How to download Apple Music in lossless

“Download” in the Music app saves songs only for offline listening inside Apple's apps — you don't get regular files you can copy to another player, a DJ app or a music server. Here's how to save Apple Music songs, albums and playlists as lossless ALAC or FLAC files on a Mac.

Updated November 3, 2026 · 5 min read

Music app downloads vs lossless files

ALAC or FLAC — which lossless format?

• ALAC (Apple Lossless, .m4a) — if you mostly listen in Music on Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.
• FLAC (.flac) — if you have a music server (Plex, Jellyfin, Roon), a network player, an Android phone or audiophile software.

Both are lossless: they store the audio without discarding data, like WAV, but in a smaller file with full tags. Details in the Apple Music to FLAC guide.

Step by step

1. Get Music File Lab from the Download page and drag it into Applications.
2. Create a free account — your first 3 songs are free, no card required.
3. Connect Apple Music with the button in the top‑right corner.
4. Copy a link to a song, album or playlist (“Share → Copy Link”).
5. Paste the link and choose ALAC or FLAC.
6. Click Download. Files with artwork, tags and lyrics land in your chosen folder — optionally in artist and album subfolders.

How much space do lossless files take?

Roughly 20–40 MB per song and a few hundred MB per album — several times an MP3. A library of 1,000 songs in ALAC or FLAC is usually 25–40 GB. If your Mac is short on space, set the destination folder to an external drive.

What you can use the files for

Downloaded files are for your private listening. Don't share or publish them. Use the app in line with the law in your country and Apple Music's terms.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an Apple Music subscription?

Yes — Music File Lab saves songs you have access to with your subscription.

Can I download a whole playlist in lossless at once?

Yes — paste a playlist or album link. Whole collections are part of Premium (€9.99 per month or €59.99 per year); the free trial covers 3 songs.

Does it work on Windows?

No — Music File Lab is Mac‑only (macOS 14 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel).

How is it different from TuneFab, Sidify, NoteBurner or ViWizard?

Many of those apps run on Windows and Mac, and their trials save only the start of each song. Music File Lab is native to the Mac and gives you 3 full songs free. See the alternatives comparison.

TuneFab, Sidify, NoteBurner and ViWizard are trademarks of their respective owners. Music File Lab is not affiliated with them.