The day I realized I could turn my favorite Apple Music playlists into a CD was a game-changer. At first, though, it wasn't as simple as I expected. When I tried to burn a playlist directly from iTunes, I ran into a problem. Apple Music subscription downloads can't be burned to a CD like regular audio files because they're managed by the Apple Music app. That left me wondering how I could get my favorite songs onto a disc.
Luckily, I found there was another way. I could use compatible music files purchased from the iTunes Store, or use ViWizard Apple Music Converter to convert eligible Apple Music tracks into CD-friendly audio formats, such as MP3 or WAV. Once the files were ready, I could use CD-burning software to create a disc. The key was knowing how to prepare the music first.
If you've run into the same problem, don't worry. In this guide, I'll walk you through how to prepare Apple Music tracks for CD burning, choose the right audio format, and burn compatible music files to a CD step by step.
Part 1. Can You Burn Apple Music Songs to a CD?
Yes, Apple supports CD burning through the Music app on Mac and iTunes for Windows. Users can create a playlist, insert a blank disc into a compatible burner, and select File > Burn Playlist to Disc to create an audio CD, MP3 CD, or data disc from eligible files.
However, Apple Music subscription downloads cannot be burned directly to CDs using Apple's documented workflow. Apple's iTunes for Windows guide explicitly excludes “Songs or music videos downloaded from Apple Music.” Offline downloads remain subject to this restriction. Eligible iTunes Store purchases and supported local audio files can be burned, subject to format and usage restrictions.
Users seeking an alternative may consider ViWizard Apple Music Converter, which advertises conversion to formats such as MP3, M4A, and FLAC for compatible disc-burning workflows. However, this is not an Apple-supported feature, and conversion does not automatically grant permission or usage rights, which means the converted music is intended for personal use only.
Need Apple Music in more flexible audio formats? ViWizard Apple Music Converter helps Apple Music subscribers create a personal music library with seamless music backup. Build your collection and keep your music beyond the Apple Music app.
Part 2. How to Prepare Apple Music Tracks for CD Burning
Before burning a CD, ensure your audio files are eligible and compatible with the chosen disc format. Apple Music uses digital rights management (DRM) to restrict the transfer, redistribution, or sublicensing of subscription songs outside its apps. This applies to both streamed songs and offline downloads, which cannot be burned directly to a CD through Apple's documented workflow. You need eligible, DRM-free audio files.
2.1Convert Eligible Apple Music Tracks to Compatible Audio Formats
ViWizard Apple Music Converter is a desktop app that helps Apple Music subscribers convert eligible tracks to formats such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A, and M4B. MP3 CDs require MP3 files, while audio CDs require supported audio files.
To use ViWizard Apple Music Converter, download and install the Windows or Mac version, then sign in and use the built-in Apple Music Web Player to select your tracks. For lossless audio conversion, choose "Remmended" to preserve most audio data during conversion and use the M4A format. Important metadata is also preserved, reducing the need to edit ID3 tags afterward.
Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter
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- Convert Apple Music songs, playlists, albums, and artists
- Export Apple Music in 6 formats for different devices and players
- Preserve metadata and lyrics when creating music collections
- Organize converted music by artist and album
- Batch download large Apple Music collections
Step 1: Download and Install ViWizard Apple Music Converter
Visit the official ViWizard website and download the Apple Music Converter version for your Mac or Windows computer. Install and launch the software, then follow its on-screen instructions to access the supported music sources. Before proceeding, check that the tracks you want to prepare for CD burning can be imported and processed by the version you're using.
Step 2: Choose MP3 or Another Output Format
Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to open the output settings. Select MP3 for broad compatibility with CD-burning software, or choose another supported format that suits your needs. Adjust the available options, such as sample rate, bit rate, and audio channels, then click OK to save your settings. For a standard audio CD, remember that the burning software—not the output format alone—determines how the disc is written.
