How to separate 2 libraries stored as 1?

Use the script Relocate Selected to move one subset of media into a separate media folder. Both library files should be in separate folders, e.g. iTunes (Lossless) and iTunes (192k) with each library containing an iTunes Media folder for its media. You can then clone either of these libraries to another folder, move to another machine etc. and each should work properly.

tt2

I don't have a Mac, but my understanding of Doug's scripts is that you select the tracks you want to process, call the script, respond to any prompts, and it does what you want. In your case, if I understand correctly, what you currently have is the 192k and lossless versions of songs occupying the same set of folders. I'm suggesting you open one of the libraries and use the script to move all of the songs in that format to a new folder, leaving the original folder holding the files in the the other format. The other steps I was suggesting are required to make the two independent libraries portable which you need to do if you want to transfer them from one machine to another.

The alternative, iTunes only solution, would be to set up two new media folders for each of the parallel libraries and consolidate to those folders, which would make copies of each file in the new paths after which you delete all the originals. This method only works if you can afford the room which is why I suggested the script which should work even if space is tight.

tt2

Selecting multiple tracks in iTunes is a matter of selecting one, then holding down shift to selecte everything in between. Command-A should select all visible tracks in the current view.

My post on making a split library portable should explain the relationship between the library files and the media.

tt2

I have use the precursor of that script many times to move files. I think the one thing it warns of is moving too many files in one go.

I wish I knew a bit more about all this.

What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660

More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management

What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html

When using the hold-down-option/shift-start-iTunes method the file that you need to select is normally called iTunes Library.itl. Libraries originally created on a Mac with an older build of iTunes won't have the .itl extension.

In a well ordered library the main iTunes folder contains the following:

• Album Art (Folder)
• iPod Games (Folder) (Old school layout only)
• iTunes Library Extras.itdb
• iTunes Library Genius.itdb
• iTunes Library.itl
• iTunes Library.xml
• iTunes Media (Folder) or iTunes Music (Old school)
• Previous iTunes Libraries (Optional)
• sentinel (Hidden File)

The iTunes Media folder should contain the following:

• Automatically Add to iTunes (Folder)
• iPod Games (Folder)
• Music (Folder)
• etc.

Your list seems to be a mix of the two, suggesting you've consolidated to the iTunes folder instead of the iTunes Media folder.

iTunes won't open or the tracks won't play?

tt2

turingtest2 wrote:

When using the hold-down-option/shift-start-iTunes method

Use option (alt). There is a shift key iTunes startup too but on Mac but that starts iTunes in safe mode.

Aha, it's shift on Windows, I didn't realise that had another function on a Mac.

tt2

When you open iTunes, or it opens automatically as you try to play a track, it will open the last successfully opened library file.

To switch between library files click the icon to start iTunes and immediately press and continue to hold down the option key. Keep holding until asked to choose or create a library. Click choose and then browse to and select the desired library file.

The location shown under Preferenecs > Advanced is that of the media folder, not the library file. If you're currently opening the library at Users/My Name/Music/iTunes/ then ideally that library's media folder will be Users/My Name/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/. If space is not a problem you can change the value, let iTunes consolidate the files again, then clean up the stuff at the wrong level. Otherwise say no if iTunes offers to consolidate then use the relocate script.

tt2