The m4b format is popular among people who use iTunes to download audiobooks. They are copyright protected files and playable on certain devices. If you want to use an m4b file keep reading to learn how to open them.
What is an .m4b?
It is an audio file that uses the extension .m4b. It belongs to the MPEG-4 group and is used for playing audiobooks.
Its type of encoding allows people who use an m4b file to mark a specific sector. It is the reason why it is used for audio books.
It is an Apple proprietary file type and is downloaded directly from the iTunes Store. However, applications like Winamp are useful for playing an m4b.
A file with an .m4b extension can be played in a Windows environment. As long as the file is not protected with FairPlay encoding which protects the content from plagiarism.
How to open an m4b file?
As it is a native Apple file, the application used to open this type of file is iTunes. You can open the file from an iPhone or from an iOS PC with iTunes.
The advantage of using iTunes is the compatibility between devices in the same environment. So the file is synchronized with your account to access it at any time.
From the Windows Media Player you can play an Apple Audiobook file. But it must not be encrypted with copyright protection.
Applications to open an m4b file
- AppleiTunes
- Windows Media Player
- Nullsoft Winamp
- VLC Media Player
There are people who choose to change the file extension from .m4b to m4a, an MPEG-4 audiovisual format. It is a recognized format among a larger number of players.
In any case, it is best to avoid directly modifying the file extension. This would only cause irreparable damage.
Convert a file
There are several free and online software to do the conversion and change the file type. This is only done for the purpose of being able to play the file in a compatible application and not to bypass the file’s copyright protection.
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AnyConv: It is a free online converter to change a file from m4b to MP3, WAV, AAC or m4a. The procedure is quite simple, just drag the file to the page with the cursor and wait until it is ready to download it.
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Zamzar: This is another online converter so you have to upload the file directly to the page. It allows to transform the file from m4b to m4b, AAC, OGG and MP3.
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DVD Video Soft – Free Studio: It is a freeware type application compatible with many formats. You can download it from its website and install it on PC. It allows converting an m4b file into WMA, MP3, m4r, WAV, FLAC, M4B, among others.
Create m4b files
If you are a content creator you are more than interested in protecting everything you do with m4b. Just like if you have multiple audiobooks in another format that you want to play on an iOS environment device.
AVS Audio Converter is presented as the best option. It is a program that allows you to transform any audio file into an audiobook in m4b or MP3 format.
With the application you will be able to place all the pertinent information and create a file with bookmark support. The file will be divided by chapters and even a cover.
There are other applications that allow you to convert the file, such as Audiobook Binder. It is available for iOS devices and allows converting MP3 files into a compatible format like m4b.
It is very popular among Apple users because it offers a high quality end result. In addition to the possibility of loading all the data of the audiobook and a cover.