Foobar2000:Converter: Difference between revisions

Converter
	; foo_converter
Developer(s)	Peter Pawlowski
Repository
Release information
Initial release
Stable release	1.6.16 (January 13, 2023)
Preview release	2.0 beta26 (February 27, 2022)
foobar2000 compatibility
Architecture	{{{foobar2000_architecture}}}
Minimum version	1.1
Maximum version	{{{foobar2000_maximum}}}
UI module(s)	N/A
Additional information
Use	Audio file conversion
License
Discussion thread	{{{discussion_thread}}}
	View all components

VisualWikitext

Latest revision as of 17:37, 5 March 2023

This page contains information specific to the new Converter included with foobar2000 versions 1.1 and newer. For older versions of foobar2000, see Preferences:Converter.

The Converter component is included with foobar2000 installers, and allows you to convert your audio files to other file formats.

Note that this component is required for ripping CDs with foobar2000.

Usage

Right-click the relevant file(s) in a playlist to bring up the context menu.
Select "Convert" and then "..." to load the Converter Setup window.
Make the relevant changes on each subpage, selecting "Back" on each page once done to return to the overview page.
If required, click the Save << button to save the current settings as a preset.
Click Convert.

Once a preset has been created, it can be accessed directly from the "Convert" menu.

Note: The Converter can only be accessed via context menu (right-clicking a file in a playlist), and not via the main File menu.

Usage tips

You can navigate between the overview page and the most recently viewed subpage using browse forward/back buttons on your mouse.

You can also navigate through all the subpages with Ctrl+Tab / Shift+Ctrl+Tab.

Supported file formats

Input file formats

The converter supports any formats playable by your foobar2000 configuration, natively or through optional input components.

Output file formats

Native

The following output formats are available "out of the box":

Additional

AAC
- Apple AAC - command-line encoder executable (qaac.exe) and iTunes required
- Nero AAC - command-line encoder executable (neroAacEnc.exe) required
- Fraunhofer FDK AAC - compiled FDK AAC library required
- Winamp FhG AAC - command-line encoder executable (fhgaacenc.exe) and Winamp required
Apple Lossless - command-line encoder executable (refalac.exe) required
FLAC - command-line encoder executable (flac.exe) required
MP3 - using LAME - command-line encoder executable (lame.exe) required
Musepack - command-line encoder executable (mpcenc.exe) required
Ogg Vorbis - command-line encoder executable (oggenc.exe) required
Opus - command-line encoder executable (opusenc.exe) required
WavPack - command-line encoder executable (wavpack.exe) required

More output file formats can be added using "custom" encoder mode with other command-line encoders. Archives containing converter executables can be found at http://rarewares.org (Rarewares).

Paths to converter executables can be added using the Advanced preferences.

Audio CDs

If the Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate) component is installed, a "Write Audio CD..." option is available.

Converter Setup dialog

The Converter Setup dialog consists of:

An overview page summarizing current settings and allowing you to easily manage presets.
Subpages that deal with specific aspects of conversion:
- Output format selection
- Conversion destination - target folder, file splitting and file name formatting
- Processing - ReplayGain, DSP, and processing offered by optional components for things like DTS, HDCD, and pre-emphasis
- Other - optional preview generation, actions to perform after the conversion.

Destination

The Destination subpage defines how and where the converter generates the output files.

Output path

This section defines the root folder where output files are generated.

If the file already exists

This section defines how the converter handles file name conflicts with existing files. It can either overwrite the existing file or skip the file. If "Ask" is selected the converter will display a dialog window each time a file name conflict occurs during conversion. If "Skip" or "Overwrite" is selected it will always skip or overwrite files.

Output style and file name formatting

This section defines whether each track is converted to a separate file or multiple tracks are put into one file. The name format for both the single-track and the multi-track options allows the use of / (forward slash) or \ (backward slash) to generate subfolders inside the chosen root folder.

Convert each track to an individual file: Like the name of the option suggests the converter will generate one output file for each selected tracks. Selecting ... on the right side of the window will open the File Name Pattern Selector.
Generate multi-track files: All tracks with the same formatted name will be put into the same file. If the output format has native support for multiple tracks in one file (e.g. Ogg and MP4 containers), the converter will use this. Otherwise the converter will generate an accompanying cue sheet file (.cue) for each multi-track file.
Merge all tracks into one output file: A single file is generated for all selected tracks. The converter will display a dialog window to choose the destination file name when conversion is started. The generated file contains a single track. No cue sheet file is generated.

