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New to Airfoil? Check out these key features!

Go Beyond iTunes


Why settle for just iTunes? Select your browser and stream sites like Pandora or Last.fm. Or select other music apps like Rdio or Spotify. Stream any audio!

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Everything Can Be A Speaker!


With Airfoil Speakers, you can turn other computers (running Mac OS X, Windows, and even Linux) into remote outputs. You can also turn mobile devices like iPhones, iPods Touch, iPads, and Android devices into remote speakers, too!

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Local Video, Remote Audio


Watch DVDs, local video files and now, web videos from sites like Hulu and Netflix, with Airfoil Video Player. Watch video on your computer, with remote audio in sync.

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Great Companion Apps


Airfoil Speakers: Receive and control audio from another computer.

Airfoil Video Player: Watch video locally, with remote audio, in sync.

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Read the Airfoil overview and explore the rest of the manual, or just dive right in! You can always return to this manual via the Start window or the Help menu.

Important Updates Image

Updates Apple has made to their operating systems since 2013 have forced us to make some substantial changes under the hood for Airfoil. Most users should notice no differences in their day to day usage of Airfoil. However, these changes are significant, so we've highlighted some differences you might see below.

Airfoil Video Player

Airfoil Video Player iconUnfortunately, Airfoil Video Player is not fully supported for use on Mavericks and higher.

Instant On

Capturing Audio From Safari, FaceTime, Messages, or QuickTime Player

Instant On iconDue to underlying changes made by Apple, using Airfoil to capture audio from Safari (on Mac OS X 10.9 and up), FaceTime (on Mac OS X 10.10 and up), Messages (on Mac OS X 10.10 and up), or QuickTime Player (on Mac OS X 10.11 and up) now requires the Instant On component. You'll be prompted to install Instant On when capturing audio from these applications.

No Restart Required

Long-time Airfoil users will likely remember that installing and updating the Instant On extra required a restart of the machine. With the latest update, that requirement has been abolished. To install or update Instant On, you need only enter your administrator password. No restart will be required.

Airfoil's Main Window

Airfoil: Give Your Audio Wings

Send any audio from your Mac to AirPort Express units, Apple TVs, iPhones and iPods Touch, and even other Macs and PCs, all in sync! Airfoil for Mac gives you your audio — everywhere.

With Airfoil, you can transmit sounds from media players like Spotify, Rdio and more, as well as audio from web-based applications like Pandora, Last.fm, and many, many more. You can even stream audio from hardware devices like RadioSHARK, XM and SIRIUS radios, or even a microphone, all around your house.

Airfoil also includes two helpful add-ons. Open Airfoil Speakers on other Macs, PCs, Linux boxes, and even iPhones, iPods Touch, and iPads on your network, and you can use Airfoil to send audio to them! And if you want to watch video on your computer with audio playing remotely, the built-in Airfoil Video Player should do the trick.

Getting Started

We recommend having a quick read-through of this manual, but you can also just dive in if you like. You can refer back to the full manual for assistance at any time by accessing it from the Help menu.

Updated in Airfoil 4.9.2

New in Airfoil 4.9


Get more info about everything that's new in Airfoil 4 on the New in Airfoil 4 page.

System Requirements

Installation and Removal

To install Airfoil, just drag it from your download folder to your Applications folder.

If you wish to remove Airfoil, simply place it in the Trash.

Purchasing Airfoil

We provide a free trial of Airfoil for you to test. During the trial, audio quality is degraded after ten minutes of transmitting. The full version of Airfoil can be unlocked with a license key from our online store.

When you're ready, head over to http://rogueamoeba.com/store/ to purchase Airfoil.

For more information, see the Purchasing page.

Upgrading to Airfoil 4

If you purchased a license for Airfoil 3, Airfoil 2 or even Airfoil 1, you're eligible for a heavily-discounted upgrade to Airfoil 4.

What's New in Airfoil 4

Airfoil 4.0 was a major upgrade over previous versions, and versions 4.5 and 4.7 have continued to add great new features. This page details the functionality which will be new to users of previous versions of Airfoil.

Menu Bar Mode

The Menu Bar Mode PreferenceYou asked for it and we delivered. Airfoil can now exist solely in your menu bar! Adjust the setting in Airfoil's preferences to get Airfoil in your menu bar, your Dock, or both.

