How to Convert an MP3 to Apple iPod Nano Format

by Mario Calhoun
Convert your MP3s to AAC.

Convert your MP3s to AAC.

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The iPod Nano is a compact media player that supports playback of music and videos, and uses the AAC file format for audio playback. To convert your existing MP3s in your iTunes program into AAC, you will need to adjust the audio import settings, and then convert the tracks to AAC. Since the MP3 file is already a compressed file, you may lose an insignificant amount of audio quality when converting to the AAC format.

Step 1

Click the iTunes button on your Macintosh screen's dock, or double-click the iTunes icon on your Windows PC's desktop to run the iTunes program.

Step 2

Click "Edit" at the top of the iTunes menu on your PC and select "Preferences," or click "iTunes" in the upper-left corner of the screen on your Macintosh computer and select "Preferences."

Step 3

Click the "General" button and click the "Import Settings" button. Select the drop-down list next to Import Using and select "AAC Encoder."

Step 4

Click the drop-down list underneath the first and select "High Quality (128 kbps)" or "iTunes Plus." Click "OK" to save the import settings, and "OK" on the main settings window.

Step 5

Right-click the song you want to convert, and select "Create AAC Version" from the pop-up menu. Right-click the original MP3 version of the song once the conversion is complete and select "Delete" from the pop-up menu.

Step 6

Plug your iPod cable into the iPod Nano, and plug the remaining end into the computer's USB slot. Click the iPod Nano tab in the iTunes sidebar, and click "File" at the top of the iTunes menu. Select "Sync iPod" to sync the new music to your iPod Nano.

References

About the Author

A Chicago-based writer, Mario Calhoun has been writing professionally since 2007, with work appearing in local publications such as "Mint Magazine" and "Echo Magazine," Columbia College Chicago's student magazine. Calhoun currently works at Murder Mystery Maniacs, an event planning company. Calhoun graduated from Columbia College Chicago in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in magazine journalism.

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