How to convert a .AC3 file online
Three steps, all tab.
Open your file
Drop your .AC3 file and every video, audio and subtitle track inside is listed with its codec, resolution, frame rate and language.
Preview
See frames from across your .AC3 file before you convert, even when your browser can't play the codec inside.
Convert
Pick MP4, WEBM or MP3, or repack to MKV without re-encoding. Play the result right here, then download it.
What is a .AC3 file?
Everything worth knowing about Dolby Digital (AC-3) Audio.
An AC3 file contains Dolby Digital (AC-3) surround audio - the same format used on DVDs and digital TV broadcasts, supporting up to 5.1 channels. Open it for free with VLC on any platform; Windows Media Player also plays it on Windows 10/11. If you need it on a phone or basic player, convert it to MP3 or WAV using VLC or FFmpeg - the surround channels fold down to stereo in the process.
Programs that open .AC3 files
- Windows
- Windows Media Player, VLC media player, Foobar2000
- macOS
- VLC media player
- Linux
- VLC media player, MPlayer
- Android
- VLC for Android
- iOS
- VLC for Mobile
| Full name | Dolby Digital (AC-3) Audio |
|---|---|
| Developer | Dolby Laboratories |
| First released | 1991 (cinema); ATSC A/52 standard 1995 |
| Category | Audio & Video |
| MIME type | audio/ac3 |
| Signature | 0B 77 (" w" - AC-3 sync word) |
Related viewers
Other free tools to open and preview your files.
Is my .AC3 file uploaded to a server?
No. Your .AC3 file is converted for you. The converted file is created in memory,.
Why is conversion slower than desktop software?
Browsers give web pages a single CPU core for this kind of work and no hardware video encoder. Short clips convert in seconds; for long 4K films a desktop app like HandBrake is faster. Use Start and Length to convert just the part you need.
Which output format should I pick?
MP4 plays on every phone, TV and browser. WEBM is an open format that's great for the web. MP3 keeps only the sound. MKV (no re-encode) is instant and lossless, but only changes the container.
Can I keep all audio tracks and subtitles?
The MKV (no re-encode) option copies every track as-is. MP4 and WEBM keep the first video and audio track, which is what most players use.
Why can't some files be converted?
Files protected with DRM (for example purchased iTunes .m4p songs or some .wmv rentals) are encrypted. We can show what's inside, but nobody can convert them without the key.
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