How to Export to MP3 in Garageband

Even with so many innovative audio-editing tools available, it’s no surprise that Garageband is a favorite among Mac users. The app has a relatively simple interface, making it great for starters. 

If you are new to using Garageband, you should learn how to export to MP3 as this is the most versatile and widely used file type. Follow this guide to learn how.

How to Export From Garageband to MP3

You can directly export your Garageband project to MP3 on your Mac. The method is straightforward and requires you to use the Share options. 

1. Open Garageband, followed by the project you are working on.
2. Click Share from the menu bar at the top.
   
3. Then, select Export Song to Disk.
   
4. Enter a name and preferred file format for the file you are exporting. Make sure to select MP3 as the file type here.
   
5. GarageBand lets users choose the exported file’s Quality setting from the quality pop-up menu.
   
6. Once you’ve chosen a name and quality setting, click Export.
   
7. Wait for the audio to finish converting.
8. Once the export is complete, check the folder where you exported the file to.

If you exported the Garageband project in any other audio format, you can use VLC to convert the file to MP3.

Like any application, Garageband can experience glitches and be unresponsive during exporting, especially in another format. You may encounter blank spaces at the start and end of your exported audio file. There’s no need to worry about this. The spaces are automatically eliminated.

Moreover, you must manually add the gaps to burn several files on one disc. Another thing to remember is that Garageband functions under Cycle mode. This means the app plays selected sections of the file in a single go and keeps playing until you press the Play button to pause.

So, if you’ve selected certain parts of the file when you want to export, these are the only parts of the cycle that will be saved to mp3.

How to Export Garageband to MP3 on iPad

It’s also possible to export Garageband files to MP3 using your iPad or iPhone. This makes it even more convenient to edit audio files on the go. However, the exporting process differs slightly from exporting using your Mac computer.

One thing to remember when using your iPad or iPhone is that a direct conversion to MP3 from Garageband isn’t possible. The app outputs files in M4A format, though you can convert the exported file to MP3.

The file converter is available for free download on the App Store. Once you’ve got that file converter downloaded, you can follow these steps:

1. Unlock your iPad and open the Garageband app.
2. Select the song from the folder you want to export, and long-press the file. This pulls up a new window.
   
3. At the bottom of the window is a Share button. Click that icon, and tap the Song button.
   
4. Remember that you cannot select MP3 when choosing the audio format – it’s not included in the choices. You can pick other any format because the MP3 conversion will be in the next step.
5. Select Share from the uppermost right corner of the screen.
   
6. After converting the file, which is likely an M4A, you can use the file converter you downloaded from the App Store.
   
7. Use the app to change the M4A file to an mp3 file.
   

Exporting a Region on Garageband

There will be times when you only need to export certain parts of the entire audio file in Garageband, especially when working with a single track with other professionals. All you need to do is open the project that contains the region you wish to export. Here’s what to do:

1. When the project is already opened, select the region you plan on exporting.
2. Let the cursor rest on the Share tab from the menu bar on top.
   
3. From the drop-down menu, click Export Song to Disk.
   
4. The Export window should appear, where you need to tick the checkbox for the Export cycle area.
   
5. The final step is clicking Export for the final exportation of the selected region.
   

Exporting Made Simple

Exporting files from Garageband to MP3 is relatively simple. You can significantly benefit from this because MP3 files are smaller, making them easier to share and distribute.

The process for exporting on Mac and your iPad or iPhone is different. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you won’t experience any problems. If Garageband doesn’t respond or encounters glitches, force shut down the app and reopen it.

FAQs

What file type does Garageband use?

The good thing about Garageband is that it allows different formats to choose from when exporting audio files. Formats include Apple Lossless, M4A, WAV, and AIFF. Selecting the most suitable format depends on your desired sound quality and storage considerations.

Can I save my Garageband as an mp4?

The process of saving Garageband music files as MP4 is the same as for the MP3 format. You must follow the abovementioned steps and click MP4 on your selected file format. If you change your mind later, it is pretty easy to convert MP4 files to MP3.