Download directly to itunes library

So whatever "source" you are downloading from, isn't it possible to tell this "source" to put all downloads into the iTunes music folder?

Just curious. What's so hard about dragging folders to the iTunes library? or using the file/add to library option?

I'm not sure what your source is but you can transfer songs pretty much from anything onto your PC and then direcctly into your Library

isn't it possible to tell this "source" to put all downloads into the iTunes music folder?
You would still need to open iTunes and select Add to Library.

"You would still need to open iTunes and select Add to Library."

I respectfully disagree. I can download songs from other sources, have that source specifically direct downloads to my iTunes music folder, and they will appear in my iTunes library without the need to drag and drop or add to library.

Hmmm? I'll have to check that later (don't have iTunes here).

So you are saying that simply putting files into the iTunes Music folder (as in thru the Mac Finder or Windows Explorer) and they will automatically get added to the library?

I access a musicians collective website here in the UK, hosting newly written songs by unpublished artists. I need to download a rough version of the songs in order to learn them.

I can specify where to save my downloads, and I do so by choosing my iTunes music folder. Once downloaded, the songs appear in my iTunes library without the need to drag and drop them there, or use the file/add to library option.

I also know that other sites (irrespective of the fact that they are often used for illegal downloads) have options to place the downloads into the iTunes library.

I know because a band mate insists on using some of these sites (Limewire is one such site for instance) to obtain songs regardless of constant abuse from me!

She uses iTunes (on a Mac), and I've been with her when she's used that site to download songs and they go straight into the library. I believe that Limewire even creates it's own folder in the source listing in iTunes.

iTunes will detect shared libraries and list new music, so it would be a problem to scan the library folder at start up?

What if you have a huge library?
Wouldn't this take some time? Mine is ~10 GB (small by comparison to some) but I've never noticed ANY wait time.

Apologies, but I'm not understanding you.

I was trying to clarify a bit (and thinking with words).

I know that if you select to open a shared library (someone elses) you don't have to select Add to library. It will list the folder with no action on your part.

My guess is iTunes scans/watches the library folder for music not already in the library and adds it when it sees new folders.

I've read a lot of your posts, and you seem to be more knowledgeable about these things that I do! I just know that it works.

I only use this site for downloads ( I shun Limewire and other such sites), and they go straight to my library.

If the OP wasn't confused before, he likely will be now!

To clarify to the original poster;

If you download directly into the iTunes Music folder, it should get added directly to the library (without have to select Add to library).

Also, you need to make sure it is in one of the formats iTunes can use (WAV, MP3, AAC, AIFF or Apple Lossless (ALAC)).

I directed the music to go directly to iMusic
What is iMusic?

Open iTunes prefs -> Advanced -> Ipporting.
This will show you where your iTunes music is stored.