AC3 Converter
Convert AC3 audio files to MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, M4A and AAC and 7 more formats — free, in batches, files up to 10 GB, with no sign-up and no watermark.
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Free · Unlimited · No sign-up · Max 10 GB
Your privacy is our mission. Most files are converted right in your browser and never leave your device. Only large files, or formats a browser cannot process, are sent to our server over an encrypted connection — they are never stored, never shared, and deleted as soon as your download is ready.
What Is an AC3 File?
AC3 is Dolby Digital, the surround-sound format of DVDs, broadcast TV and home cinema receivers. It carries up to 5.1 channels in one stream. AC3 is a lossy format: it makes files small by discarding detail that is hard to notice. Converting it to another format cannot bring that detail back.
AC3 Facts
| Full name | Dolby Digital (AC-3) |
|---|---|
| File extension | .ac3 |
| Type | Audio |
| How it stores data | Lossy compression, up to 5.1 channels |
| Created by | Dolby Laboratories, 1991 |
| Best for | surround soundtracks for DVD and home theatre |
| Watch out | less efficient than AAC, and phones rarely play it |
| Opens with | VLC, AV receivers, DVD and Blu-ray players |
How to Open an AC3 File
A .ac3 file opens with VLC, AV receivers, DVD and Blu-ray players. If none of those is at hand — or the file has to go into a program, device or website that refuses AC3 — convert it: MP3, WAV and OGG are the usual choices.
Convert AC3 to Another Format
Convert Other Formats to AC3
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AC3 file?
AC3 is Dolby Digital, the surround-sound format of DVDs, broadcast TV and home cinema receivers. It carries up to 5.1 channels in one stream.
How do I open a .ac3 file?
With VLC, AV receivers, DVD and Blu-ray players. If your device or program does not accept it, convert the file to a format it does.
How do I convert an AC3 file?
Drop the file into the converter on this page, choose the target format — MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC and M4A and others — and press Convert. It is free, there is no account and several files can be converted at once.
Is AC3 lossy or lossless?
AC3 is a lossy format: it makes files small by discarding detail that is hard to notice. Converting it to another format cannot bring that detail back.
What is AC3 good for, and what are its limits?
Best for: surround soundtracks for DVD and home theatre. Watch out: less efficient than AAC, and phones rarely play it.
Is the AC3 converter free, and how big can the files be?
It is free, with no account, no watermark and no daily limit. Files can be up to 10 GB each.
Which formats can be converted to AC3?
MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, M4A, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, AMR, AU, CAF and GSM and 16 more.