Metadata not importing from iTunes to Music Library

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Metadata not importing from iTunes to Music Library

I've been using iTunes since its launch probably 20 years ago and I've spent a long time organizing music including adding metadata. Recently prurchased a new MBP and no longer have access to iTunes and need to load all my media into the new Music app. I loaded a few recordings to test the workflow but some metadata appears to be missing. I imported the music files from an external HD working from a complete bootable backup of my previous MBP (High Sierra). On the new MBP (Sonoma), starting in Music, I tried > Import > iTunes > iTunes Media > Music and selected several folders of CD ripped music. The import appeared to go as it should but when I looked in several columns, including "Ratings", "Plays" and "Grouping", there was either no data in "Ratings" and "Plays", or most of the "Groupings" data was missing.

I want to sort out all the potential issues before I attempt to Import all 800+ GB of media. I'm running OSX Sonoma 14.1.2. Thanks for any guidance.

Posted on Dec 13, 2023 8:01 AM

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Answer 1

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turingtest2

Level 10

278,885 points

Dec 13, 2023 10:33 AM in response to Gus TO

What format is this media in? Tracks in .wav format typically don't host any metadata. Hopefully your backup includes the iTunes Library.itl file of your old library, in which case you can press and hold down option while launching Music in order to connect to it and have it converted to the .musiclibrary format. See also Move your iTunes library to a new computer - Apple Community and Managing your Mac media libraries - Apple Community.

tt2

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Answer 2

Gus TO Author

Level 1

23 points

Dec 14, 2023 6:35 PM in response to Gus TO

I fixed my problem.

Inside the Music app Settings > Files I unchecked Keep Media Organized

Then I found under File > Library > Organize Library > I checked Consolidate files.

All the music files were copied to the Music folder on the new MBP.

I tested a number of songs and all played properly.

And all the Ratings, Plays, Groups and other data appears to be present.

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,885 points

Dec 13, 2023 6:19 PM in response to Gus TO

Gus TO wrote:

All the media is either mp3 or AAC (m4a).

I opened the Music app holding down Option and linked the iTunes Library.itl.

All the metadata appears to be there.

Except all the music that is in my old iTunes library is all accessible in Music but I haven't copied the entire iTunes Media > Music folder to the new MBP. The new .musiclibrary appears to be pointing to the old iTunes Media folder on the attached old MBP Backup. If I now copy the entire old iTunes Media > Music folder to the new MBP Music folder, once I disconnect the Backup wont all the music go offline? How do I get the new .musiclibrary to connect with the moved media?

See Managing your Mac media libraries - Apple Community. Rather than copying things by hand designate the media folder that you want Music to use in future and then consolidate the library to that new path. That way Music will know exactly where to find everything.

tt2

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Answer 4

Gus TO Author

Level 1

23 points

Dec 13, 2023 5:05 PM in response to turingtest2

All the media is either mp3 or AAC (m4a).

I opened the Music app holding down Option and linked the iTunes Library.itl.

All the metadata appears to be there.

Except all the music that is in my old iTunes library is all accessible in Music but I haven't copied the entire iTunes Media > Music folder to the new MBP. The new .musiclibrary appears to be pointing to the old iTunes Media folder on the attached old MBP Backup. If I now copy the entire old iTunes Media > Music folder to the new MBP Music folder, once I disconnect the Backup wont all the music go offline? How do I get the new .musiclibrary to connect with the moved media?

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Answer 5

Gus TO Author

Level 1

23 points

Dec 14, 2023 6:59 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks for the help but I'm afraid I'm still in the dark regarding how to proceed.

I've read your "Managing your Mac media libraries" (https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250006206) several times and can't figure out what to do. There are multiple parts to that article.

Above you write: "Rather than copying things by hand designate the media folder that you want Music to use in future and then consolidate the library to that new path."

How exactly do I "consolidate"?

You say don't copy things "by hand", but how does all my music media get from the iTunes library on the MBP Backup to the new MBP Music folder?

In the "Migrating from iTunes" section of your article you don't appear to say it explicitly but seem to imply I have copied my entire iTunes library from the Backup to the new MBP Music location, and then manage the

disconnection process from the iTunes folder structure to the new Music structure.

But this approach isn't consistent with your statement "don't copy things by hand".

I don't see where in the description the music media from my old iTunes on the Backup HD gets into the new Music > Media > Music in the new MBP, with all the correct metadata intact.

My apologies for being slow to grasp your generous, patient and prodigious efforts to help tech challenged people like me.

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Metadata not importing from iTunes to Music Library

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