How to Reduce MP3 File Sizes on a Mac

Reducing MP3 file sizes on a Mac is a great way to condense your music collection. Doing so will also allow you to fit more MP3s on your MP3 player or burn more MP3s to an MP3 CD. Once you’ve created a reduced MP3 file from a larger MP3 file, delete the larger MP3 file to save space on your computer’s hard drive.

Using iTunes

Open iTunes.

Select “File”, “Add to Library” and choose the MP3 you would like to reduce the file size of. This will import the MP3 file into your iTunes library.

Open iTunes Preferences.

Click “Import Settings.”

Select the “MP3 Encoder” in the “Import Settings” menu. Then click the drop down “Settings” menu and select “Custom.”

Click the “Stereo Bit Rate” drop down menu and choose a bit rate that is smaller than the current bit rate of your MP3. The standard bit rate for most MP3 audio files is 128 kbps.

Click “OK” to confirm this bit rate setting. Click “OK” again to exit iTunes Preferences.

Click and highlight the MP3 file you imported into your iTunes library. Then click “Advanced” and choose “Create MP3 Version.” This will create an MP3 with a smaller file size directly below the original MP3 audio file you imported. You have now successfully reduced an MP3 file size on a Mac.

Using Switch

Open Switch.

Click “Add Files” and select the MP3 you would like to reduce the file size of.

Choose “.mp3” from the “Output Format” menu. Then click “Encoder Options” and choose a bit rate that is smaller than the current bit rate of your MP3. The standard bit rate for most MP3 audio files is 128 kbps.

Click the “Browse” button next to “Output Folder” to select where you would like to save the converted MP3 file on your computer.

Click “Convert” and an MP3 with a reduced file size will be created and saved in your “Output Folder.” You have now successfully reduced an MP3 file size on a Mac.

Using AVCware

Open AVCware.

Click “Add File” and select the MP3 file you would like to reduce the file size of.

Click the drop down menu under “Profile.” Then click “Common Audio” and select “MP3.”

Click the “Settings” button. Then click the double arrow next to the bit rate to choose a bit rate that is smaller than the current bit rate of your MP3. The standard bit rate for most MP3 audio files is 128 kbps.

Click “Browse” next to “Desination” to select where you would like to save the converted MP3 file on your computer.

Click the “Convert” button and an MP3 with a reduced file size will be created and saved in your “Destination” folder. You have now successfully reduced an MP3 file size on a Mac (See References 3).