Convert CDA to MP3, Free
Files convert instantly in your browser. 100% private, any file size, no account needed.
Drop your CDA file here
or click to browse. Any file size.
Conversion runs entirely in your browser. Your file never leaves your device.
How to convert CDA to MP3
A CDA file is not actually an audio file but a 44-byte Windows shortcut that points to a track on a physical audio CD. You cannot play or copy a CDA file without the disc. Converting a CD track to MP3 means ripping the audio directly from the disc, decoding the PCM audio stream, and encoding it to MP3 compression. The result is a portable, device-independent audio file you can play anywhere.
This browser-based tool processes the audio using WebAssembly. If you can read the CD and access the audio data, the encoder compresses it locally on your device without uploading anything to a server. There is no file-size limit and your audio stays private throughout the process.
Access the CD audio
Insert the CD into your drive. Your operating system may expose the audio tracks as accessible data. Select the track or audio data you want to convert.
Upload the audio data
Drop the raw audio or WAV-exported track into the converter. Because CDA files themselves contain no audio, you may need to first extract the track as WAV using your OS or a ripping tool.
Set MP3 bitrate
Choose your preferred bitrate. 320 kbps is the highest quality; 192 kbps is a good balance of quality and file size; 128 kbps suits casual listening.
Download the MP3
Click Download to save the .mp3 file. It is ready for any media player, phone, or streaming device.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I not just drag a CDA file and get audio?
CDA files are shortcuts, not audio data. They contain no sound. You must access the actual audio stream from the CD itself, typically by ripping with software that reads the disc.
What bitrate should I use for MP3?
128 kbps is acceptable for speech; 192 kbps is a reasonable general-purpose quality; 320 kbps is considered transparent for most listeners on most music.
Does converting from CD to MP3 lose quality?
CD audio is 16-bit 44.1 kHz PCM, which is lossless. Encoding to MP3 introduces compression artifacts. At 320 kbps the difference is inaudible to most listeners; at lower bitrates fine detail and high frequencies are reduced.
Is my audio uploaded anywhere?
No. Processing runs in your browser via WebAssembly. Your audio stays on your device.
Can I convert copy-protected CDs?
Circumventing copy protection may be restricted by law in your country. This tool processes audio data you provide; it does not bypass DRM or protection schemes.