If you have music in an iTunes library and want to play it on an MP3 player, USB drive, car stereo, or another device, converting compatible tracks to MP3 can make the files easier to use across different platforms.
The good news is that you may not need a third-party converter. iTunes for Windows and the Apple Music app on Mac include a built-in conversion feature for compatible music files. However, the method does not work for every track. Protected purchases and subscription-based Apple Music content can have different restrictions, and this is often why the Create MP3 Version option is unavailable.
Whether you're using Windows or Mac, this guide walks you through converting your iTunes library to MP3. We'll explain the official built-in options, handle common conversion failures, and introduce a flexible desktop alternative for DRM-protected tracks.
Part 1. Can You Convert iTunes Library to MP3 Directly?
Yes, but it depends on the type of music in your library.
An iTunes library is not necessarily made up of one single file format or protection type. It can contain AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, purchased music, and other local audio files. Some tracks can be converted directly through Apple's built-in tools, while protected content cannot. Here is a quick breakdown of this scenario:
| iTunes music type | Can you create an MP3 version? |
|---|---|
| DRM-free local audio | ✅ |
| DRM-free iTunes Store purchases | ✅ |
| Older protected iTunes purchases | ❌ |
| Apple Music subscription track | ❌ |
Keep in mind that music purchased from the iTunes Store after 2009 is offered DRM-free as iTunes Plus. However, older purchases (prior to 2009) may still be encoded in DRM-protected AAC format.
Why Convert iTunes to MP3?
MP3 remains useful when compatibility matters more than keeping the original encoding. For example, you may want to:
- Play your Apple music on an older MP3 player.
- Copy songs to a USB drive for use in a car stereo.
- Move local music to a device with limited format support.
- Keep a separate MP3 copy for a portable iTunes music library.
- Use the same audio files across different operating systems and players.
However, converting to MP3 does not improve the original audio quality. If the source is already a compressed format such as AAC, converting it to MP3 means lossy encoding the audio again, which can result in further quality loss. It is recommended to go back to the original source when possible if you need the music in another encoding format.
By now, you should have a better understanding of your iTunes files and their properties. If your goal is simply to convert regular, unprotected songs in your iTunes library to MP3, you can start with Apple's official method in the next section. However, if the Create MP3 Version option is missing or unavailable, the file may contain DRM protection or other restrictions that prevent direct conversion. You can skip to Part 3 to get an ultimate solution.
Part 2. How to Convert iTunes to MP3 Officially (Windows/Mac)
For compatible, unprotected files, the built-in iTunes to MP3 conversion feature is the simplest option. It creates a new MP3 copy while leaving the original file unchanged. The steps are slightly different depending on whether you use iTunes for Windows or Apple Music on Mac.
Although the Apple Music app is available for Windows, it lacks a built-in 'Create MP3 Version' feature. You will still need to use iTunes for Windows to convert your files.
How to Convert iTunes Files to MP3 on Windows
If you're using iTunes for Windows, follow these steps:
Step 1. First, launch iTunes on your Windows computer.
Step 2. Select the Edit option in the menu bar, then click Preferences.
Step 3. In the pop-up window, click the General tab, and then click Import Settings.
Step 4. Under "Import Using", choose "MP3 Encoder" to set up the MP3 encoder for iTunes.
Step 5. Then select your preferred quality setting here. You can select Higher Quality and click the OK button to save the above settings.
Step 6. Go back to the iTunes library and click on any iTunes song you want to convert to MP3.
Step 7. Click the File > Convert option, then select Create MP3 Version, iTunes will create a new MP3 copy of the selected songs. The original files remain unchanged, so you can keep both versions in your library. Once finished, you can successfully convert iTunes music to MP3.
You can select multiple iTunes songs at once if you want to convert a group of compatible tracks or an entire playlist.
How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3 on Mac
On newer Macs, music is managed through the Apple Music app rather than iTunes. To change iTunes files to MP3, you need to complete the process within the Music app.
Step 1. Open the Apple Music app on your Mac.
Step 2. Select "Music" from the menu bar and click the "Preferences" button.
Step 3. Tap the Files tab in the menu bar.
Step 4. On the new page, click Import Settings.
Step 5. Click the "Import Using" option in the side menu and select the "MP3 Encoder" from the drop-down menu.
Step 6. Click the Setting option to select your preferred audio quality, such as Higher Quality.
Step 7. Select one or more iTunes songs that need to be converted to MP3.
Step 8. Click "File" > "Convert" > "Create MP3 Version", then the songs in your iTunes library will be converted to MP3 format smoothly.
The built-in conversion does not replace your original music. The original file remains unchanged and the converted version is created as a separate copy. This is useful if you want to keep the original AAC or another source format while maintaining an MP3 copy for a specific device.