Airfoil's Menu Bar Mode now offers the ability to change sources too. Control almost everything, right from the menu bar!

Receive Audio From iOS

Receive from iOSAirfoil Speakers can now receive audio directly from your iOS device and play it on your Mac! Just run Airfoil Speakers on your Mac, then use iOS's built-in AirPlay functionality in any application on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad to hear the audio from your device through your Mac's speakers.

Airfoil can even help you send audio from iOS to multiple audio outputs, using these simple instructions.

Receive From iTunes Too

iTunes LogoAirfoil Speakers also enables you to play audio directly from iTunes out to another Mac. Just launch Airfoil Speakers on your network, then play your audio in iTunes. You'll be able to select Airfoil Speakers from the audio outputs menu in iTunes, and hear your audio on the remote Mac.

Major Airfoil Speakers Improvements

Airfoil Speakers ImageIn addition to turning your Mac, PC, or iOS device into an audio receiver, Airfoil Speakers can now remotely control many of the most popular sources being transmitted by Airfoil! Supported sources include Spotify, Rdio, MOG, Last.fm, iTunes, Pulsar, and more. You'll also see metadata like album art and track titles from supported sources, to show you exactly what you're hearing.

You can also reverse connect - from a remote copy of Airfoil Speakers, you can tell Airfoil to start sending audio, instead of walking back to the machine running Airfoil. Learn more about Airfoil Speakers on the Using Airfoil Speakers page.

Powerful Airfoil Video Player Updates

AVPIn version 3, we unveiled Airfoil Video Player, to make it possible to watch video on your Mac while hearing the audio from it remotely. Now, in version 4, we've added the ability to watch web video from sites like Hulu and Netflix! Read more on the Using Airfoil Video Player page or just select Airfoil Video Player from the Source menu to check it out.

Support for Many Devices

Many Devices Airfoil SupportsWhen we first made Airfoil, it worked solely with the AirPort Express. With version 4, you can send to dozens of compatible outputs:

With support for so many devices, Airfoil is perfect for sending audio all around your house.

An Enhanced Interface

Enhanced InterfaceWith one update, we've improved the interfaces of Airfoil, Airfoil Speakers, and Airfoil Video Player! They're all now both prettier and easier to use!

Using Airfoil

Getting started with Airfoil is easy. Read on for information on the Main Airfoil controls.

Airfoil's Main Window

Airfoil's Main Window
Airfoil's Main Window

Airfoil's main window contains all of its essential controls, so transmitting audio with Airfoil is a snap. Simply select an input source from the Source popup at the top of the window, then click the Transmit button next to each output to which you'd like to send audio.

From the main window, you can also adjust the volume at which audio is sent to each output, access the Effects window (see below) and view the level meters, which show audio activity for Airfoil's currently-selected source.

Effects Window


Airfoil's Effects Window

Airfoil's built-in Effects let you adjust audio as it's transmitted. Click the Effects button on Airfoil's Main window to bring up the Effects window. From here, you can adjust the 10-band equalizer, tweak the balance and adjust the global transmission volume for all outputs.

Radio Tuner Window


Airfoil's Radio Tuner Window

When a Griffin RadioShark is attached to your computer, you can transmit the radio's audio through Airfoil. The Radio Tuner window enables you to adjust the settings for your radio.

Menu Bar Mode

Airfoil's global menu preference
Airfoil's Display Setting

If you like, Airfoil can run exclusively in your menu bar, with no icon in the Dock or application switcher. To adjust how Airfoil displays, open the Preferences window. From there, you can opt to have Airfoil appear in the menu bar, in the Dock, or in both.

Airfoil's Global Menu

When you opt to show Airfoil in the menu bar, Airfoil's global menu will provide access to its settings from any application. By default, you'll see the icon for the global Airfoil menu in the upper right of your screen:

Airfoil's global menu icon
Airfoil's Global Menu Icon

Clicking this icon gives you access to Airfoil's most important functions no matter what application you're currently using.

Airfoil's global menu
Airfoil's Global Menu in Action

As you can see, the menu also shows information on what's currently being transmitted by Airfoil. Use the global menu to adjust and control Airfoil from anywhere on your Mac.

