How to Add and Use Apple Music to GarageBand on Mac/iPhone

Part 1. Can You Use Apple Music in GarageBand

No. You can't directly import songs from Apple Music to GarageBand. Because Apple Music songs are DRM-protected even though you download them from Apple Music. Its tracks are encoded in M4P (protected AAC) audio files that can't be recognized by GarageBand. Thankfully, GarageBand also allows uploading local files in standard MP3, AAC, and other formats. To make Apple Music available for GarageBand, it's necessary to convert protected M4P tracks to compatible MP3, WAV, etc. for GarageBand with a professional Apple Music downloader.

Alternatively, you can purchase Apple Music tracks from iTunes. The purchased Apple Music songs are stored in a common AAC format, which is also supported by GarageBand. That means you can put Apple Music-purchased songs into GarageBand without any restriction or issue.

Part 2. How to Get Songs from Apple Music to GarageBand

As we stated above, you can opt to purchase songs from Apple Music from iTunes. You may need to pay from $0.69 to $1.29 for each track. Thus, it is a large expenditure provided that you intend to add a lot of songs from Apple Music to Garageband. Yet, you can select another method. That is to convert Apple Music playlists to supported formats for GarageBand.

To convert Apple Music to MP3, WAV, or other GarageBand-enabled audio formats, you can use the all-in-one AudFree Apple Music Converter. This powerful software can download and convert protected Apple Music content to a variety of formats with lossless streaming quality.

GarageBand Supported Formats	MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, CAF, Apple lossless
Apple Music Songs Format	Encrypted M4P (protected AAC)
AudFree Auditior Can Convert	MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B

It also allows you to preserve 100% original ID3 tags in the converted tracks, like title, year, art cover, etc. And with the built-in ID3 tag editor, you are entitled to customize ID3 tags in accordance with your needs. By resorting to this tool, you can easily bring Apple Music songs into GarageBand for creating many pleasure tracks or ringtones.

How to Convert Apple Music as MP3 to GarageBand

AudFree Apple Music Converter is available for both Windows and macOS systems. You can use it on your computer securely. GarageBand is compatible with the macOS operating system. Thus, here we will illustrate the tutorial on how to get rid of DRM from Apple Music and convert Apple Music for use in GarageBand without any problem on Mac. Due to Apple's Terms of Use, please download Apple Music songs that you want to add to GarageBand with your current Apple Music account from iTunes or the Apple Music app beforehand.

Step 1Add DRM Apple Music files to AudFree Auditior

In the bottom-left corner of the main interface of AudFree's software, there are two buttons. Please select the first one called 'Load iTunes Library' where you can browse your iTunes library and add downloaded Apple Music files to AudFree Apple Music Converter. Or, you can directly drag and drop Apple Music tracks from your computer to this software directly. Click the 'Edit' icon, and then you can change the ID3 tags for Apple Music.

Step 2Set Apple Music output format as GarageBand enabled one

Click the first 'Format' icon located in the bottom-right corner to open the Format Settings window. There, you can see six output audio formats to choose from. Please opt to convert Apple Music to MP3 from the window. Also, you can choose the output format as AAC and WAV. Besides, it's able to personalize other audio parameters to enhance audio quality, including audio codec, bit rate, sample rate, etc.

Step 3Convert DRM Apple Music for GarageBand

After all settings are done, please just click the 'Convert' button to download and convert Apple Music files to plain audio files that you can add to GarageBand and other players. After conversion, please click the 'Converted' icon to locate converted Apple Music streams on your computer directly.

Part 3. How to Add a Song from Apple Music to GarageBand on Mac

Now all unprotected Apple Music songs are saved on your Mac computer. It's free to get music from Apple Music to GarageBand. The following are the detailed steps on how to move Apple Music to GarageBand. You can choose to add Apple Music songs from the Music app or Finder app to GarageBand.

Import Apple Music to GarageBand on Mac

Step 1. Just open the GarageBand software on your Mac computer. You can just directly choose to edit Apple Music on GarageBand or open a video project to replace sound with Apple Music.

Step 2. There is a 'Media Browser' button in the top-right corner, please tap it to browse your local files.

Step 3. When you navigate to the converted Apple Music folder, please import them and start to cut Apple Music in GarageBand.

Part 4. How to Import Apple Music to GarageBand on iPhone

In addition, you can also upload Apple Music to GarageBand on your iOS devices to create your special ringtone, etc.