Processing

ReplayGain: Select the relevant ReplayGain settings to apply to the converted content. This will permanently apply the change to the output file.
DSP: Apply the effects of any available DSPs to the converted content. Again, this will permanently apply the change to the output file.; Use the + buttons under "Available DSPs" to add them under "Active DSPs". Once added, configurable DSPs will show a … button.
DSP chain presets: Load any saved DSP presets.

Other

ReplayGain-scan output files as albums: Scans all converted files and updates ReplayGain data. If permanent changes have been made to the output files' volume from using the ReplayGain settings under the Processing options, new RG values will be generated.
Transfer metadata (tags): Copies all tags to the converted files. Where a "multi-track file" is generated, the resulting cue sheet will contain all cue sheet-compatible metadata.
Transfer ReplayGain info: Copies the existing RG tags to the converted files.

Advanced preferences

Additional command-line encoder paths: Enter the folder/file paths to any separate encoders you wish to use. In the example image on the right, a folder called "encoders" in foobar2000's installation directory is being used.
Transcoding warnings: Alert the user before transcoding files.
Write UTF-8 cue sheets: Create cue sheets with UTF-8 text encoding, rather than ANSI.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{fb2k}}
+{{foobar Component Infobox
-''This page contains information specific to the new Converter included with foobar2000 versions 1.1 and newer.''
+| name                 = Converter
+| module_name          = foo_converter
+| developer            = Peter Pawlowski
+| repository           =
+| released             =
+| released_ref         =
+| stable_release       = 1.6.16
+| stable_release_date  = 2023-01-13
+| preview_release      = 2.0 beta26
+| preview_release_date = 2022-02-27
+| foobar2000_minimum   = 1.1
+| foobar2000_ui_module =
+| use                  = Audio file conversion
+| license              =
+}}
+{{panel|This page contains information specific to the new Converter included with foobar2000 versions 1.1 and newer. For older versions of foobar2000, see [[foobar2000:Preferences:Converter|Preferences:Converter]].|color=yellow}}
+The '''Converter''' component is included with foobar2000 installers, and allows you to convert your audio files to other file formats.
-The Converter component is included with foobar2000 installers. It allows you to convert your audio files to other file formats.
+Note that this component is required for [[foobar2000:Ripping CDs|ripping CDs with foobar2000]].
-Note that the Converter component is required for [[foobar2000:Ripping CDs|ripping CDs with foobar2000]].
+==Usage==
+[[Image:foobar2000_11_Converter_Setup.png|thumb|Overview page.]]
+* Right-click the relevant file(s) in a playlist to bring up the context menu.
+* Select "Convert" and then "..." to load the Converter Setup window.
+* Make the relevant changes on each subpage, selecting "Back" on each page once done to return to the overview page.
+* If required, click the {{button|Save <<}} button to save the current settings as a preset.
+* Click {{button|Convert}}.
-= Supported file formats=
+Once a preset has been created, it can be accessed directly from the "Convert" menu.
-==Source file formats==
+'''Note:''' The Converter can only be accessed via context menu (right-clicking a file in a playlist), and not via the main File menu.
+===Usage tips===
+You can navigate between the overview page and the most recently viewed subpage using browse forward/back buttons on your mouse.
+You can also navigate through all the subpages with Ctrl+Tab / Shift+Ctrl+Tab.
+==Supported file formats==
+[[File:foobar2000 converter setup - choose output file format.png|thumb|Choose output file format window.]]
+===Input file formats===
 The converter supports any formats playable by your foobar2000 configuration, natively or through optional input components.
-==Output file formats==
+===Output file formats===
-* [[WAV]] - natively
+====Native====
-* [[Wave64]] - natively
+The following output formats are available "out of the box":
-* [[AIFF]] - natively
+* [[AIFF]]
-* [[AU|AU/SND]] - natively
+* [[AU|AU/SND]]
-* [[FLAC]] - command-line encoder executable (FLAC.exe) required
+* [[WAV]]
-* [[MP3]] - using [[LAME]] - command-line encoder executable (LAME.exe) required
+* [[Wave64]]
-* [[AAC|AAC/MP4]] - using [[Nero AAC]] encoder - command-line encoder executable (neroAacEnc.exe) required
-* [[Ogg Vorbis]] - command-line encoder executable (OggEnc.exe) required
+====Additional====
+* [[AAC]]
+** [[Apple AAC]] - command-line encoder executable (qaac.exe) and [[iTunes]] required
+** [[Nero AAC]] - command-line encoder executable (neroAacEnc.exe) required
+** [[Fraunhofer FDK AAC]] - compiled FDK AAC library required
