About import settings and hard disk space
When you import a song into iTunes, the song is stored on your hard disk. How much disk space the song uses depends on the song and the import settings you choose in iTunes preferences. The import settings also affect the audio quality. In general, the larger the file the better the sound.
This chart provides an overview of the formats in which you can play and save files in iTunes.
When you import a song into iTunes, the song is stored on your hard disk. How much disk space the song uses depends on the song and the import settings you choose in iTunes preferences. The import settings also affect the audio quality. In general, the larger the file the better the sound.
This chart provides an overview of the formats in which you can play and save files in iTunes.
| Encoding format | Can be played using | File size (approx) | Comments |
| AAC (MPEG-4) | iPod, applications that support QuickTime | > 1Â MB/min (High Quality setting) | Default for Windows-based computers and Mac computers with QuickTime 6.2 or later |
| MP3 | iPod, computers, most digital music players | 1 MB/min (High Quality setting) | Default for Mac computers with QuickTime 6.1 or earlier |
| AIFF | Many applications | 10 MB/min | Use for burning high-quality audio CDs from imported songs |
| WAV | Macs, Windows-based computers without iTunes and computers without MP3 software | 10 MB/min | |
| Apple Lossless | Some iPod models, applications that support QuickTime | 5 MB/min | Use for burning high-quality audio CDs from imported songs |
AAC-encoded files rival the quality of audio CDs, and sound as good as or better than MP3 files encoded at the same or even a higher bit rate. For example, a 128 Kbps AAC file should sound as good as or better than a 160 Kbps MP3 file. Because the bit rate is lower, the AAC file will also be smaller than the MP3 file. AAC files enable you to store the most music on your hard disk or iPod. You can fit the same number of songs on an audio CD using Apple Lossless, AIFF, or WAV; the song files are smallest with the Apple Lossless encoder.