correct format/syntax for m3u?

Question

correct format/syntax for m3u?

I want to create a text file m3u playlist that iTunes on Mac (and Windows) can read, but I'm having trouble finding the correct format/syntax for writing the list so that iTunes will understand it and display the names of the songs in the list. Anyone know how?

Posted on Jul 14, 2005 7:53 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 21, 2005 3:21 PM in response to David Watkinson

Beavis2084 - I was very happy to get an email saying that you had posted a reply to my query about m3u files. Unfortunately, I am unable to get the forum to display your post. Could you please post it again? I'm still needing to figure out how to make an m3u that iTunes will understand!

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Answer 2

Beavis2084

Level 4

2,854 points

Jul 21, 2005 5:14 PM in response to David Watkinson

I had googled around for the answer... fairly easy to find

do a google on "m3u syntax" you'll find it quick.

Beavis2084

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Answer 3

David M

Level 1

35 points

Jul 21, 2005 5:17 PM in response to Beavis2084

I've Googled and Googled but also can't come up with a format for m3u files which iTunes on the Mac will understand.

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Answer 4

Beavis2084

Level 4

2,854 points

Jul 21, 2005 5:27 PM in response to David M

try this AppleScript

http://radio.weblogs.com/0103146/2003/02/12.html

Beavis2084

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Answer 5

Jul 21, 2005 6:12 PM in response to Beavis2084

Beavis2084 - thanks for replying. However, there are two reasons why I can't use the applescript: #1 It's the wrong direction - iTunes to m3u (I need m3u to iTunes) and #2 It's applescript which won't work on a windows machine and I need to spit out m3u's on mac and windows (I'm writing an application for both mac and windows that needs to talk iTunes on both platforms.)

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Answer 6

Beavis2084

Level 4

2,854 points

Jul 21, 2005 9:27 PM in response to David Watkinson

sorry...

I figure you can use the script to generate a KNOWN GOOD iTunes PLAYLIST, and dissect/decode syntax.

just need to do a tiny bit of reverse engineering there.... use the script to generate one, then look at it... should provide you with some clue to what the proper syntax is that WILL work with iTunes.

Beavis2084

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Answer 7

clanger9

Level 1

15 points

Jul 22, 2005 5:03 PM in response to David Watkinson

David, I think iTunes support for m3u is broken anyway - it ought to create a new playlist based on the .m3u but instead it just imports all the songs to the main library. 😟

For Mac users, here's an Applescript to fix this behaviour.

If you're looking for the correct .m3u syntax, check out this example from Magnatune

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Answer 8

Aug 13, 2005 1:32 AM in response to clanger9

Actually, that magnatune playlist, while it does work, is missing some stuff. Plus, it only plays the last track in itunes. Whereas these guys: http://www.unsignedbandweb.com play it correctly in the right order, and their playlists are up to the extended m3u spec. See my other posting about using $0A instead of the carriage return/linefeed that is usually used for separating the lines of the .m3u.

Joel

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Answer 9

David M

Level 1

35 points

Sep 30, 2005 10:57 AM in response to David Watkinson

I've finally managed to get my M3U files imported into iTunes on the Mac using Automator on Tiger. This took some trial and error due to multiple bugs in Automator 1.0.1.

The image below shows the Automator workflow, which may be able to be simplified in later versions of Automator once the bugs are fixed. The only tricky thing about recreating this workflow yourself is making sure you type the shell script command properly.

The workflow assumes that your M3U file is a list of valid file names, optionally separated by track information on lines that start with the '#' character (these lines are ignored).

The workflow allows you to select multiple M3U files and import them into a single new or existing iTunes playlist.

http://dem.smugmug.com/photos/38101723-O.jpg

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Answer 10

Oct 25, 2005 5:21 PM in response to Joel Braverman

Greetings,

Can you re-post your message about using $0A? This is ASCII 10, yes? What does using this char accomplish?

Thanks!
DM

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