DiscForge archive guide

FLAC vs Apple Lossless for a Mac archive

FLAC and Apple Lossless are both lossless codecs: decoded audio can reproduce the original PCM stream. The practical difference is where you plan to use the archive.

Choose FLAC for broad archive portability

FLAC is widely supported by music servers, archival tools and cross-platform players. It is a strong default when the collection may leave the Apple ecosystem.

Choose ALAC for Apple-library workflows

Apple Lossless in an M4A container integrates naturally with Apple media software while preserving lossless audio.

Do not confuse archive and listening copies

A lossless master protects future options. AAC listening files solve a different need: smaller files and broad device playback.

Keep metadata and checksums either way

Whichever lossless codec you choose, preserve reviewed tags, artwork, track order, a receipt and output checksums.