Convert CAF to FLAC
Convert any audio file to FLAC format online for free. Fast, secure, and easy-to-use audio to FLAC converter with no software installation required.
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Supported formats (Max 50MB, 30 min • Sign in for 200MB, 1 hr)
Why Choose Scriptivox CAF to FLAC Converter?
Fast Conversion
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No Installation
Works directly in your web browser. No software download or installation required.
How to Use CAF → FLAC
Upload File
Drag and drop your CAF file or click to browse. Supports files up to 1GB.
Convert
Select FLAC 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.
CAF vs FLAC: format comparison
How the two formats differ on the things that change your result.
| Specification | CAF (source) | FLAC (result) |
|---|---|---|
| Container | Core Audio Format | FLAC |
| Developed by | Apple | Xiph.Org Foundation |
| Introduced | 2005 | 2001 |
| Audio codecs | PCM, ALAC, AAC, Opus | FLAC |
| Compression | Depends on codec | Lossless (compressed) |
| Max sample rate | 192 kHz | 192 kHz |
| Max bit depth | 32 bit | 24 bit |
| Max channels | 8 | 8 |
| Gapless playback | Yes | Yes |
| Metadata / tags | CAF metadata chunks | Vorbis comments |
| 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: Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android · Needs a player: Smart TVs |
| Best for | iOS development, the Apple ecosystem, very long recordings | long-term archiving, audiophile listening, CD ripping |
What changes when you convert CAF to FLAC
Core Audio Format is a container rather than a single codec, so what it holds depends on how the file was made. It can carry PCM, ALAC, AAC, Opus, which means two files with the same extension can differ in quality and size. Check the source before assuming which one you have.
Compatibility is the main win here: FLAC plays natively on 3 more of the platforms we track than CAF does, so the result works without asking anyone to install a player.
A 32-bit master will be reduced to 24-bit, which is the ceiling FLAC supports.
The two formats are aimed at different jobs. CAF is typically used for iOS development, the Apple ecosystem, very long recordings, while FLAC is the usual pick for long-term archiving, audiophile listening, CD ripping. That difference in intent is what most of the specification gaps above come from.
Expect metadata to be rewritten rather than copied: CAF metadata chunks in the source becomes Vorbis comments in the result. Standard fields map cleanly; niche custom tags often do not.
About CAF to FLAC Conversion
This page converts CAF files, stored in the Core Audio Format container since 2005, into FLAC, which uses FLAC and dates from 2001. The differences between the two containers decide what changes in the result.
CAF comes from Apple and dates to 2005. It carries PCM, ALAC, AAC, Opus, which is what determines the quality ceiling of anything you convert out of it.
FLAC was introduced by Xiph.Org Foundation in 2001. It carries FLAC and has native playback on 5 of six platform categories, which is the practical reason to choose it as a target.
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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