Step 3: Add Music and Start Conversion
Browse the supported music sources and select the eligible songs, albums, or playlists you want to prepare. Click the "+" button to add the selections, then choose Add to Conversion List. Review the list before clicking Convert to start processing. Conversion time depends on the number of tracks and your computer's performance.
Step 4: Locate the Output Files for CD Burning
After conversion, click History to review the processed files, then click the folder icon to open their location. Check that the files play correctly and are saved in the format you selected. You can then import eligible files into Music on Mac or iTunes on Windows, create a playlist, and use the relevant app's Burn Playlist to Disc option to prepare your CD.
2.2Download Purchased iTunes Music in Compatible Audio Formats
Eligible iTunes Store purchases are often the simplest option because they can be burned without conversion, although some older DRM-protected purchases may have restrictions. Download the songs to your computer, then locate them in Music on Mac by selecting Account > Purchased, if available, or in the Purchased section of iTunes on Windows. Apple limits this to seven burns, and burned CDs should be intended for personal listening.
Part 3. How to Burn Music Files to a CD on Mac and Windows
Apple's Music app on Mac and iTunes for Windows support playlist-based CD burning. You need eligible audio files, a compatible disc burner, and a blank CD.
3.1Choose Between an Audio CD, MP3 CD, and Data CD
An audio CD is best for traditional CD players and car stereos. Apple recommends CD-R discs for broad compatibility, and a typical audio CD holds about 74 to 80 minutes of music, depending on the disc. An MP3 CD holds more songs but requires a compatible player, while a data CD or DVD stores music files for use on compatible computers and devices. For example, choose an audio CD for an older car stereo or an MP3 CD if your player supports it and you want to fit more songs on one disc.
3.2How to Burn a CD on Your Computer
Create a playlist of eligible tracks and insert a blank CD into a compatible disc drive. If the disc is not detected automatically, open Music or iTunes. Check that your playlist fits the chosen format, then follow the steps for your computer.
How to Burn a CD Using the Music App on Mac
Open Music and create a playlist. Choose View > as Songs and check the tracks you want. If checkboxes are missing, go to Music > Settings > General and enable Songs list checkboxes. Insert a blank CD, select the playlist, and choose File > Burn Playlist to Disc. Select Audio CD, MP3 CD, or Data CD or DVD. For audio CDs, adjust the recording speed and song gaps, and optionally enable Sound Check or CD Text. Click Burn to start.
01Create a playlist and arrange the songs in your preferred order.
02Choose View > as Songs and check the desired tracks. If needed, enable Songs list checkboxes under Music > Settings > General.
03Insert a blank CD, select the playlist, and choose File > Burn Playlist to Disc.
04In Burn Settings, select the disc format and adjust the available options. For audio CDs, configure Preferred Speed and Gap Between Songs, and optionally enable Use Sound Check or Include CD Text.
05Click Burn and wait for completion before ejecting the disc. If the playlist exceeds the disc's capacity, insert another blank CD when prompted. If the burn option is unavailable, check for restricted tracks.
How to Burn a CD Using iTunes on Windows
Open iTunes and select Music from the media menu. Create a playlist, choose View > View As > Songs, and check the tracks you want. Insert a blank CD, select the playlist, and choose File > Burn Playlist to Disc. Choose the disc format, adjust the available settings, and click Burn. If the option is unavailable, some tracks may be restricted or require authorization.
01Select Music from the upper-left pop-up menu and create a playlist of the songs you want to burn.
02Choose View > View As > Songs and ensure the desired tracks have checkmarks. iTunes cannot burn directly from the entire library, a shared playlist, or a radio station.
03Insert a blank CD, select the playlist, and choose File > Burn Playlist to Disc.
04In Burn Settings, select Audio CD for standard CD player compatibility, then adjust the recording speed and song gaps. You can also enable Use Sound Check or Include CD Text.
05Click Burn and wait for completion before removing the disc. If burning fails, check track authorization or try a lower recording speed. For playlists that exceed the disc's capacity, insert another blank CD when prompted.