Using Airfoil Speakers

With Airfoil Speakers, you can turn almost any device into a receiver to play audio. Send audio from your Mac (or PC, running Airfoil for Windows) to all sorts of devices on your local network. Airfoil Speakers makes it easier than ever to send music all around your house!

You can download free copies of Airfoil Speakers for all available platforms right from the Airfoil Speakers site. Airfoil Speakers is available for the following platforms:

To get started, just run Airfoil Speakers on any device where you want to receive audio. Once Airfoil Speakers is running on another machine on your local network, that machine will appear in Airfoil as an available output and you'll be able to send audio to it.

Airfoil Speakers's Main Window
Airfoil Speakers for Mac, receiving audio

To learn more about Airfoil Speakers for Mac, open it up on any Mac where you wish to receive audio and select Airfoil Speakers Manual from the Speakers menu.

Using Airfoil Video Player

Airfoil Video Player lets you play video on your Mac, while hearing the audio on your remote speakers in sync! Without Airfoil Video Player, local videos won't play in sync, so be sure to use it for your video watching in conjunction with AirPlay!

How to Use It

You can find Airfoil Video Player right inside of Airfoil, by selecting it from the Source menu at the top of the main window. Once you click the Transmit button for your desired output(s), Airfoil Video Player will launch. With Airfoil Video Player, you can play many types of web video, as well as almost any local files, and DVDs.

Airfoil Video Player's Web Mode

Airfoil Video Player's Web Mode
Airfoil Video Player playing web video

New in Airfoil 4, you can play web video from sources like Hulu and Netflix, while sending audio to remote speakers! Punch in the desired URL in Airfoil Video Player's URL field to pull up your video, then click play, and you'll be set. For the best experience, we recommend setting up the video, then switching it to full-screen using the site's own on-screen controls.

Not all web video is supported - we've tested Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube extensively. Other sites using Flash, Silverlight, or QuickTime for video should all work, but if you run into a problem, please contact support.

Airfoil Video Player's Local Files Mode

Airfoil Video Player's Local File Mode
Airfoil Video Player playing a local file

To play a video file you have on your hard drive, just drag it into the Airfoil Video Player window, or choose Open from the File menu. Once you've got a file open, you'll see standard controls for playback, volume, and of course, full-screen playback. Full-screen is always recommended when using Airfoil Video Player.

Airfoil Video Player can play any video formats QuickTime Player supports, excluding protected iTunes Store movie files. QuickTime Player supports many different video formats by default, and it can be enhanced to support additional formats with plugins such as Flip4Mac and others. Airfoil Video Player also uses the Perian video component to support even more formats automatically.

Airfoil Video Player's DVD Mode

Airfoil Video Player's DVD Mode
Airfoil Video Player playing a DVD

To play a DVD, just click to enter DVD mode, then insert your disc. Airfoil Video Player should load the DVD automatically. Once you're playing a DVD, you'll see standard controls for playback, volume, Menu, and of course, full-screen playback. Full-screen is always recommended when using Airfoil Video Player.

What About Sending Video?

Airfoil Video Player plays video right on your Mac. It doesn't send video to outputs (like an Apple TV), nor do we have any plans for that.

Preferences

Airfoil's preferences can be accessed from the Airfoil menu.


Airfoil's Preferences window

Show Airfoil Settings

Show Airfoil: This toggle determines how Airfoil's interface appears. By default, Airfoil appears in both the Dock and in the menu bar in the upper right of your screen. For more details, see the page detailing Airfoil's Menu Bar Mode.

Play Local Audio Through

Play Local Audio Through: This setting adjusts the audio device through which audio from Airfoil's Computer output plays.

Allow Remote Speakers To

Connect to Airfoil: With this setting on, Airfoil Speakers will be able to instruct Airfoil to start sending audio. Activate audio from where you want to hear it, instead of from Airfoil itself.

Control Airfoil's audio source: When this is active, commands can be passed from remote speakers through Airfoil and to the audio source, enabling you to remotely pause audio, skip tracks, or go back.

This will enable Airfoil Speakers to control supported sources. As well, an Apple Remote talking to AppleTV or a Keyspan Express Remote talking to an AirPort Express can also pass commands.

Automatically Transmit To

Automatically Transmit To: When launched, Airfoil will immediately begin transmitting audio from the last selected application to the selected speakers. To turn off automatic transmission of audio, just uncheck all boxes.

