What is a FLAC file?
FLAC, the Free Lossless Audio Codec, compresses audio the way a ZIP file compresses documents: the original samples come back exactly, but the file is roughly half the size of a WAV. It supports tags and cover art and is completely free of patents, which made it the standard for archiving CD rips and buying high-resolution music downloads.
Where FLAC fails
Support is broad on computers and Android but patchy elsewhere: iPhones play FLAC only through the Files app, many car stereos ignore it, and streaming or upload forms usually want MP3. Converting to MP3 at 320 kbps gives a file that sounds identical to nearly everyone and plays on anything.
FLAC for archiving
Keep the FLAC as the master and make MP3 copies for phones and cars. WAV to FLAC is the way to archive recordings without losing a sample. Never convert FLAC to MP3 and delete the FLAC: the loss is permanent.
Frequently asked questions
Is FLAC really lossless?
Yes. Decoding a FLAC reproduces the original audio bit for bit.
What bitrate should I use for FLAC to MP3?
320 kbps for the best quality, 256 kbps as a good balance. Both are transparent for the vast majority of listeners.