FLAC Frontend 2.1

FLAC Frontend transforms the powerful FLAC command-line tools into an accessible graphical interface for everyday users who want to convert audio files to lossless FLAC format without learning command-line syntax.

Supported Input and Output Formats

FLAC Frontend accepts multiple input formats including WAV, FLAC, OGG, OGA, W64, AIFF, and RAW audio files.

The application produces FLAC or OGA (OGG FLAC) output files while preserving complete audio quality through lossless compression.

Beyond basic conversion, FLAC Frontend can decode existing FLAC files back to WAV, test file integrity, generate audio fingerprints, and re-encode files with different compression settings.

Key Features and Benefits

FLAC Frontend delivers a straightforward workflow - select your input files, choose an output directory, and start encoding.

The drag-and-drop interface eliminates file browsing hassles, while batch processing handles multiple conversions simultaneously.

Power users can access advanced encoding options including compression level adjustment (0-8), ReplayGain calculation for consistent playback volume, and post-conversion file verification.

Additional settings include automatic deletion of source files after encoding, custom command-line parameters, CUE sheet embedding, and metadata preservation.

The application displays conversion progress in a Command Prompt window, giving you detailed feedback on encoding status and any potential issues.

Portable Version Available

FLAC Frontend includes a portable version that runs directly from a USB drive or folder without installation.

Extract the ZIP archive and launch the executable to start converting audio files on any Windows computer.

What's New in Version 2.1

Fixed: Dangerous flac.exe behavior with WAV files WAV files are now automatically skipped during Decode operations to prevent unintended file deletion. This fix addresses a critical safety issue documented in xiph/flac#763.

Enhanced update checker If you previously ignored a version update, you can now force a re-check by unchecking and then re-checking the "Check for updates on startup" option in Preferences.

Alternative Audio Conversion Tools

For users seeking different approaches to audio conversion, several alternatives offer expanded functionality:

• CDex - Rip audio CDs directly to MP3, OGG, or FLAC format
• Exact Audio Copy - Bit-perfect CD ripping with advanced error correction
• fre:ac - Multi-format audio converter supporting MP3, MP4, OGG, and FLAC
• MediaHuman Audio Converter - Batch convert between FLAC, MP3, AAC, and 10+ formats
• LameXP - GUI for LAME MP3 Encoder with FLAC and OGG support
• winLAME - Wizard-style audio converter for MP3, OGG Vorbis, Opus, and FLAC
• Helium Audio Converter - Convert MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC with batch processing
• foobar2000 Free Encoder Pack - Transform foobar2000 into a powerful audio converter

For CD ripping workflows, check the CD Ripping / Encoding Guide for step-by-step instructions using CDex and LAME.

FLAC GUI 1.2 is also included as an alternative lightweight interface.