Importing a wma file into iTunes

Question

Leslie Bisno Author

Level 1

145 points

Importing a wma file into iTunes

How can import this file and, if it requires converting the file first to a different format, how do I do that?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on May 12, 2013 1:03 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

sberman

Level 10

264,075 points

May 12, 2013 1:57 PM in response to Leslie Bisno

iTunes for OS X does not have the ability to import WMA files.

One issue I know about importing Windows Media Audio (wma) files is described here:

iTunes for Windows cannot import or play WMA files that are protected by Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM). These files usually come from other online music stores. Additionally, Windows Media Player encodes CDs to protected WMA format by default, though you may change that setting.

Both the above come from this article:

Importing Windows Media Audio files with iTunes for Windows

Reply

Answer 2

ed2345

Level 9

62,498 points

May 12, 2013 2:58 PM in response to Leslie Bisno

The favorite converter for the Mac is Easy WMA:

EasyWMA audio converter for Mac

As sberman notes, it will not work on protected WMA files. If you happen to be stuck with any such files, use Windows Media Player to burn them to an audio CD and rip back to MP3.

Reply

Answer 3

Leslie Bisno Author

Level 1

145 points

May 12, 2013 3:57 PM in response to ed2345

Thank you both. I've just got one song to convert, from a college production, and I suspect it isn't protected as you describe above. Nevertheless, it's not worth it for the one song to purchase EasyWMA, as I may have little use for it going forward. I can't see how to use my free Flip Player to burn it to disc and flip it to mp3. Do I need to get Windows Media Player for my Mac in order to do that?

In any case, I am using iTunes for Mac (not for Windows), as I am using a Mac. Any further advice?

Thanks!

Reply

Answer 4

ed2345

Level 9

62,498 points

May 12, 2013 4:07 PM in response to Leslie Bisno

Leslie, Find a friend with iTunes on Windows. Bring over your WMA file on a flash drive, use iTunes for Windows to convert it on their machine, and bring the resulting MP3 back to your Mac on the flash drive. Cost = $0!

Reply

Answer 5

sberman

Level 10

264,075 points

May 12, 2013 6:47 PM in response to Leslie Bisno

I've never used a WMA to MP3 converter. But when I typed "WMA files to MP3" into Google, I got some results, one of which is below. I don't have any personal knowledge about the product, but I do trust CNET, and note the product is free.

Free WMA to MP3 Converter - CNET Download.com - CNET.com

UPDATE : OOPS - sorry, this looks like a Windows program. I'll post another response shortly with Mac software.

Reply

Answer 6

sberman

Level 10

264,075 points

May 12, 2013 6:55 PM in response to Leslie Bisno

Sorry - did not find a free Mac converter. But for what it's worth, I see that EasyWMA that ed2345 recommended does offer a free trial version.

Reply

Answer 7

Leslie Bisno Author

Level 1

145 points

May 12, 2013 8:14 PM in response to ed2345

Thank you, again. The EasyWMA demo has limitations that make it impracticle for this particular conversion. The remaining suggestions in this thread are too much trouble or expense for my small task, but thank you for all the info. May come in handy down the line!

Reply