Part 4. How to Play a Burned CD
You can play a burned CD on a compatible car stereo, home CD player, DVD or Blu-ray player, portable CD player, boombox, or computer with a disc drive. Playback depends on the type of disc and your device. Audio CDs work with most standard CD players, while MP3 CDs need a player that supports MP3 files. Data discs are mainly used to store and access files on compatible devices. If a disc will not play, check which formats your player supports. Older stereos may not play MP3 CDs, and some older players cannot read CD-RW discs.
4.1Play a CD in a Car Stereo or Home CD Player
Insert the CD and select CD or Disc as the audio source if playback does not start automatically. Use the player's controls to play, pause, or skip tracks. For example, you can burn a playlist of favorite songs for a drive or home listening. If the disc is not recognized, check the player's supported formats, as older car stereos may play audio CDs but not MP3 CDs.
4.2Play a CD on a DVD or Blu-ray Player
Insert the CD and press Play on the remote, or select a track from the on-screen menu if available. This is a convenient way to listen through your TV's sound system. Make sure the player supports the disc format, especially if you are using an MP3 CD.
4.3Play a CD on a Portable CD Player or Boombox
Insert the disc and press Play. Connect headphones if needed, or listen through the boombox's speakers. If playback fails, check whether the device supports CD-R discs and your chosen format. Older portable players may not recognize CD-RW or MP3 CDs.
4.4Play a CD on a Mac or Windows Computer
Insert the disc into a built-in drive or connect a compatible external USB CD/DVD drive. On Mac, open a compatible music app, such as Music, and select the CD if it appears. Playback options vary by macOS version and connected drive. On Windows, open iTunes and select the CD icon if needed, then choose a track and click Play. You can also use another compatible media player. Playing the CD on a computer is a useful way to check that the tracks burned correctly.
Part 5. How to Fix Common CD Burning Problems
If you cannot burn a CD or it will not play, check your songs, blank disc, and disc drive. Try a different CD or a lower burning speed. If the problem continues, make sure your player supports the disc format.
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CD burning option not available:
If File > Burn Playlist to Disc does not appear, your playlist may contain songs with usage restrictions or tracks your computer is not authorized to play. Check the playlist and make sure the songs are eligible for burning. Apple Music subscription downloads cannot be burned directly to a CD.
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CD burning stops before finishing:
If burning stops at a particular song, that track may need authorization. On Windows, double-click the purchased song in iTunes and sign in with the Apple Account used to buy it. If burning fails or the external drive stops responding, restart the drive and try again.
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CD burning uses the wrong songs:
If the CD contains the wrong songs or misses some tracks, open your playlist and check that each intended song has a checkmark beside it. Then select the playlist and choose File > Burn Playlist to Disc again.
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CD burning fails or takes too long:
If burning fails, try a lower recording speed or a different blank disc. Make sure your computer stays awake until the process finishes. If you use an external disc drive, disconnect and reconnect it or turn it off and on before trying again.
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CD burner or disc drive not recognized:
If your computer does not recognize the burner, check that the drive supports CD burning and is compatible with your music app. On Windows, iTunes lists supported drives in its burning settings. If the drive is missing, check for driver or firmware updates from the computer or drive manufacturer.
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Burned CD skips or won't play:
If a burned CD skips, fails to play, or is not recognized by your stereo, check whether the player supports the disc format. Try burning at a lower speed or using a CD-R instead of a CD-RW. For broad compatibility with standard CD players, choose Audio CD format and use a CD-R disc.
Part 6. Conclusion
Burning a CD with Apple's software is straightforward when you have eligible audio files, a playlist, and a compatible disc drive. Choose Audio CD for most standard CD players or MP3 CD if your player supports MP3 files. If you need to convert audio to formats such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, or M4A, try ViWizard Apple Music Converter to explore more format options. Before converting or burning, make sure you have the right to use the tracks this way. Prepare your files, choose a compatible disc, and start burning your CD.
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Adam Gorden is always looking for new ways to explore music and videos. He likes trying different media tools and learning how to manage audio and video files with ease.
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