Foobar2000 how to Convert

Updated: June 4, 2026 · Full review · Alternatives · Audio Players

Convert audio files in foobar2000 by using the Converter plugin, accessible via File → Open Audio Files and exporting through the Tools menu with your chosen output format and bitrate settings.

Setting Up Audio Conversion in foobar2000

foobar2000 is not primarily a converter—it's a player. But since version 2.25.7, the application includes a built-in Converter component that transforms between audio formats without leaving the interface. Unlike dedicated conversion software, this lightweight audio player keeps everything and resource-light.

The conversion feature lives under Tools → Converter (or Alt+T). From there, select your source files from your library, pick a destination folder, and choose your output codec. The software supports FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, AAC, and other formats depending on which codecs you've enabled.

Installing Required Codecs and Plugins

Before foobar2000 how to convert anything, verify you have the necessary encoder plugins. The base installation includes some codecs, but you may need additional ones for niche formats.

Essential Setup Steps

Navigate to File → Preferences → Components to view installed codecs. If your target format isn't listed, you'll need to add it. The FLAC encoder, Vorbis encoder, and LAME MP3 encoder are standard; others require separate downloads.

Visit the official plugin repository and search by codec name. Download the DLL file, then drop it into the Components folder (typically `C:\Program Files\foobar2000\components\` on Windows 10 or Windows 11). Restart the application—it auto-detects new plugins without manual registration.

Pro Tip: Skip the installer route entirely. foobar2000's portable version works identically to the standard installation but stores everything in one folder. This makes moving plugins between machines or Windows 7 legacy systems painless. Extract it anywhere, add your DLL files to the components subfolder, and you're done. Portable foobar2000 setup offers benefits for those who switch computers frequently.

The Conversion Workflow Explained

Once plugins are installed, foobar2000 how to convert follows a predictable three-step process.

Step 1: Select and Queue Files

Open your library. Select one file, a playlist, or batch-select using Ctrl+A. Right-click and choose "Send to" → "Converter", or use Tools → Converter directly from any audio file context menu.

Step 2: Configure Output Settings

The Converter dialog displays your selected files. Click the ellipsis button (...) next to the output path to choose where to save converted files. Below that, pick your desired format from the dropdown. Each format exposes different bitrate, sample rate, and quality options.

For MP3: Choose between LAME presets (0–9, where 0 is highest quality but slowest). For FLAC: Select compression level (1–8). For AAC: Pick VBR or CBR mode and target bitrate.

Step 3: Execute the Batch

Click "Convert" to begin. Progress displays in real-time. Depending on file count and format complexity, this may take seconds or minutes. The application doesn't lock during conversion—queue up other tasks while it runs.

Why Convert in foobar2000?

Compared to Dopamine's minimal feature set or GOM Audio's basic toolset, this player offers precision. Batch processing handles hundreds of files. Tag information transfers automatically, preserving metadata during foobar2000 how to convert workflows.

VLC Media Player has conversion capability too, but it's buried under obscure menu paths. Here, it's front-and-center once you enable the right plugins.

Customization and Preset Handling

You can save conversion presets for repeated jobs. After configuring bitrate and format once, the Converter remembers those settings. This eliminates re-adjusting parameters for routine conversions.

The interface feels sparse compared to standalone converters, but that's intentional. foobar2000 prioritizes playback—conversion is a secondary function handled efficiently.