Chris Hite

Q: Exported Library

We have a new computer, and I don't want to take up the memory with a large music library. I want to export my library to an external hard drive and then build it from there. Question is when I  download music from the cloud will it go to that new exported library if i have that library as the one iTunes looks for when it opens? And can I direct my iPod to sync with that new library when I designate a new library for it?

iMac, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Jul 11, 2016 5:39 AM

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Q: Exported Library

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  • by turingtest2,Solvedanswer

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jul 11, 2016 10:05 AM in response to Chris Hite
    Level 10 (85,103 points)
    iTunes
    Jul 11, 2016 10:05 AM in response to Chris Hite

    See Make a split library portable for some general background. If the library still exists on your old computer and is in the standard layout you can simply copy it to an external drive, then connect that drive to the new computer and option-start-iTunes to connect to it. Being the same library iTunes will sync as if nothing has changed.

     

    tt2

  • by Chris Hite,

    Chris Hite Chris Hite Jul 11, 2016 11:00 AM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (18 points)
    iPod
    Jul 11, 2016 11:00 AM in response to turingtest2

    Thanks man! That sounds workable.

     

    Chris

  • by turingtest2,Helpful

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jul 11, 2016 10:46 PM in response to Chris Hite
    Level 10 (85,103 points)
    iTunes
    Jul 11, 2016 10:46 PM in response to Chris Hite

    You're welcome.

     

    tt2

  • by Chris Hite,

    Chris Hite Chris Hite Jul 11, 2016 10:50 PM in response to turingtest2
    Level 1 (18 points)
    iPod
    Jul 11, 2016 10:50 PM in response to turingtest2

    Hey tt2....I had another quick question! I read this in the pdf that you recommended I read: Rather than splitting the library seasoned iTunes users will move the entire working library to a new location and then connect to it there. When a library has been relocated in this fashion if you should start iTunes with the host drive offline, iTunes will complain that it can't find the library and ask you to choose or create one. At this point you can cancel, connect the drive and then start iTunes as normal. No preferences will have been changed.

    This is what I would like to do!! Not sure how the font got so big! Do I just use the export library function and pick my external drive to put it in and it will be ok....or is there something else I must do along with this?

  • by turingtest2,

    turingtest2 turingtest2 Jul 12, 2016 2:43 AM in response to Chris Hite
    Level 10 (85,103 points)
    iTunes
    Jul 12, 2016 2:43 AM in response to Chris Hite

    The export library function exports a record of the playlists, but not the media. If your library is in the standard shape of an iTunes folder that contains an iTunes Media folder that in turn contains all of the media, then the library is already portable. Simply copy the entire iTunes folder from user's music out to the root of the external drive. On the new computer press and hold down shift as you launch iTunes, then use the choose option and open the file X:\iTunes\iTunes Library.itl. If your library is not in the standard shape then you'll need to use the various techniques in the user tip to manipulate it into the correct layout first.

     

    tt2