Software Update

Automatically Check for Software Updates: With this option activated, Airfoil periodically compares itself to the most current version available from our server and alerts you when a new version is available. Leave this on and Airfoil will help you stay up-to-date. You can also click the "Check for Update" button to initiate a check manually.

Purchasing Airfoil

Quick Link: To buy a license key for Airfoil, visit our online store.

Why should I buy Airfoil?

Put simply, you should buy Airfoil because it isn't free - we give you a chance to test out the program and all its features before you buy it. It's like test driving a car, for as long as it takes you to decide.

In trial mode, all of Airfoil's features are available to try, but it won't work for full-time use. During the trial, audio quality is degraded after ten minutes of transmitting.

If you use Airfoil and find you like it, please purchase a license key - support the software you use and love!

To purchase your license key, just visit http://rogueamoeba.com/store/.

What about upgrades?

If your license key starts with KUTA-, you already own Airfoil 4 - enjoy!

If you purchased a license for Airfoil before November 1st, 2010 (your license key will start with TX40- or SSME-), you can purchase a heavily discounted upgrade to Airfoil 4.

After Purchase

How do I unlock the full version?

The download of Airfoil from our site contains both a free trial of the software and the full version. To unlock the full, unlimited version, you just need a valid license key. When you purchase through our store, you'll immediately receive a license key in your browser as well as via email. Simply enter this key into Airfoil to unlock it.

What's your upgrade policy?

Our philosophy regarding paid upgrades is simple: We try to do what's right for you and what's right for us.

Rogue Amoeba doesn't have a hard and fast upgrade policy, just a great track record. Since 2002, across our entire product line, we've provided dozens of major updates and hundreds of new releases total, free of charge.

If we add substantial new functionality, we may charge an upgrade fee. However, we do not make most of our income from recurring sales, and we provide nearly all updates free of charge, including both bug fixes and new features. Finally, when an upgrade fee is charged, we even grandfather in a generous amount of recent purchases with free upgrades.

What's your refund policy?

All Rogue Amoeba products are available as demos for an evaluation prior to purchase. We believe that no customer should have to buy software in order to find out how well it works. Our software can be fully evaluated with no limitations in capabilities, prior to purchase. Customers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these trials prior to purchase. You may also seek any needed technical support from us - we answer support emails rapidly and responsively for current and potential customers alike.

If you would like a refund, please contact hello@rogueamoeba.com within 14 days of your purchase. Because we cannot recover the license key that was sold, refunds are issued on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Information

Airfoil for Mac Homepage

http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/mac/

Rogue Amoeba Homepage

http://www.rogueamoeba.com

Airfoil Support

Check out our Support Center first.

If you still need help, choose "Contact Support..." from Airfoil's Help menu to get in touch!

Rogue Amoeba Mailing List

Join the Rogue Amoeba low-traffic announcement list. There's no spam, EVER. It's as simple as that.

http://rogueamoeba.com/company/lists/

Airfoil Rights and Restrictions

Distribution

Unless explicitly stated in writing, Rogue Amoeba Software does not grant permission to sell Airfoil ("The Software"). Non-profit distribution of The Software in its trial form is acceptable provided that The Software is not modified in any way, and the complete works of The Software are included in the distribution package. If The Software is to be included in a distribution package, Rogue Amoeba requests but does not require that one complimentary copy of said package be sent to the snail mail address found on our site.

What that said:

Don't sell this software directly for profit. If you want to distribute it, great! Just make sure it's unmodified from the download from our site. If you create a distribution package, it'd be cool if you sent a copy to the address above, though this is not required.

Disclaimer

Airfoil ("The Software") is provided as is. Rogue Amoeba Software ("The Author") is not responsible for any damage to the user's computer system or data and in no event will The Author, its officers, directors, employees or agents be responsible to the user for any consequential, incidental, or indirect damages (including damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use or inability to use the The Software, even if The Author has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may not apply to you. Further, the consumer agrees that using this software in any way illegal, or even for the purposes of assessing its viability for illegal usage, is prohibited.

What that said:

Be safe when you use the software. Be aware that it's simply a tool designed to make your life better. Don't use it to do illegal or evil things. If you do, be ready to take responsibility for your own actions.