How do I access properties of the media in my old iTunes library file?

Question

How do I access properties of the media in my old iTunes library file?

I have a 2021 57KB library file, no actual downloaded songs or album artwork, just a library file. And no, none of the songs were purchased from iTunes or are stored in my iCloud or whatnot. I lost everything but the library file. Is it possible to retrieve media information such as artist name and track name from the iTunes library file? I'm looking to get a list or rebuild the list of the songs I had in my old library so I can redownload the songs. I did find this page Apple Developer Documentation but I don't know if that answers my question and if it did, I'm still lost as to what to do.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Apr 27, 2022 10:49 PM

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Answer 1

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turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Apr 27, 2022 11:43 PM in response to Community User

See Use multiple libraries in Music on Mac - Apple Support. You should be able to hold down option as you open Music, select the old .itl file, and convert it to a .musiclibrary database. You will be able to review the contents of your former library, though none of the music will play.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Apr 28, 2022 1:13 PM in response to Community User

When you option-start-Music and use the choose library option valid file types are .itl and .musiclibrary.

tt2

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Apr 28, 2022 2:33 AM in response to Community User

I’ve assumed you’re trying to access the content of an iTunes Library.itl file on Big Sur. If you have a Music Library.musiclibrary database then you option-start-Music to connect to it. You should see the track listing for the library, regardless of whether the tracks are at their expected paths or not.

tt2

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