How are MP3 files converted to play on all CD players?

Most audio programs allow users to burn MP3s to an audio CD, automatically converting them to the correct format. While the resulting audio CD will play on all CD players, a 700MB CD can only contain a total of 80 minutes of audio.

All CD drives, including those in computers, cars and audio systems, recognize and play audio CDs. Windows Media Player can create audio CDs from MP3, WMA, M4A or WAV files. Apple's iTunes can burn them from MP3, AIFF, WAV and AAC files. Blank CD-RW discs should be avoided because they are not recognized by all CD players.

Burning in Windows Media Player

1. Insert a blank CD-R disc into the drive
2. Open Windows Media Player
3. Select songs from the library and drag them to the list pane
4. Burn the disc, ensuring that the option to burn as an audio CD is selected

Burning in Apple iTunes

1. Open iTunes
2. Choose "Preferences" from the iTunes menu
3. Click the "Burning" button and select "Audio CD" as the disc format
4. Create a playlist or select an existing one
5. Click the "Burn Disc" button
6. Insert a blank CD-R disc and click the "Burn Disc" button again