How to save Apple Music songs as files on a Mac

Songs you download for offline listening in the Music app only work inside that app. If you want regular files — for another player, DJ software, an audio editor or your own archive — you need a different approach. Here's how, step by step.

Updated October 2, 2026 · 5 min read

Offline downloads in Music vs. music files

The “Download” button in the Music app saves songs so you can listen without internet — but only in Apple's apps and only while your subscription is active. You won't find them as regular files in Finder, you can't open them in another player and you can't copy them to a USB drive.

A music file is different: an .m4a, .flac, .wav or .mp3 with title, artist, album and artwork stored inside, which works in any app and on any device.

What you need

• A Mac with macOS 14 Sonoma or later (Apple Silicon or Intel).
• An active Apple Music subscription.
• The Music File Lab app — your first 3 songs are free, no card required.

Step by step

1. Install the app. Download the .dmg from the Download page, open it and drag Music File Lab into Applications.
2. Create an account. Just an email and a password. Confirm your address with the link we send.
3. Connect Apple Music. Click the Apple Music button in the top‑right corner and sign in. The session stays on your Mac.
4. Copy a link. In the Music app or on music.apple.com, pick a song, album or playlist and choose “Share → Copy Link”.
5. Paste it and pick a format. ALAC, FLAC, WAV, AAC or MP3 — see the format guide for a comparison.
6. Click Download. The files land in your chosen folder — by default Downloads/Music File Lab Downloads.

Artwork, tags and lyrics

Every file gets its title, artist, album, track number and high‑resolution artwork. When Apple Music has lyrics for a song, the app saves them in the file's tags (in formats that support it) and, if you like, as a separate timed .lrc file — more in the .LRC guide.

Keeping folders tidy

By default everything goes straight into one folder. In Settings you can turn on artist and album folders, separate folders for playlists and formats, and choose how files are named, e.g. Artist - Title or 01 Title.

What you can use the files for

Downloaded files are for your private listening. Don't share or publish them — the rights to the music belong to its creators and publishers. Use the app in line with the law in your country and Apple Music's terms.

Frequently asked questions

Can I download a whole playlist at once?

Yes — paste a playlist or album link. Whole collections are part of Premium; the free trial covers 3 songs.

Do the files stay after my subscription ends?

The files stay on your drive. Downloading new songs requires an active Apple Music subscription.

Does it work on Windows or iPhone?

No — Music File Lab is a Mac app. You can move the finished files to any device, though.