Open AAC files

  • Full name
    Advanced Audio Coding Format
  • Developer
    N/A
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a AAC file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a AAC file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your AAC file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is AAC file?

Files ending in AAC contain audio encoded with Advanced Audio Coding compression.

More info

This proprietary and lossy process has been developed as the successor to the popular MP3 format. It offers higher quality, more possibilities and has been standardized as part of the MPEG II and IV standards.

There are various profiles that are intended for specific applications.

The most common is LC (Low Complexity), which is used eg on Apple iTunes and RealNetwork.

It supports sample rates from 8 to 96kHz, a wide range of bit rates (depending on the profile) and up to 48 channels.

The contents of the file may also be protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management). Then you need a corresponding, possibly paid license to view the content.

Audio data encoded with AAC can also be found in other container formats such as mp4, m4a, m4b or even 3gp. This format is also used in video containers such as mp4 and mkv.

Most audio players can play this format, but they do not always recognize the extension. Even streamed content like Internet radios often use AAC.

Programs which can open a AAC file

How to open file with AAC extension?

In order to open a file with AAC extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening AAC file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with AAC files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install iTunes or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening AAC files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support AAC files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of AAC files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set iTunes as the default program for opening AAC files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate AAC files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the iTunes applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where iTunes has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with AAC files

Sometimes problems with opening AAC files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • AAC files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open AAC files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • AAC file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

Possible conversions of AAC file

Similar extensions