+** Winamp [[FhG AAC]] - command-line encoder executable (fhgaacenc.exe) and [[Winamp]] required
+* [[Apple Lossless]] - command-line encoder executable ([[refalac|refalac.exe]]) required
+* [[FLAC]] - command-line encoder executable (flac.exe) required
+* [[MP3]] - using [[LAME]] - command-line encoder executable (lame.exe) required
+* [[Musepack]] - command-line encoder executable (mpcenc.exe) required
+* [[Ogg Vorbis]] - command-line encoder executable ([[oggenc|oggenc.exe]]) required
+* [[Opus]] - command-line encoder executable (opusenc.exe) required
 * [[WavPack]] - command-line encoder executable (wavpack.exe) required
-* [[Musepack]] - command-line encoder executable (mpcenc.exe) required
-[[Image:Foobar2000-Preferences-Advanced-Tools-Converter.png|thumb|Advanced preferences.]]
+More output file formats can be added using [[Foobar2000:Preferences:converter:custom presets|"custom" encoder mode]] with other command-line encoders. Archives containing converter executables can be found at http://rarewares.org (Rarewares).
-More output file formats can be added using [[Foobar2000:Preferences:converter:custom presets|"custom" encoder mode]] with other command-line encoders. Archives containing converter executables can be found at http://rarewares.org (Rarewares). Paths to converter executables can be added using <code>Preferences|Advanced|Tools|Converter|Additional command-line encoder paths</code>, pictured.
-<br style="float: clear;">
-= Converter Setup dialog =
+Paths to converter executables can be added using the [[#Advanced preferences|Advanced preferences]].
-[[Image:Foobar2000_11_Converter_Setup.png|thumb]]
+====Audio CDs====
+If the [[foobar2000:Components/Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)|Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)]] component is installed, a "Write Audio CD..." option is available.
+==Converter Setup dialog==
 The Converter Setup dialog consists of:
 * An overview page summarizing current settings and allowing you to easily manage presets.
 * Subpages that deal with specific aspects of conversion:
-** Output file format selection
+** Output format selection
 ** Conversion destination - target folder, file splitting and file name formatting
 ** Processing - ReplayGain, DSP, and processing offered by optional components for things like DTS, [[HDCD]], and [[pre-emphasis]]
 ** Other - optional preview generation, actions to perform after the conversion.
-== Destination subpage ==
+===Destination===
+[[File:foobar2000 converter setup destination.png|thumb|Destination subpage.]]
-[[Image:Foobar2000_128_Converter_Setup_Destination.png|thumb]]
+[[File:Foobar2000 converter setup file name pattern selector.png|thumb|File Name Pattern Selector]]
 The Destination subpage defines how and where the converter generates the output files.
-* Output path: This section defines the root folder where output files are generated.
+; Output path
-* If the file already exists: This section defines how the converter handles file name conflicts with existing files. It can either overwrite the existing file or skip the file. If "Ask" is selected the converter will display a dialog window each time a file name conflict occurs during conversion. If "Skip" or "Overwrite" is selected it will always skip or overwrite files.
+: This section defines the root folder where output files are generated.
-* Output style and file name formatting: This section defines whether each track is converted to a separate file or multiple tracks are put into one file. The name format for both the single-track and the multi-track options allows the use of / (forward slash) or \ (backward slash) to generate subfolders inside the chosen root folder.
+; If the file already exists
-** Convert each track to an individual file: Like the name of the option suggests the converter will generate one output file for each selected tracks.
+: This section defines how the converter handles file name conflicts with existing files. It can either overwrite the existing file or skip the file. If "Ask" is selected the converter will display a dialog window each time a file name conflict occurs during conversion. If "Skip" or "Overwrite" is selected it will always skip or overwrite files.
-** Generate multi-track files: All tracks with the same formatted name will be put into the same file. If the output format has native support for multiple tracks in one file (e.g. Ogg and MP4 containers), the converter will use this. Otherwise the converter will generate an accompanying cue sheet file (.cue) for each multi-track file.
+; Output style and file name formatting
-** Merge all tracks into one output file: A single file is generated for all selected tracks. The converter will display a dialog window to choose the destination file name when conversion is started. The generated file contains a single track. No cue sheet file is generated.
