This is a simple bash script designed to convert Audible's .aax files to .m4b format, which can then be imported into Apple's Books program. The script is a response to the introduction of what I consider 'advertising' in the Audible app after Amazon's acquisition of Audible. The script utilizes the activation_bytes unique to your Audible account to decrypt and convert the files.

I have been using this script for a while as a workaround for the increased advertising content in the Audible app. The .aax files from Audible are essentially standard audio files with added DRM protection. Once the activation_bytes for your account are known (beyond the scope of this page), these files can be converted into a more standard and versatile format (m4b), making them compatible with Apple Books, which I find to have less intrusive advertising.

• ffmpeg: A robust tool for processing multimedia files.
• AtomicParsley: A tool for embedding metadata and artwork into audio files.

• ffmpeg: Install via Homebrew with brew install ffmpeg.
• AtomicParsley: Install via Homebrew with brew install AtomicParsley.

• ffmpeg: Download from FFmpeg Official Site or install via Chocolatey with choco install ffmpeg.
• AtomicParsley: Download from AtomicParsley GitHub or install via Chocolatey with choco install atomicparsley.

• ffmpeg: Install via package manager, e.g., sudo apt-get install ffmpeg (Debian/Ubuntu).
• AtomicParsley: Install via package manager, e.g., sudo apt-get install atomicparsley (Debian/Ubuntu).

Before running the script, you need to set the following variables:

• AUDIBLE_ACTIVATION_BYTES: Your unique Audible activation bytes. If not set in the script, the script will use the value from the corresponding environment variable.
• AUDIBLE_ARCHIVED_DIR: Directory where the original AAX files will be moved after processing.
• AUDIBLE_OUTPUT_DIR: Directory where the converted M4B files will be copied.

Run the script with one or more AAX files as arguments. For example:

./audibleDecrypt book1.aax book2.aax

This script is intended for personal use. Users should ensure they comply with Audible's terms of service and applicable laws regarding the use of DRM-protected content.