How to Burn an Audio CD from .FLAC Files in Windows

July 26, 2020 / By

This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the process to burn an audio CD from FLAC files, using completely free software for Windows.

Note: although this guide was initially created in 2006, it has been updated to be current in 2020. Also, it’s SO much easier to record an audio CD from .flac files now than it was back then! In addition, if you’re trying to make an audio CD from .SHN files, the process is exactly the same as the one outlined below.

Note 2: the macOS version of this guide can be found here.

How to Burn an Audio CD from FLAC Files in Windows

  1. Head over to the CDBurnerXP download page then download and install CDBurnerXP – a small and free (but powerful) CD and DVD burning app. The installation is very straight forward – mostly you’ll just click ‘Next’ a few times.
  2. Once the installation has completed, launch the app from your Start menu. When it opens select Audio disc from the main menu and then click the OK button.

    3. the main CDBurnerXP interface

  3. Using the panel in the upper-left corner of the window, navigate to the .flac files you want to record as an audio CD. Using the panel in the upper-right corner of the window, select those files then “drag and drop” them into the panel on the bottom of the window.

    4. dragging and dropping flac files in CDBurnerXP

  4. When you’re ready, click the Burn button.

    5. the BURN button in CDBurnerXP

  5. Now you’ll need to decide if you want a break between the audio tracks or if you want the disc to play as though it’s gapless (for example, a live concert). All of the other settings are good as they are, although you can certainly make any changes you see fit. Once you’ve made your choices, click the Burn disc button.

    6. burn audio cd from flac recording options

  6. CDBurnerXP will take a few moments to process the files.

    7. CDBurnerXP processing flac files

  7. Then the recording process will commence.

    8. CDBurnerXP burning an audio CD from flac files

  8. Once completed, a confirmation dialog box will appear. Click OK.

    9. a completed audio cd

  9. That’s it – you’re done!

If you need any additional help by all means please feel free to leave a comment below, or check out the CDBurnerXP Help Page.

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38 thoughts on “How to Burn an Audio CD from .FLAC Files in Windows”

  3. Happy Harry

    Thanks Ross! Been trying to figure out how to record The Wall concerts to CD. I’m so excited to try this when I get chance. Once these FLAC files are converted and burned to CD, can you somehow put them into an MP3 player? But anywho, getting them to CD is my first step. Thanks man!!

  9. Ross

    @Billybluff –

    It’s only important if you’re burning a concert CD, because a 2 second gap interrupts the recording. If you’re burning a CD with just mixed tracks, studio tracks or a “regular” album, leave the 2 second pause.

  13. seiceanul

    thanks man. i just got the original Dark Side of The Moon LP version. my car was waiting for this for a couple of months now :P

  17. Matt

    Thanks dude, it’s refreshing to have a tutorial that gets straight to the point in a concise manner. Muchos appreciado!

  18. eftersa

    I do not normally leave comments but i did feel really joy after i went throug your process. Thank You

  35. Daniel

    I love CDburnerXP pro and recently came across .Flac files – thanks for the introduction into how to burn this format to CD.

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