or plug-ins. So I think Chris CA is wrong to say Mac can't convert WMA files. OS X 10.9.2 maverick, itunes 11.1.5

http://iphonetocomputers.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/itunes-convert-wma-to-mp3

funfinger wrote:

So I think Chris CA is wrong to say Mac can't convert WMA files. OS X 10.9.2 maverick, itunes 11.1.5

http://iphonetocomputers.wordpress.com/2013/11/14/itunes-convert-wma-to-mp3

except he is not wrong.

The lnk you & annyoho posted is how to convert WMA to MP3 on a Windows PC.

Sorry, but I converted my WMA files in itunes, on my Macbook pro, not on a Windows PC. The original WMA files came from a Windows PC, but were copied to Macbook desktop via flash drive and then converted in itunes on the Macbook. Do I need to make a Youtube video to convince you?

I don't understand the discussion. Set QT Player as standard program for WMA files, then open file, it will MMEDIATELY be converted and played. Choose "export" from QT menu and then "iTunes"- All done.

Wolfgang Raudszus wrote:

I don't understand the discussion. Set QT Player as standard program for WMA files, then open file, it will MMEDIATELY be converted and played. Choose "export" from QT menu and then "iTunes"- All done.

I am not going to go and read this whole topic to see what has been covered and what hasn't but I suspect pretty much everything has.

Macs will not play Windows Media format unless special support has been installed. You may be:

1) Not using a Mac but Windows.

2) Have installed an advanced version of Flip4mac which allows conversion in Quicktime. You will know if you have this because you had to pay for it.