Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Bitrate’s formats and presets, what happens to your tags and files, switching from NCH Switch, and the beta.
Basics
Requirements, the beta and what Bitrate is for.
What does Bitrate do?
It converts audio files between formats: drop files in, pick a preset, and get new files back with their tags and cover art. It doesn’t edit, record or rip CDs.
Which Macs does Bitrate run on?
Macs with Apple silicon, running macOS 14 or later. Intel Macs aren’t supported.
How do I get Bitrate, and what will it cost?
Bitrate is in beta. Leave your email with Join the beta and we’ll send you a download link when there’s a beta build for you to try. Pricing will be announced at launch.
Do I need Homebrew or FFmpeg?
No. Bitrate has its own copy of FFmpeg inside the app. There’s nothing else to install and nothing to set up in Terminal.
Does Bitrate collect any data?
No. There’s no analytics, no telemetry and no account. Bitrate reads the files you give it and writes the results on your Mac. It only remembers four settings: your preset, output folder, parallel mode and clean-up level.
Files and formats
Presets, tags and where your files go.
Which formats can Bitrate make?
MP3, AAC, ALAC (Apple Lossless), FLAC, WAV, OGG Vorbis and Opus, in eleven presets. See Choose a format and preset.
Are my tags and cover art kept?
Tags are copied by default for every format, written as ID3v2.3 for MP3. Embedded cover art is kept when you convert to MP3, AAC or ALAC.
Where do the converted files go?
Next to the originals by default, or into one folder you choose in Bitrate’s settings.
Can Bitrate overwrite my files?
No. If a file with the same name already exists, Bitrate adds -1, -2 and so on. It never writes over a source file or another file in the queue, even in parallel mode. A cancelled conversion leaves no half-written file behind.
Can Bitrate even out the volume between tracks?
Not yet. Loudness normalization is being considered for a future version.
Switching and open source
Coming from NCH Switch, and the GPL software inside Bitrate.
I use NCH Switch. Can Bitrate replace it?
For everyday conversions, yes, natively on Apple silicon. There’s nothing to import: drop your files in and pick the format you used before. Bitrate converts audio only; it doesn’t edit, record or rip CDs.
Where is the source code for FFmpeg?
Bitrate includes FFmpeg under the GNU General Public License. The licenses and the source code offer are on the licenses page.
Didn’t find your answer?
Browse the Bitrate help articles, or open a ticket and we’ll reply by email.
Bitrate is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Apple Inc. Mac and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
NCH Switch is a trademark of its respective owner. Bitrate is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCH Software.
Bitrate includes FFmpeg, licensed under the GNU General Public License. The license texts and the matching source code for each release are on the licenses page.