Part 3. How to Convert Protected iTunes Files to MP3
The official method is convenient when your music is compatible, but it has a clear limitation: it cannot convert protected audio.
If you want to convert protected iTunes files to MP3 or save Apple Music subscription tracks as local audio files, a professional desktop converter can be a more practical solution. Among the available options, AudFree Apple Music Converter is designed to handle these situations with a wider range of features.
Unlike Apple's built-in conversion option, AudFree Apple Music Converter works with content from your iTunes or Apple Music library and allows you to export files in multiple formats, including MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A, AIFF, and M4B. You don't need to download protected tracks manually before conversion. The process works directly with Apple Music playback through the built-in web player, helping reduce the steps required to get MP3 versions of your iTunes or Apple Music files.
It also provides controls for audio parameters such as bitrate, sample rate, and channels, while batch processing can be useful when you're working with a larger music collection.
AudFree iTunes to MP3 Converter
- Remove DRM from Apple Music
- Convert protected iTunes files to MP3 and other popular formats
- Convert iTunes music for playback on multiple devices and players
- Download iTunes songs at 17x faster speed
- Customize the audio parameters and related parameters of iTunes library
How to Change iTunes to MP3 via AudFree Apple Music Converter
Now, you can follow the steps below to learn how to use AudFree Apple Music Converter to convert iTunes songs to MP3 in detail.
As Apple continues moving its music ecosystem from iTunes toward Apple Music, your music library can now sync more seamlessly between the two platforms. To match this transition, the software works with the Apple Music web player, allowing you to access and convert your synced iTunes/Apple Music library content more efficiently.
- Step 1. Select and Import Songs from iTunes Library
- Install and launch AudFree Apple Music Converter on your Windows PC or Mac. In the built-in player, sign in and access your synced iTunes/Apple Music library. Browse to the songs or playlists you want to convert to MP3, then click the '+' button to add them to the conversion list.
- Step 2. Customize Output Parameters for iTunes to MP3
- Click 'AudFree Apple Music Converter' > 'Preferences' to customize the output format and audio settings, such as MP3 at 320 kbps and 48,000 Hz. You can adjust these parameters based on your playback device or personal needs. MP3 is not the only option available - the software also supports lossless formats for users who want to preserve higher audio quality.
- Step 3. Start Converting iTunes Library to MP3
- Once all the settings are configured, click the 'Convert' button to start the conversion process. The program will automatically convert your selected iTunes or Apple Music tracks into MP3 files and save them to your local device. You can then play these files on various devices without being limited to the original app or platform.
Besides Apple Music tracks in your iTunes library, you can also use the recording method to convert other audio files, such as audiobooks or podcasts, into MP3 format. If you need to export these files as well as tracks in iTunes, the AudFree Audio Capture can help you record and save them as MP3 files. It supports almost all audio services, apps, and websites, outputting in multiple formats with lossless quality. However, because it records in real time, track by track, it cannot batch-download your iTunes files at high speeds like AudFree Apple Music Converter.
Part 4. How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3 for Free Online/Desktop
If you prefer a free method to convert iTunes to MP3, you can try two practical solutions: Audacity, a desktop audio recording and editing tool, and Zamzar, an online converter designed for audio format conversion.
Method 1. Convert iTunes to MP3 for Free with Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source audio application available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Whether your iTunes music files are already stored locally or come with format restrictions, Audacity provides a free way to record the playback and export the audio in popular formats, including MP3, WAV, FLAC, and other file types.
Convert Unprotected iTunes Files to MP3 with Audacity
Step 1. Open the Audacity from your computer.
Step 2. Click 'File' > 'Import' to add your iTunes music files to Audacity. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the audio files directly into the Audacity interface.
Step 3. Once the files are loaded, go to 'File' > 'Export' > 'Export Selected Audio/Export Audio' (or Export Selected Audio if you only want to export a specific section).
Step 4. In the pop-up Export Audio window, pick up 'MP3' as the output audio format. Then hit on the 'Export' button to make iTunes into MP3 format.
Change Protected iTunes Files to MP3 with Audacity
Step 1. Open both Audacity and the Apple Music app on your computer.
Step 2. In Audacity, click the Record button and start playing the selected song in Apple Music at the same time.
Step 3. When the playback is finished, stop the recording. Then go to 'File > Export Audio', select MP3 as the output format, rename the file if needed, and click 'Export' to save it.
Step 4. Repeat the process for other songs or playlists you want to record and convert.
Method 2. Convert iTunes Music to MP3 Online for Free
An online iTunes converter can be a convenient choice when you only need to process a small number of compatible local audio files and prefer not to install desktop software.
