How to Burn FLAC Files
FLAC is one of the most popular "lossless" digital audio formats. Lossless files are ones that retain the full quality of the original source, such as a Compact Disc--as opposed to MP3 files, which are compressed and sacrifice quality to achieve a smaller file size. Burning FLAC files directly to a disc, however, will result in a CD that is not playable in standard CD players. In order to create a functional disc, FLACs must be converted into lossless WAV files, which can then be burnt successfully to an audio CD.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
Convert FLAC to WAV, Windows / Mac OS X
-
1
Go to the Switch Sound File Converter website, where you should find a prominent link for your version near the top of the page. If not, simply scroll down to find download links for Windows and Mac OS X.
Download the installation file, and install it; follow any on-screen prompts. -
2
Run Switch Sound File Converter, where you will be turning your FLAC files into WAV files, to prepare them for the burning process. Click the prominent "Add File(s)" button if you want to convert one file or a few selected files at a time. If you'd like to convert an entire folder, use the "Add Folder" button instead. Browse to the files or folder you want to convert, then click "Open" (or equivalent). Your FLAC files will appear in the conversion list.
-
3
Beneath the list of files waiting to be converted, in the "Output Folder" section, click "Browse." Select the folder you'd like your outputted WAVs placed in.
In the "Output Format" section just below, select "WAV." -
4
Click "Convert," which is located in the lower right of the window.
-
5
Your FLAC files will be converted into WAV format and placed into the folder you chose.
Converting FLAC to WAV, Linux
-
1
For Ubuntu or other Debian-based Linux users, open Synaptic Package Manager by clicking "System" > "Administration" > "Synaptic Package Manager."
If not using Ubuntu or another Debian distribution, visit the Sound Converter website, then download and install Sound Converter. Afterward, skip to Step 4. -
2
Type "Sound Converter" into the Quick Search field. Order the list of search results that appears by clicking "Package," then locate "Soundconverter."
Click the check box next to "Soundconverter," then click "Mark for Installation" in the dialogue box that pops up. If another dialogue box pops up asking you to mark additional packages, simply click "Mark." -
3
Click "Apply," and Sound Converter will be installed.
Close Synaptic Package Manager. -
4
Run Sound Converter, where you will be turning your FLAC files into WAV files, to prepare them for the burning process. Click the prominent "Add File" button if you want to convert one file or a few selected files at a time. If you'd like to convert an entire folder, use the "Add Folder" button instead. Browse to the files or folder you want to convert, then click "Open" (or equivalent). Your FLAC files will appear in the conversion list.Click the prominent "Add File" button if you want to convert one file or a few selected files at a time. If you'd like to convert an entire folder, use the "Add Folder" button instead. Browse to the files or folder you want to convert, then click "Open" (or equivalent). Your FLAC files will appear in the conversion list.
-
5
Click "Edit" >"Preferences."
Under "Type of Result?", select WAV file format, then click "Close." -
6
Click "Convert," which is located near the top of the window.
-
7
Your FLAC files will be converted into WAV format and placed into the folder you chose.
Burning the CD, Windows, Mac, and Linux
-
1
Open your favorite CD burning software, like Roxio, Nero or, for Linux users, Brasero Disc Burner.
-
2
Every CD burning program is different, but should be straight forward. If given the choice between burning a "Data CD" or an "Audio CD," make sure to select "Audio CD."
-
3
When given the opportunity to select your files for burning, browse to the location you outputted your new WAV files to. Select them, then click "Open," "Add," or equivalent.
-
4
You should be able to sort your files into any order you'd like them to burn in. Adjust any optional settings, such as disc write speed or disc closing, then click "BURN," or equivalent. Your disc of converted FLAC files will be burnt, and should be playable in any standard CD player.
-
1
