m4a to mp3

Try following these instructions:

iTunes: How to convert a song to a different file format - Apple Support

when I plug my mp3 player, the "edit" section under preferences is not highlighted for me to click on it and convert my files from m4a to mp3. Can you please help me out? Could be I am doing something wrong?

I am using windows 10

Thanks in advance,

ace

Ace,

Put the player aside for the moment. Go into iTunes and create MP3 versions of the files you need using the document linked by Javaliga.

Note that the creation process ends up with both the .m4a original and the new MP3, so make sure you know which ones are the MP3s. Then use those for your player.

The link I gave you above shows you EXACTLY how to do this step-by-step.

ace4cruisin wrote:

Sorry for my ignorance, but where can I find the "preferences", Is it in my music when I go to I tunes . com, I don't see it?

PS I put the player aside as you mentioned.

Again, Thanks,

Ace

Ace, In your iTunes application, Preferences is under the Edit menu as pictured below.

Edit is on the menu bar (File, Edit, View, etc.) If you don't have an iTunes menu bar, enable it by holding the CTRL key while you press B.

ace4cruisin wrote:

Thanks Ed, Java... I did it. The problem was it wasn't showing me the menu bar.

Thanks again,

Ace

Ace,

Glad it worked out.

For future reference, if you need MP3s for your player, you should keep your library in MP3 format. Going forward, make sure that all music you purchase, rip, or otherwise acquire is in MP3 format. MP3 works fine in iTunes and avoids compatibility problems with non-Apple devices.

I didn't really like any of these solutions so I put together a simple one liner using ffmpeg that will convert the files.

This one will recursively convert all files in sub directories:

find . -type d | while read -r dir; do pushd "$dir";for f in *.wma; do ffmpeg -y -i "$f" -c:a libfdk_aac -b:a 192k "${f%.wma}.m4a";done;ls;popd; done;

And this one can do just one directory by running it in the directory you need

for f in *.wma; do ffmpeg -y -i "$f" -c:a libfdk_aac -b:a 192k "${f%.wma}.m4a"; done;

ffmpeg is pretty easy to install:

http://www.renevolution.com/how-to-install-ffmpeg-on-mac-os-x/

And more details on the conversion process here:

http://sinclairediatech.com/converting-wma-to-high-quality-m4a-audio/

I have MP3 checked in my General Preferences, but the files are all in M4A format.

Your instructions are not helpful, because under "File" there is no "create new version."

iTunes is getting more unwieldy and less user friendly. Seriously considering switching to a Windows computer.

Animaterra wrote:

I have MP3 checked in my General Preferences, but the files are all in M4A format..

Checking a Preference does not convert any files.

Your instructions are not helpful, because under "File" there is no "create new version."

In iTunes 12.4.1, Use File > Convert, and that brings up a sub-menu.

Thanks. It's a shame it's gotten so complicated.

Animaterra wrote:

Thanks.

Animaterra,

You are welcome.

Ed