How do I stop iTunes automatically adding a music file when I play it on my MBP?

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Level 1

4 points

How do I stop iTunes automatically adding a music file when I play it on my MBP?

Hi all,

This is a problem that has been annoying me for a year. I've searched for an answer on here but can't find the exact one. I have a lot of mp3 files on my computer that I do NOT want in my iTunes. These files are kept in my documents folder. If I play one however, or drag to my desktop and play, or say download an mp3 from the internet and play, they automatically are added to my iTunes. I then have to go through deleting to keep my iTunes library clean. I was told a while ago to consolidate my library when changing Macs...is this why I have this problem? If so how do I get around it? I feel like I've tried everything. I'm using Mojave and don't want to upgrade. Also don't want to move over to Apple Music.

Cheers!

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Mar 18, 2021 6:16 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Mar 18, 2021 6:45 AM in response to Bonlet1

iTunes cannot play a file that isn't part of the library.

If you use Finder to double-click a song and it is set to open songs in iTunes, iTunes will open, the track will be added to the library, and it will play.

If you don't want that behaviour use something else to listen to the songs. VLC and Plex are two alternatives that come to mind. See https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-free-music-players-for-macos/ for some more.

tt2

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Answer 2

Bonlet1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 18, 2021 7:12 AM in response to turingtest2

I've solved it - decided just to set to play all these files with QuickTime Player. No longer import into iTunes automatically. Thank you so much! Guessing this had nothing to do with Consolidating may old library after all?

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Mar 18, 2021 6:36 AM in response to Bonlet1

iTunes can only play tracks that have been added to the library. You can find another piece of software for auditioning audio files as a workaround.

tt2

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Mar 18, 2021 11:25 AM in response to Bonlet1

You're welcome. 🙂

And yes, consolidating was a red herring.

tt2

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Answer 5

Bonlet1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 18, 2021 6:41 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for your quick response. Sorry I don't understand? I am not adding these files to iTunes. They are sat in my documents folder but if I double click on them to play they open in iTunes and have automatically been imported there. How do I stop this? I also don't understand what you mean by auditioning audio files? Many thanks.

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Answer 6

Bonlet1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 18, 2021 6:53 AM in response to turingtest2

Also, I've searched Finder preferences and can't see a way to stop that. You say 'if those mp3s are set to open in iTunes'. Would this just be automatic behaviour and no way to switch it off other than to have a different media player? Also confirming this isn't an issue I'm having because I consolidated my library before? Huge thanks.

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