Edit the ID3 tags of audio books

This can no longer be done in Catalina since the demise of iTunes. I have downloaded a Tag Editor, but whilst it can edit some audiobooks it cannot edit Audible Audiobooks. Anyone found a way around this?




[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 11, 2019 2:44 AM

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Posted on Oct 14, 2019 8:50 AM

So far as I can tell, you'll have to convert your aax files to mp3 first, and then import them into Music instead of into Books. That's what I've been doing, using the OpenAudible app.


Yes, it's very annoying. Apple has screwed audiobook lovers over in a big way with Catalina.

29 replies

Oct 17, 2019 12:08 PM in response to Gareth Morris1

I noted this deficiency to Apple after every Catalina Beta release but it was never corrected. We also no longer have the "check" column that was useful in sorting. Fortunately I have an older Mac that cannot update to 10.15 so iTunes is still available to edit the title. I just edit it in iTunes and then transfer it to my other Catalina-equipped Mac. It works but just requires additional steps - and the sort by check is still unavailable. The only solution I've found is to "listen" briefly to any book you have already read and then sort by "last read". This forces unread books to the top.

Oct 20, 2019 5:27 AM in response to Gareth Morris1

Yes we do need to complain and stomp our feet but even if Apple is doing something they won't even acknowledge it. I found four major issues so far.

1) Ability to edit ID3 tags

2) Sorting of large libraries

3) Putting libraries an external storage or changing directories for other storage devices

4) Syncing with iCloud " Deleting from one device well delete from all devices, There is a caveat if you purchase from Apple you get a second option" If I try to free up space on my iPhone it will Erase it everywhere.


I have been reading on cnet and Reddit, PDF ID3 tags Issues. Turning podcasts into audiobooks some podcast are audiobook dramatizations. Example Earthcore by Scott Sigler He first released it as a podcast and then cleaned it up and sold it as an audiobook and he also uses it to promote his regular books. Apple is opening Pandora's box for DRM Removal on this issue, I am seeing it as a recommendation across multiple forms. And we are just the early adopters of Catalina.

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Edit the ID3 tags of audio books

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