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Transferring itunes library onto OSX and mp3 tagging

T

Totty1987

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 7, 2011
153
14
I'm about to crack open my macbook pro and I'd like to know if my "windows created" itunes library will work in osx.

Is it possible to tag mp3 files the same way as in windows, when you right click on the file and select properties or do I have to download a program to do this.

thanx in advance
 
Yeah, you can do it all within iTunes. Use CMD+I to bring up the properties box faster.
 
Totty1987 said:
I may choose to use another music software application other than itunes.
Click to expand...
You haven't given a reason not to use iTunes. Barring that, iTunes is the best recommendation. If you want to use something else for no reason, go for it!
 
GGJstudios said:
You haven't given a reason not to use iTunes. Barring that, iTunes is the best recommendation. If you want to use something else for no reason, go for it!
Click to expand...

The thing is, I have a 50gb mp3 album collection, but I also have an itunes library as well. Before placing the music from my archived collection into itunes, I normally edit the id3 tag.

I'd prefer to edit the id3 tags outside of itunes and then drag and drop the tracks into itunes. This is what I've been doing in Windows for years and I'd like to hopefully continue this method in osx.
 
Totty1987 said:
The thing is, I have a 50gb mp3 album collection, but I also have an itunes library as well. Before placing the music from my archived collection into itunes, I normally edit the id3 tag.

I'd prefer to edit the id3 tags outside of itunes and then drag and drop the tracks into itunes. This is what I've been doing in Windows for years and I'd like to hopefully continue this method in osx.
Click to expand...
My iTunes library is probably average in size... just over 170GB in size. I find that editing and managing tags within iTunes is significantly easier than other methods. You can either learn a new method, or try to replicate your Windows workflow. I'd highly recommend giving yourself a chance to learn how to do things the "Mac way", as you'll find it's frequently much easier than the "Windows way". I had to make this transition when I moved to Mac about 4 years ago, but now I find I'm far more productive and efficient than I ever was on Windows.
 
Can't access iTunes library from external hard drive

I've just plugged in my western digital external hard drive, but I'm unable to access my iTunes library.

I've tried changing the path in preferences, but to no avail. I'd really appreciate some help.

Thanx in advance
 
Totty1987 said:
I've just plugged in my western digital external hard drive, but I'm unable to access my iTunes library.

I've tried changing the path in preferences, but to no avail. I'd really appreciate some help.
Click to expand...
Did you put your iTunes library on the external drive, or just the music files?
 
Totty1987 said:
Nothing appears. Just a blank white screen giving me the option to download music, import CDs or Find music files
Click to expand...
It sounds like you didn't move the right library files to the external drive. Have you tried opening the same library from your Windows computer?
 
Totty1987 said:
Yeah, it opens and works fine on my windows pc
Click to expand...
And you're absolutely certain you've opened the library file on the external drive, and not another library that you have stored on your Windows internal drive? How exactly did you launch iTunes and select that library?
 
GGJstudios said:
And you're absolutely certain you've opened the library file on the external drive, and not another library that you have stored on your Windows internal drive? How exactly did you launch iTunes and select that library?
Click to expand...

I've opened up preferences in iTunes and selected the folder, where my music is located on the external.
 
Totty1987 said:
Just one last thing. Are there any good id3 taggers available for the mac, as I'm not too thrilled about editing my mp3 albums in iTunes.
Click to expand...
I don't know of any. Can you explain your reluctance to use iTunes for that? It's really quite efficient.
 
GGJstudios said:
I don't know of any. Can you explain your reluctance to use iTunes for that? It's really quite efficient.
Click to expand...

I prefer to edit my mp3 files outside of iTunes as it allows me to use them in other music program's with the edited id3 tag intact. I hope this makes sense.
 
Totty1987 said:
I prefer to edit my mp3 files outside of iTunes as it allows me to use them in other music program's with the edited id3 tag intact. I hope this makes sense.
Click to expand...
I thought that might be your assumption, but it's wrong. When you edit metadata with iTunes, it changes the tag in the file itself, and follows the file wherever it goes.
 
GGJstudios said:
I thought that might be your assumption, but it's wrong. When you edit metadata with iTunes, it changes the tag in the file itself, and follows the file wherever it goes.
Click to expand...

Ok, I'll give it a try. Thanx for the help
 
Totty1987 said:
Ok, I'll give it a try. Thanx for the help
Click to expand...
I think you'll be very pleased with the results. If you do have a lot of editing to do, there are ways to automate many processes.
Doug's AppleScripts for iTunes is a great resource for managing your iTunes tags and files.

Here are a few scripts that I've found particularly useful:
 
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