How to Convert a CD to an MP3 File

Whether a music professional or a casual enthusiast, there is little distinction when it comes to turning your favorite compact disc into an MP3 (digital music file). So, I'm here to hopefully demystify this once and for all. Hey, I still have issues with TiVo scheduling!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with iTunes installed
• A CD
• Portable MP3 player (optional)

1. 

   Power up your computer. Insert a music CD into your disc drive.

2. 

   Open iTunes. The default setting in the iTunes preferences should open automatically upon inserting the CD. If not, manually open the iTunes application. Note: I will be using an Apple computer for the following examples.

3. 

   After inserting the CD, Click the "Import CD" button in the lower right-hand corner of the iTunes window.

4. 

   You can monitor the progress of the import in the iTunes progress bar.

5. 

   Once the import is complete, click on the "Music" tab located in the top left-hand corner of the iTunes window. If you scroll to the name of the artist on the CD, you will be able to locate the newly-imported songs.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the songs are archived in the iTunes music library, you may choose to create a playlist named after the corresponding artist on the CD. You can then drag the playlist in to a portable MP3 player, such as the iPod.
• It is also important to note that iTunes comes with a default setting for their proprietary file format-AAC. If you wish to convert to MP3 instead, you will have to change the format. The options are located in the iTunes preferences: Advanced>Importing. Here, you will see a drop-down window, which will allow you to change the file format from AAC to MP3.

[Lindah]

on 5/30/2008 Thanks for this. This is just want I needed.

[jcar]

on 6/21/2007 Thanks for the info. I use iTunes to upload my CDs and then put songs on my iPod all the time and have never once had to convert an audio file to anything prior to making an MP3 out of a CD. It is as easy as it sounds in the article.