How do I convert the iTunes m4a format into a mp3?

First, M4A stands for MPEG 4 Audio. It's an AAC file inside an MPG envelope. AAC is the successor of MP3, providing better quality at lower file sizes. In addition, people distributing content don't need to pay royalties to use AAC.

To convert these files to MP3 files, go to into the Preferences panel of iTunes. Click on the orange "Importing" selection and then select an MP3 Encoder for importing. Change the settings to whatever you want. Now, click OK and go back to the main window of iTunes. Select all songs you want to convert to MP3 and click on "Advanced" -> "Convert Selection to MP3".

iTunes knows a second AAC format called M4P. This is the protected version. It cant be converted to MP3 as easily. If you want to convert it to MP3, do this: First, burn the songs you want to convert onto an Audio CD (preferrably an CD-RW so you can erase it again afterwards). Now, import those songs again, this time into MP3 files. Voilà.

You have to download a converter.

I belive Lucas was referring to songs such as the ones purchased from iTunes, music video's are unable to convert to mp3 directly. You can convert to mpeg but to strip the audio from a video you will require a decently preforming movie editor [will look similar to Microsoft Movie Maker except not as useless ;)] and follow it's own procedure for saving the video and audio as seperate tracks. Usually any decent editor will have a mp3 encoder built in or packaged with however if not there are many that will convert wav, wma and other random audio files into mp3's. ("mp3 Editor For Free" www.mp3-editor.net is just one example of a freebie converter that has alot of options once the audio has been isolated)
Hope this helps,

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I UNDERSTAND YOU TOLD ME TO To convert these files to MP3 files, go to into the Preferences panel of iTunes. Click on the orange "Importing" selection and then select an MP3 Encoder for importing. Change the settings to whatever you want. Now, click OK and go back to the main window of iTunes. Select all songs you want to convert to MP3 and click on "Advanced" -> "Convert Selection to MP3". i TRIED THAT AND IT DIDN'T WORK. THEN I LOOKED AT THE 2ND OPTION, BUT THAT'S FOR CDs. I'M TALKING ABOUT MUSIC VIDEOS.

PLEASE RESPOND.

I went through alot of other peoples ways and it never worked. but i selected all the songs i wanted, right clicked and there was an option that said convert to mp3 format and tada there it was. good luck i guess it depends on what version of itunes you have

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