How to Copy CDA Audio Files on a CD to an MP3 File

A CDA file is the audio format used on any standard audio CD. These files are read by your computer or stereo in order to play the music that you hear. Unfortunately these files are very big, so it's not so easy to copy the files from your audio disc directly to your hard drive. In order to back up, archive or listen to your CDs on a portable music player, you will need to convert them into MP3s. This can be done easily on both Windows and Mac using iTunes.

Things You'll Need

• iTunes for Mac or Windows

Instructions

1. Download iTunes from this link and install it onto your Windows computer or Mac: www.apple.com/es/itunes/download/

2. Load iTunes and go to the "Importing" options. On Windows, click "Controls">"Preferences">"Advanced">"Importing". On a Mac, click the "iTunes" menu, and then choose "Advanced" and then "Importing".

3. Click the "Import Using" drop-down list and select MP3.

4. Insert the CD that you wish to convert into your computer's CD drive. Wait a few seconds until the disc is listed in the left-hand menu. You will recognize it by the CD icon.

5. Select your CD, and you will see the full list of tracks that are on the disc.

6. Click "Import CD" on the top right of the iTunes window. iTunes will now rip your CD within a few minutes.

7. Find your newly created MP3 files in the iTunes folder on your computer.

References

• "Ask Dave Taylor":How Do I Have iTunes Rip CDs into MP3 Format?