Walkthrough to Edit M4R Files Using Convenient Music Editing Tools

M4R files are formats popular on iPhone devices for creating ringtones. It strictly uses Apple Lossless codec (ALAC) or Advanced Audio Coding as its compression scheme to produce high-quality sound. However, many find this format to be difficult to edit due to its compatibility issue. Below we will introduce the best tools to open and edit M4R files either on your Windows or Mac computer. Read on to have an overview of these programs along with their step-by-step procedure.

Part 1. What is M4R?

Before proceeding with the tools for editing M4R files, we need to first know what an M4R file is. M4R is an exclusive format for Apple's iPhone specifically designed for making iPhone ringtones. Despite being a compressed audio file, the format can deliver a high sound quality. Furthermore, it adopts strictly the Advanced Audio Coding commonly known as AAC as its compression scheme. As a matter of fact, it delivers an excellent quality while reducing the file size of the audio.

Apart from the mentioned characteristics, it belongs to the group of MPEG-4 that is composed of different numeric representations. This includes text and audio files in ASCII format. Many may also not notice but M4R and M4A are almost identical with each other. Some individuals would regard M4R as the renamed version of M4A, which can be true when looking at the lossy algorithm of both audio files. Now if you are also one of those people who are looking for ways to edit M4R files on Windows or Mac computers without worrying about the compatibility, the tools reviewed beneath should help you out.

Part 2. Best Way to Edit M4R on Mac and Windows

You are probably looking for an app that will help you rework your M4R file on your computer. As such, we recommend Vidmore Video Converter which is a versatile program that works on Windows and Mac computers. This enables you to cut an audio track into multiple segments using the Fast Split feature. Moreover, you define the start and end handlebars in selecting the audio parts to trim. Alternatively, you can set the start and points by seconds to precisely cut audio files, which is perfect for making ringtones. For an easy and simple audio workaround, follow the given steps and learn to edit M4R ringtones and songs.

Step 1. Obtain the app's installer

First off, download the latest version of the program by clicking any of the Free Download buttons associated with different operating systems. Just make sure to select the appropriate OS for your computer. Follow the setup wizard to install the app. After that, open the program on your computer.

Step 2. Load in a file to the app

Once the app is launched, click the Add button which looks like a plus sign from the main interface of the tool. It should open your file browser where you will find and select your target audio file to edit.

Step 3. Edit M4R file

At this point, click the Cut button to rework your M4R file. The audio editing interface should appear. Trim the M4R file by sliding the left handlebar to mark the point where the trimming will start. On the other hand, adjust the right handlebar to mark the portion of the audio where trimming will stop. To confirm the changes, click the Save button and resume to the Converter tab.

Step 4. Save the edited audio clip

Now open the Profile menu and select the same audio format from the selection. You may also change the format as you like. Once everything is set, hit the Convert All button at the bottom right-hand side of the interface. After the conversion process, you should be able to get the audio playback of the edited M4R file.

Part 3. Convenient Tools for Editing M4R Files

If you do not feel like downloading and installing a music editing app on your computer, utilizing an online program can be very much recommended. Continue reading below to learn about the free and convenient web-based applications.

1. Aconvert

Aconvert can be used to make ringtones not only for M4R or M4A files, but also out of MP3, WAV, OGG, AAC, AU, FLAC, AIFF, and OPUS files. The best part is you can add sound files that have a file size of up to 200M allowing you to edit M4R length online without any restriction. Apart from that, you are entitled to import files from cloud storage like Dropbox and Google Drive. Optionally, you can upload media files either video or audio stream from any website via the URL.

Step 1. Navigate to the official website of Aconvert to reach the main page and upload an M4R file by clicking the Choose File button. From the file folder, select your target M4R file to edit. You also have the option to upload from Google Drive or Dropbox. Simply click the dropdown button and choose a file source.

Step 2. Define the start position along with the duration of the audio to cut. Enter the start point in the format of hh:mm:ss. H for an hour, M for minutes, and S stands for seconds.

Step 3. To start the audio cutting session, click the Submit button at the bottom right-hand side of the interface. From the output results section, there you will see the final version of the file. Click the Download icon to save the file.

2. Clideo

Step 1. Open any browser on your computer and visit the website of Clideo. Add an M4R file by clicking the Choose file button on the main page.

Step 2. Mark the part of the audio that you wish to keep using the left and right handle bars. Then check on the Fade in and Fade out checkboxes if you want to apply these effects to your sound file.

Step 3. To start processing the M4R file, click on the Export button and then have a copy of the file by downloading the trimmed audio file.

3. Audio Trimmer

Audio Trimmer is also worth trying when you need to rework your M4R files online. Likewise, it enables you to enter the time duration to cut specific parts of the audio file. There is the method for cutting which is by moving the sliders while giving you the ability to choose the format for your edited audio file. On top of that, you can adjust the audio volume as you like. To manipulate and edit M4R files online using Audio Trimmer, take a look at the steps beneath.

Step 1. Access the website of Audio Trimmer using your favorite browser and from the editing functions present at the topmost part of the site.

Step 2. In this case, we chose the Volume Booster option to adjust the volume of the sound file. Hit the Choose File button to upload the M4R file.

Step 3. Then click on the Loudness dropdown to select the volume mode to suit your requirements. Hit the Boost Volume button to process the file followed by the Download button to save it on your computer.

Part 4. FAQs of M4R Editors

How can I edit M4R files on Mac?

You can edit M4R files on Mac by using a desktop app or online program depending on your preferences. That said, you can choose among the apps reviewed above.

Are M4R and M4A the same?

Technically speaking, M4R is only the same as M4A especially when you look at the lossy algorithm of these formats. If there is a difference between the two, it is that M4R files adopt a copyright protected scheme by the help of DRM.

Can I play M4R on an Android device?

As mentioned, M4R files are exclusive for Apple's device- iPhone. That said, you can't play M4R on your Android device. However, you can use a third-party software to help you play and edit M4r files on your Android phone.

Conclusion

Through the help of the above mentioned tools, you will be able to edit M4R files on Mac and on Windows PC. If you are choosing between an offline and online solution, it's no surprise that an offline app is more desirable because you don't need an internet connection to operate. But if you don't like to install an app, you should go with online apps.