Convert CAF to ALAC
Convert CAF files to ALAC format online for free. Fast, secure, and easy-to-use CAF to ALAC converter with no software installation required.
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Max file size: 50 MBMax duration: 30 min
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How to Use CAF → ALAC
Upload File
Drag and drop your CAF file or click to browse. Supports files up to 1GB.
Convert
Select ALAC as your output format and click convert. Our servers will process your file instantly.
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Download your converted file instantly. The download link expires in 1 hour for security.
Why Choose Scriptivox CAF to ALAC Converter?
Fast Conversion
Our powerful servers process your files quickly, delivering converted files in seconds.
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Your files are encrypted and automatically deleted after conversion. We never store or share your data.
No Installation
Works directly in your web browser. No software download or installation required.
CAF vs ALAC: format comparison
How the two formats differ on the things that change your result.
| Specification | CAF (source) | ALAC (result) |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Core Audio Format | MPEG-4 (.m4a) |
| Developed by | Apple | Apple |
| Introduced | 2005 | 2004 |
| Audio codecs | PCM, ALAC, AAC, Opus | ALAC |
| Compression | Depends on codec | Lossless (compressed) |
| Max sample rate | 192 kHz | 192 kHz |
| Max bit depth | 32 bit | 32 bit |
| Max channels | 8 | 8 |
| Gapless playback | Yes | Yes |
| Metadata / tags | CAF metadata chunks | MPEG-4 iTunes-style atoms |
| Approx. file size | 1–32 MB per minute | 5–7 MB per minute |
| Licensing | Proprietary | Royalty-free |
| Plays natively on | Native: macOS, iOS · Needs a player: Windows, Web browsers | Native: macOS, iOS · Needs a player: Windows, Android, Web browsers, Smart TVs |
| Best for | iOS development, the Apple ecosystem, very long recordings | long-term archiving, the Apple ecosystem, audiophile listening |
What changes when you convert CAF to ALAC
Note that Core Audio Format does not imply one specific codec. It can wrap PCM, ALAC, AAC, Opus, so the compression behaviour of the result depends on the codec chosen rather than on the extension alone.
This conversion moves the file toward a different purpose: CAF suits iOS development, the Apple ecosystem, very long recordings, whereas ALAC is chosen for long-term archiving, the Apple ecosystem, audiophile listening.
Tags do not transfer verbatim. CAF stores them as CAF metadata chunks while ALAC uses MPEG-4 iTunes-style atoms, so titles and artwork are remapped and unusual custom fields may not survive.
ALAC is a royalty-free open format, so the result is not tied to one vendor and can be handled by open-source tooling without licensing questions.
About CAF to ALAC Conversion
Converting CAF to ALAC means moving audio out of the Core Audio Format container, introduced in 2005, and into MPEG-4 (.m4a), which arrived in 2004. The two were designed with different priorities, and that is what determines whether this conversion costs you quality, storage, or compatibility.
Developed by Apple in 2005, CAF stores audio using PCM, ALAC, AAC, Opus. That codec choice sets the upper bound on what any conversion can preserve.
ALAC, from Apple and dating to 2004, uses ALAC and plays natively on 2 of the six platform categories we track. That combination is usually why people convert into it.
After converting your file, you can use Scriptivox transcription services to convert your audio to text. Perfect for meetings, interviews, podcasts, and more.
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