Introduction

Audiobooks – that is readings of books in audio format – are a really relaxing way to pass the time, especially on train or plane travel. A lot of audiobooks are in MP3 and WAV format. The iPhone will play those files, but they are played in iTunes, as music. A proper audiobook file can be resumed.

Imagine being half way through a chapter when it's time for your flight to land. If you just hit stop or pause on an MP3 file, later when you want to start listening to the book again, you have to find the spot you were at. With an actual audiobook file, you don't have to do that, you can easily resume where you left off. This includes the scenario where your audiobook is interrupted by a call on your iPhone. Audiobook files can also have the playback speed controlled, unlike an MP3.

The proper audiobook format for an iPhone is M4b so this article will show you how to convert an MP3 file to M4b. This will allow you to download any of the hundreds of audio books out there in MP3 format and then enjoy them properly on the iPhone.

For better playback it is recommended that you use audiobooks on the iPhone that are less than 320MB or less than 5 hours. If you have larger files it is recommended that they be split into smaller parts so we'll show you how to do that as well.

I have tested both the methods in this article on Windows XP Professional on the latest 8.0.1 version of iTunes software.  The two methods are:

1.    Converting filenames with Windows Explorer and iTunes

2.    Using an MP3 to iPod Audiobook Converter

In this guide I explain both methods but I do conclude with a clear preference so don't forget to read right through to the end!

Creating Audiobooks through iTunes

If you've found a great audiobook in MP3 format, use these instructions to turn it into an M4b file

Step 1:

Open iTunes (make sure you have the newest updated version) and check to see if you have an Audiobook category within your library.  You will find the ringtone category on the top left side of the iTunes window filed under the Library section. Create an Audiobook folder if you don’t have one. If you have an Audiobook folder you can proceed to step 2.

To create an Audiobook folder go to Preferences section. In the  General tabmark the Audiobook checkbox. This will automatically create an Audiobook section in your iTunes library.