Create Free iPhone Ringtones Using Only iTunes

[Michael Johnston]

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Apple added iPhone ringtones to iTunes late last year, but only if you purchased them. After struggling against users for some time, Apple finally started allowing non-DRM'd ringtones in iTunes. This decision spawned quite a few solutions for creating ringtones from songs that you already have. One of the lesser known methods is using iTunes itself.

The method is a bit tedious the first time through, but CNET's Bryan Thomas has come to the rescue with this nice step-by-step video.<!--break-->
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There are a few things to remember when creating ringtones in this way. First of all, any tracks that you bought from iTunes with DRM on them will not work. If you purchased iTunes plus songs, then you should be fine. Additionally, if your ringtone is more than 40 seconds long, iTunes won't accept it.

If you need any help, be sure to ask in the comments below!

[via <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/06/creating-a-ringtone-using-only-itunes/" target="_blank">TUAW</a>]</div>

[deise boy]

thats cool but i think i ringer is so much easier but like i said thanks for the post

[Stephen007]

Neat trick.

I like how they take a stock version of iTunes to make the custom ringtone with no additional software necessary.

[moviefan]

I tried creating a 12 second ringtone. But I don't have "Create ACC Version" in my Advanced pulldown tab. All I have is "Create MP3 Version" and "Create iPhone Version" (that would be nice, huh, but of course it's dim!). I copied it to my desktop as an MP3 anyway, changed the suffix, and it still didn't show up in my ringtone folder in iTunes when I tried copying it back in the Library. The Green Plus icon shows up when I drag it over, but it never shows up. Running iTunes 8.0.1. Also, the song was NOT purchased through iTunes, by the way....What's going on??

[V.B.]

I don't have any tracks downloaded from iTunes. My tracks are all from CDs that I ripped as MP3s and imported into iTunes. After I set the Start time and Stop time, and test play the track - I right-click on the track and select: "Create ACC Version".

[moviefan]

I don't have any tracks downloaded from iTunes. My tracks are all from CDs that I ripped as MP3s and imported into iTunes. After I set the Start time and Stop time, and test play the track - I right-click on the track and select: "Create ACC Version".

MIne too. But even when I right click on it, it still only shows Create MP3. I don't see Create ACC anywhere. Anything to do with using 8.0.1? Did I not import them properly to begin with? I don't even see the Importing options in the prefs as I seen in the previous versions of iTunes.

[JFlyboy760]

This process works really well however, I found on some of the songs I had to edit the time then drag the new song to the desk top convert to mp4r and then save it to a folder and import to iTunes. I have had success with 1:00 ring tones this way. Hope this helps. Jake

[JFlyboy760]

This process works really well however, I found on some of the songs I had to edit the time then drag the new song to the desk top rename your file to the .mp4r and then save it to a folder and import to iTunes. I have had success with 1:00 ring tones this way. Hope this helps. Jake

[moviefan]

This process works really well however, I found on some of the songs I had to edit the time then drag the new song to the desk top rename your file to the .mp4r and then save it to a folder and import to iTunes. I have had success with 1:00 ring tones this way. Hope this helps. Jake

Thanks but I figured it out. It all had to do with my import settings in iTunes. I had it set as to import as MP3 and I changed it to AAC and everything worked like a charm. Sorry for the bother, all, I should've known better and looked there first!

[cdehrlich]

I followed all of the steps and was using a song I added from a CD. When I dragged the tone into iTunes, it did not appear in the Ringtones section -- any ideas? I also tried Importing, I tried changing to mp4r instead of m4r -- none of these worked.

I have iTunes version 8.0.1.11

[indiejeep]

This is a great tutorial!

Something I've wanted to know how to do since buying the iPhone! Love it.

[HackThatPhone]

Or you could just read my site, where this has been published for quite some time now instead of waiting for mainstream sites like CNET to get around to covering it.

By the way, my guide will work with DRM songs as well. I give you the simple process of how to rip an iTunes song to an unprotected state.

[imagine engine]

Another method I use is Garageband that comes with iLife for OS X users. Just drag any song from your iTunes playlist to Garageband, then take a section of the song that is 40 seconds or less, then select to export to iTunes by selecting "send ringtone to iTunes". An even more simple method is to just find the song you like at Audiko.net which already provides free Ringtones for the iPhone.

[emiliosdance]

Great tip :D
i made already 2 ringtones in 20 sec, the best and easiest way i have tried so far.

;) keep the good work guys.

[Will_Barclay]

Nice tip dude thanks!!

[tebanc]

I am having the same problem. There is no "Create ACC Version" option on the Advanced menu. I am using iTunes 8.0.1.11 and a regular non-protected MP3 song purchased from Amazon. Any thoughts anyone?

[tebanc]

I am having the same problem. There is no "Create ACC Version" option on the Advanced menu. I am using iTunes 8.0.1.11 and a regular non-protected MP3 song purchased from Amazon. Any thoughts anyone?

I have found the answer to this problem:

You just have to make sure your iTunes “Import Settings” are set to “AAC” or “Apple Lossless” and not “MP3?

I found the answer here:
http://www.intomobile.com/2008/10/07/iphone-ringtones-create-free-iphone-ringtones-using-itunes-8.html

[iLiam]

Thats A nifty tip.

I also had an idea about the improvments to the forum section. and i thought you should have a "tip of the day" :)

[hewman68]

This is a great way of making your own ringtones. I am still a bit of a throwback, I like records and CDs, and own thousands. I like having them digitized for the iPhone and iPod and hate to spend more than I have have to. This workaround allows me to use my music to custimize the phone. Thanks.

[gumpanaj]

Thanx a bunch! It's so convenient!

[E-Dragon]

I tried creating a 12 second ringtone. But I don't have "Create ACC Version" in my Advanced pulldown tab. All I have is "Create MP3 Version" and "Create iPhone Version" (that would be nice, huh, but of course it's dim!). I copied it to my desktop as an MP3 anyway, changed the suffix, and it still didn't show up in my ringtone folder in iTunes when I tried copying it back in the Library. The Green Plus icon shows up when I drag it over, but it never shows up. Running iTunes 8.0.1. Also, the song was NOT purchased through iTunes, by the way....What's going on??

At the top of iTunes click Edit, then Preferences, under the General tab you'll see
"When you insert a CD" and next to that a "Import Settings" button click that and change "import using" to: AAC Encoder keep the setting to at least 128kbs.. Click OK and you're done...

Now when you right click on a song you'll have the Create AAC Version option...

[Darksnow]

How about the toneFX on pc to create and customize your own ringtone change sms and mms ringtone. Download tonefx on cydia then download tonefx creator on your computer.

http://www.efksoft.com/products/tonefxsforiphone/index.htm here is the site

[Josito]

all of these steps still work under itunes 8.2 and OS 3.0 just in case anybody was wondering!!!!!!!!

[Ves]

I'm sticking with iRinger as I found it much easier to use.

[Sam100]

Thumbs Up, you shave cool tips dude, i make surly I will try this.:cool:

[Unregistered]

There is a program called "iringer". It lets you import mp3 files and it makes a ring tone that is 20 seconds long and saves it to iTunes. You can then sync the iPhone ringtones and then choose the new ring tone that has been added. Easy!