+: This section defines whether each track is converted to a separate file or multiple tracks are put into one file. The name format for both the single-track and the multi-track options allows the use of {{code|/}} (forward slash) or {{code|\}} (backward slash) to generate subfolders inside the chosen root folder.
+:; Convert each track to an individual file
+:: Like the name of the option suggests the converter will generate one output file for each selected tracks. Selecting {{button|...}} on the right side of the window will open the File Name Pattern Selector.
+:; Generate multi-track files
+:: All tracks with the same formatted name will be put into the same file. If the output format has native support for multiple tracks in one file (e.g. Ogg and MP4 containers), the converter will use this. Otherwise the converter will generate an accompanying [[cue sheet]] file (.cue) for each multi-track file.
+:; Merge all tracks into one output file
+:: A single file is generated for all selected tracks. The converter will display a dialog window to choose the destination file name when conversion is started. The generated file contains a single track. No cue sheet file is generated.
-== Usage tips ==
+===Processing===
-You can navigate between the overview page and the most recently viewed subpage using browse forward/back buttons on your mouse.
+[[File:foobar2000 converter setup processing.png|thumb|Processing subpage.]]
+; ReplayGain
+: Select the relevant [[ReplayGain]] settings to apply to the converted content. This will permanently apply the change to the output file.
+; DSP
+: Apply the effects of any available [[DSP]]s to the converted content. Again, this will permanently apply the change to the output file.
+: Use the {{button|+}} buttons under "Available DSPs" to add them under "Active DSPs". Once added, configurable DSPs will show a {{button|…}} button.
+; DSP chain presets
+: Load any saved DSP presets.
-You can also navigate through all the subpages with Ctrl+Tab / Shift+Ctrl+Tab.
+===Other===
+[[File:foobar2000 converter setup other.png|thumb|Other subpage.]]
+; ReplayGain-scan output files as albums
+: Scans all converted files and updates ReplayGain data. If permanent changes have been made to the output files' volume from using the ReplayGain settings under the [[#Processing|Processing]] options, new RG values will be generated.
+; Transfer metadata (tags)
+: Copies all [[tag]]s to the converted files. Where a "multi-track file" is generated, the resulting cue sheet will contain all cue sheet-compatible metadata.
+; Transfer ReplayGain info
+: Copies the existing RG tags to the converted files.
-= See Also =
+==Advanced preferences==
-[[Foobar2000:Ripping CDs|Ripping CDs with foobar2000]]
+[[Image:Foobar2000-Preferences-Advanced-Tools-Converter.png|thumb|Advanced preferences.]]
-Hope this helps newer users:
+; Additional command-line encoder paths
+: Enter the folder/file paths to any separate encoders you wish to use. In the example image on the right, a folder called "encoders" in foobar2000's installation directory is being used.
-In order for a user to get to the Converter Setup dialog:
+; Transcoding warnings
+: Alert the user before [[transcoding]] files.
-Put a song or songs in your Foobar2000 Playlist pane. Drag and drop from a folder you have of songs.
+; Write UTF-8 cue sheets
-Highlight a song or songs in the Playlist and right click with
+: Create cue sheets with UTF-8 text encoding, rather than ANSI.
-your mouse pointer over them.
-Select: Convert.
-Now either choose Quick Convert (This assumes that you have already
-setup the conversion options to your liking)
-or select: ...
-This opens the Converter Setup dialog.
-Here you may choose the Output format of the conversion.
-For instance; FLAC or MP3.
-If you see no conversion options; go to the foobar2000 site and
-download the Free Encoder Pack. Close foobar2000 if it is already open and install this program and you will then have conversion options.
-Also choose your destination folder for the converted output files.
-Example: User-- My Music-- Foobar2000 Conversions
-Create the Foobar2000 Conversions folder yourself.
-This will make it easy to find your converted music files.
-Once all of your conversions are completed and renamed and regrouped
-if required, if making a music mix, move them to your music library folder or perhaps to My Music-- Artist-- Album.
-If you just wanted songs converted to .mp3's for your portable music
-player or USB flash drive, plug in the usb cable for it to your computer and open the music player folder. Drag and drop the .mp3's into it. Either keep the original converted .mp3's or delete them.
-The Converter Setup dialog cannot be found in File-- Preferences menu.
+==See also==
+* [[Foobar2000:Free Encoder Pack|Free Encoder Pack]]
+* [[Foobar2000:Ripping CDs|Ripping CDs with foobar2000]]