For example, Zamzar is an online file conversion tool that supports converting audio files between different formats, including converting compatible iTunes music files to MP3. Since it works directly in a web browser, you can use it on various devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones, and iPhones.
Keep in mind that it only works with accessible audio files, so it can't convert protected or encrypted iTunes content to MP3.
Now, follow these steps to convert your iTunes music files to MP3 with Zamzar:
Step 1. Open a web browser on your device and search for Zamzar, then visit its official website.
Step 2. Click the 'Choose Files' button and upload your local iTunes music file.
Step 3. Click the 'Convert To' dropdown menu and select MP3 as the output format.
Step 4. Start the conversion process and download the converted MP3 file once it is ready.
An online converter can be convenient for occasional conversions, but it has some practical limitations. You need access to the original local file first, and the file must be uploaded to the service. File-size limits, processing speed, privacy considerations, and supported formats can also vary between services.
See also: Top Online Apple Music Downloaders
Part 5. Which iTunes to MP3 Method Should You Choose?
The best method for converting iTunes to MP3 depends mainly on whether your music is protected, where the files are stored, and how many tracks you need to process.
| Method | iTunes / Apple Music | AudFree Apple Music Converter | Audacity | Online Converter (Zamzar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unprotected Music | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Protected Music | ❌ | ✅ | ✅* | ❌ |
| Free | ✅ | Free trial available | ✅ | ✅ |
| Batch Processing | ✅* | ✅ | ✅* | ❌ |
| Windows/Mac | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Online | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Customize Audio Parameter | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lossless Quality | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
* Availability and supported content can vary by file type, software version, or service limitations.
How to Choose?
- Choose iTunes or Apple Music if…
Your songs are unprotected and you simply want to create MP3 copies. Apple's built-in option is free and does not require additional software. - Choose AudFree if…
You need a more flexible desktop workflow, especially when working with a larger library, different supported audio sources, or content that the standard Create MP3 Version function cannot handle. - Choose Audacity if…
You want a free option and don't mind manually converting iTunes music to MP3, including both unprotected and protected files. This method is suitable if you are willing to handle a more time-consuming process and only need to convert files occasionally or in small batches. - Choose an online converter if…
You only need to process a few compatible files and prefer not to install software. This is the most convenient option for a quick browser-based conversion, but it is less suitable for large libraries or files that you don't want to upload to a third-party service.
Part 6. FAQs About Converting iTunes to MP3
Is It Legal to Convert iTunes or Apple Music Songs to MP3?
It depends on the source, your rights to the content, and the copyright laws that apply to you. Converting music that you own or are legally permitted to reproduce for personal use may be allowed in some circumstances. Bypassing access restrictions or distributing copyrighted music can raise separate legal issues, so check the applicable laws and the terms governing your content.
Does Converting iTunes Music to MP3 Reduce Audio Quality?
It can. If the source is already a lossy format such as AAC, converting it to MP3 involves another lossy encoding step, so some audio information may be lost. Choosing an appropriate MP3 bitrate can help minimize the impact, but a higher output bitrate cannot restore information that was already lost in the source file.
To avoid audio quality loss, you can choose a lossless format such as FLAC or WAV in AudFree Apple Music Converter and adjust the related audio settings according to your needs. These formats preserve the original audio quality, making them a better choice for users who want higher-fidelity playback or long-term music archiving.
Why Is 'Create MP3 Version' Greyed Out or Missing When Converting iTunes to MP3?
The option may be unavailable because the selected content is protected or otherwise restricted from conversion. Older protected iTunes purchases, for example, cannot be converted using Apple's built-in conversion feature. Make sure you are working with a compatible, unprotected file before troubleshooting the import settings.
Where Are the Converted MP3 Files Stored on Windows or Mac?
When you use the built-in iTunes or Apple Music conversion feature, the newly created MP3 copy is added to your music library while the original file remains unchanged. The exact storage location depends on your library settings and operating system.
For AudFree Apple Music Converter or Audacity, you can usually choose the output folder before starting the conversion or recording process. For online converters, the converted files are typically saved to your browser's default Downloads folder unless you select a different location.
See also: Where Are Apple Music Downloads Store
Conclusion
Converting iTunes music to MP3 is straightforward when your tracks are compatible and unprotected. The built-in Create MP3 Version feature in iTunes or Apple Music is the simplest free option, while Audacity and online converters provide alternatives when you are working with accessible local audio files.
If the official method does not work because of protected content, or if you need batch processing and more control over output formats and audio parameters, AudFree Apple Music Converter provides a more flexible desktop workflow. Before choosing a method, check the protection status of your music first - that single detail usually determines which iTunes-to-MP3 solution will work for your library.
Staff Editor