Import Apple Music to GarageBand on iPhone/iPad

Step 1. To access Apple Music on iPhone or iPad, please make sure you have imported converted Apple Music to iTunes on your computer. If not, please open iTunes and go to the 'Menu' bar > 'Files' > 'Add to Library' to add them.

➤ Tips: Please turn on the 'iCloud Music Library' on your Mac and iOS devices.

View also: How to Turn Off iCloud Music Library

Step 2. Launch GarageBand on your iOS device, and then click the 'Loop Browser' > 'Music' to add songs from Apple Music.

Step 3. Now, you can start to edit Apple Music with GarageBand and make your own music. Have fun with Apple Music and GarageBand.

Part 5. Extension: How to Add A Song from GarageBand to Apple Music iPhone

To share and add GarageBand songs to the Apple Music library, please refer to the below how-to guide. Please keep your Apple Music subscription active to access songs on all devices.

Step 1. Open GarageBand and select the song you want to export.

Step 2. Click on the 'Share' button in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3. Select 'Song to iTunes' from the drop-down menu. Then enter the needed information as following picture.

Step 4. Choose the format you want to export your song in and click 'Share'.

Step 5. Open iTunes and select 'File' from the top menu.

Step 6. Click on 'Add to Library' and select the song you exported from GarageBand.

Step 7. Once the song is added to your iTunes library, you can then sync your iTunes library with your Apple Music account to make the song available on all your devices.

Part 6. More FAQs about Apple Music to GarageBand

Q1: Can't import Apple Music to GarageBand. How to fix it?

A: Please make sure you have purchased or converted Apple Music to common files that are compatible with GarageBand. You can check the Apple Music audio format by clicking the 'File' option from the Info panel on iTunes. Then look at the 'Kind' section. If it indicates 'Apple Music Audio File' or 'Protected AAC', you will fail to use songs from Apple Music in GarageBand.

Q2: How to edit Apple Music songs on GarageBand?

A: To edit a song on GarageBand, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open GarageBand and select the song you want to edit.

Step 2. Click on the 'Edit' button located in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3. You will see a list of editing options such as trimming, splitting, and looping. Choose the option you want to use.

Step 4. Use the editing tool to make the changes you want to the song.

Step 5. Once you are satisfied with your edits, click on 'File' and then 'Save' to save your changes.

Q3: How do I mix songs from Apple Music to GarageBand?

A: With GarageBand 10.0, you can operate in accordance with the following description. Please drag your Apple Music audio files from 'Media Browse' > 'Audio' on GarageBand. Then there are several mixing options.

1) Adjust the volume levels of each track to balance them and make them sound good together.

2) Use EQ and add other effects to adjust the tone of each track.

3) Panning tracks to the sides for special effects to place instruments from the stereo area.

4) Add transitions between songs to make the mix flow smoothly.

5) Use the automation curve of volume to create drama or tension for your projects or highlight songs at the track's particular points over time.

6) To mute or solo tracks to simplify and speed up your workflow.

Then you can export the final mix as an audio file.

Q4: How to make a ringtone in GarageBand using Apple Music?

A: It refers to how to use Apple Music songs in GarageBand. To make it, please look into the below step-by-step guide. Don't forget to transfer your converted or purchased Apple Music songs to GarageBand in advance.

Step 1. Add Apple Music songs to GarageBand on your iPhone according to the steps in Part 4. Then tap on the 'Loop Browser' again and choose 'Music' > 'Songs'.

Step 2. Then hold and drag the selected track into the timeline. You can use the handles to trim and edit your Apple Music ringtones.

Step 3. Next, tap on the inverted triangle icon from the upper left corner and click the pop-up 'My Songs' option. Your created songs will show on GarageBand's recent list.

Step 4. Long-press on 'My Song' and click on the 'Share' option from the pop-up list.

Step 5. Touch on 'Ringtone'. You can rename your ringtone and then tap on the top-right 'Export' button.

Step 6. Select 'Use sound as' > 'Standard Ringtone'. Now your Ringtone is set.

Part 7. The Verdict

Here are all methods to add a song from Apple Music to GarageBand. Generally speaking, AudFree Apple Music Converter is the best shot to make it. Since it can convert Apple Music songs to various GarageBand-supported formats. Now, install it and enjoy your music listening experience with Apple Music on GarageBand.