Convert audio tracks, often extracted from video files, to the AC3 (Dolby Digital) format using our free online tool. AC3 is commonly used for surround sound audio in DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital broadcasting. Convert from formats like WAV, FLAC, AAC, MP3, or directly from video files. Our service is secure (files deleted within about an hour), free, and requires no registration. Our converter encodes AC3 at 192 kbps, keeping the source sample rate and up to 5.1 channels.
Creating AC3 audio streams is straightforward:
AC3 from the 'Convert to:' dropdown menu.AC3 is the common name for the Dolby Digital audio compression technology. It's a lossy audio codec widely used for multi-channel (surround sound, e.g., 5.1) audio distribution. It was originally developed for cinema sound and became the standard audio format for DVDs, and is also used on Blu-ray discs, digital television (ATSC, DVB), and some streaming services.
AC3 files (often with the .ac3 extension) contain the compressed audio data. While it supports configurations from mono up to 5.1 channels (5 full-bandwidth channels plus 1 low-frequency effects channel), it's most famous for its 5.1 surround capabilities. It uses perceptual coding techniques to reduce data size while trying to maintain audio quality.
AC3 files themselves (as standalone audio) are primarily played by software media players or handled by audio/video editing software. Hardware support is mainly relevant when the AC3 stream is part of a video file or broadcast.
For general playback on a computer, VLC is usually the easiest option.
| Full name | Dolby Digital (AC-3) |
|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy |
| Developed by | Dolby Laboratories |
| Introduced | 1991 |
| File extension | .ac3 |
| Typically used for | DVD, Blu-ray and broadcast TV surround sound |
| Plays on | AV receivers, TVs, disc players, VLC; limited on phones |
| Our output | AC-3, 192 kbps, channels kept up to 5.1 |
We encode Dolby Digital AC-3 at 192 kbps. The sample rate is kept from your source, and so are the channels, up to 5.1. A stereo file stays stereo and a 5.1 track stays 5.1. There are no options for bitrate or channel layout.
Yes, up to 5.1 channels are kept, which is the maximum for AC3. One thing to know: 192 kbps is shared across all six channels, while DVDs commonly use 384 to 448 kbps for 5.1. Our output is fine for stereo and acceptable for surround, but a high-bitrate 5.1 track will lose some detail.
AC3, better known as Dolby Digital, is the standard audio format on DVDs, is supported on Blu-ray discs, and is used in digital TV broadcasting. AV receivers, soundbars and most TVs decode it, including over HDMI and optical connections, which makes it handy when building video files for home theater playback.
Most music apps don't open bare .ac3 files. VLC and MPC-HC play them on a computer, and video editing and DVD authoring software can import them. On phones, VLC is the easiest option. Hardware such as AV receivers usually receives AC3 as part of a video or disc rather than as a separate file.
You can upload the video and choose AC3, but the audio is re-encoded rather than copied. The default audio track (usually the first) is decoded and encoded again at 192 kbps, so a 448 kbps or 640 kbps source loses some quality. Also note the 50 MB upload limit, which rules out most full-length movies.
Usually because a target requires it: DVD authoring tools, some video editors, or TVs and receivers that pass Dolby Digital through while ignoring other formats. At 192 kbps, a stereo AC3 is about 1.44 MB per minute. For plain music listening, MP3 or M4A plays on far more devices.
Need detailed information or want to set a different default format? Visit our specific converter pages: