iTunes: Burn an MP3 CD when I only have AAC files?

Question

Is there a way to burn an MP3 CD when iTunes only contains (unprotected) AAC files purchased from the iTunes store?

There isn't an option directly in iTunes to convert AAC -> MP3 like there is for MP3 -> AAC, and having to convert the AAC files to MP3 and use an external tool to burn the disk would be time-consuming. Are there any plugins for iTunes that can accomplish this? Or programs which can read an iTunes playlist, convert the tracks to MP3 "on the fly" while burning the CD?

Answer 1

Yes, but you need to create MP3 versions of your files before attempting to burn your MP3 CD.

Unfortunately, iTunes cannot convert songs to MP3 files on the fly. To burn an MP3 CD, you need to add MP3 songs to your playlist. It won't work for AAC songs added to it, protected or not.

But wait, there are some good news: You can easily create MP3 version of your songs. Without additional software, right from iTunes.

The menu item to "Create AAC Version" of your songs, as you mentionned it, is in fact tied to your import settings. If you change the encoding format to MP3, the menu item to convert your songs will reflect that choice, enabling you to create MP3 versions of your songs.

Here's how to do it:

1. Go to the iTunes preferences ("iTunes" Menu > "Preferences...")
2. Select the "General" tab
3. Click on the "Import Setting..." button
4. Select "MP3 Encoder" for the "Import Using:" option

You can then see a "Create MP3 Version" item from the "Advanced" menu.

The next steps are simple:

1. Select the songs you are willing to burn as an MP3 CD
2. Choose the "Create MP3 Version" item from the "Advanced" menu
3. Create a new playlist
4. Add your newly created MP3 songs to it
5. Click the "Burn Disc" button located in the window's bottom right
6. When asked, choose "MP3 CD" for the "Disc format:" option
7. Click "Burn"
8. Enjoy your MP3 CD.

Answer 2

If the answer provided by Arko doesn't work, or if you just want to convert a few songs:

Go into Preferences and change the import settings to use the MP3 encoder (General tab -> Import Settings), after doing that you will have the option to Create MP3 version of the songs instead of Create AAC version (From Advanced menu or the context-menu)