How to Convert an M4P File to an MP3 for Free

Recordable Compact Disc

M4P or AAC files are "protected" music files that can only be played in Apple products which support the M4P format, such as iTunes and iPod. You may wish to convert your M4P files to the MP3 format, so that you can play them with any MP3 file player. iTunes does not allow you to convert M4P files to MP3 files directly, but you can use a simple process to convert them.

Things You'll Need

• M4P files
• CD burner
• blank CD-R discs
• iTunes software application

Instructions

1. Insert a blank CD-R disc into your computer's CD burner and close the disc tray.

2. Start your iTunes software application on your computer.

3. Create a playlist of the M4P files you would like to convert. Use the iTunes documentation if you need help to create a playlist. Open the iTunes "Preferences" menu, click the "Advanced" icon, click the "Burning" button, then click the "Audio CD" button for the Disc Format. Click the "OK" button. Converting an M4P file to Audio CD format removes the file's copy protection.

4. Click the playlist you created, in the iTunes window and click the "Burn Disc" button. iTunes burns the files to the CD.

5. Open the CD in iTunes and click the "Convert Selection to MP3" option. iTunes imports the files, converts them to MP3 format, and saves the MP3 files to your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Most PCs have CD burning software applications and MP3 file player software applications already installed. If you have M4P files, you probably also have the iTunes software application installed: it burns CDs and plays MP3 files. If you do not have iTunes you can download it for free and install it on your computer.

• Removing copy protection from M4P files you do not own is illegal. You should only convert files that you own legally.

References

• Askbobrankin.com: Convert iTunes to MP3 Format
• Sharedrmusic.com: What is M4P Format Music File?
• Wellesley.edu: iTunes: Burning a CD

Resources

• iTunes