M4A

Technology & Computing abbreviation · File Format

M4A
Stands forMPEG-4 Audio file
CategoriesTechnology & Computing

M4A stands for MPEG-4 Audio file, a file format abbreviation.

Audio-only MPEG-4 file, usually containing AAC or Apple Lossless audio, popularized by iTunes for music downloads and CD rips. Many voice-recorder and phone apps also save M4A files.

Example: The voice memo was saved as an M4A, which most phones and computers can play.

Usage notes

The .m4a extension signals audio only, while MP4 files may contain video. Related Apple extensions include .m4r for iPhone ringtones, .m4b for audiobooks with chapters and .m4p for older DRM-protected iTunes purchases. Renaming an M4A to MP4 usually works because the container structure is the same.

More file format abbreviations

  • JPEG – Joint Photographic Experts Group
  • JPG – JPEG image file
  • JXL – JPEG XL
  • KML – Keyhole Markup Language
  • LNK – Windows shortcut (Shell Link) file
  • M3U – MP3 URL playlist
  • M4V – MPEG-4 Video file (Apple)
  • MD – Markdown
  • MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface
  • MKV – Matroska Video
  • MOBI – Mobipocket e-book
  • MOV – QuickTime Movie

See all 125 file format abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.