When I try to insert a downloaded mp3 file into garageband, it is greyed out and i can't use it.

Try putting it in itunes first. Then go up to apple loops and drag it over. Also, make sure the track isnt muted or that you dont have another track set to “solo”. Hope this helps.

Are the mp3 files protected? If they have digital rights assigned, you cannot use them with GarageBand.

roughly ten percent of my songs in iTunes cannot be used with GarageBand. they have either been ripped from protected CDs or have been purchased from the itunes Store in the format protected aac audio file. and any song You download from Apple Music will appear in ITunes but will still not be usable jn GarageBand.

Here is another aspect. You have to add room to the ruler, as apple calls it, or the track wont fit. I just tried 3 tracks of indie i have, and they all drag in fine. I guess its luck of the draw. Bought the all on itues. Cage elephant, etc.

Yes u can if it will go into itunes. Every cd or itunes song you buy is “rights protected”.

Sorry L. I wrong. I guess i havent run across it yet. My bad.

But i have used some itunes songs in gband. Its easier to just buy them than rip them. So sometimes when i want to learn a song l drag it in a track to play along. None of that will matter soon anyway. The ipad is becoming useless, and it will be back to the mac, at least for me. Time is the only thing i will not waste.