Canozzie11
Level 1 (8 points)
iCloud

Q: How to combine two iTunes libraries on two computers

I've got one library on one computer and another itunes library on another, both with different Apple IDs.  I need to move one off the Macbook air to make space and want to bring all the content into my iMac.  Which folder do I move and where exactly?  The iMac is already authorized to use both Apple IDs...

 

Thanks

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Apr 29, 2014 7:04 PM

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Canozzie11

Q: How to combine two iTunes libraries on two computers

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  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Apr 29, 2014 8:19 PM in response to Canozzie11
    Level 9 (54,353 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 29, 2014 8:19 PM in response to Canozzie11

    If you want to keep both libraries independent, copy the whole iTunes folder from the air to the iMac.  You can swap between libraries by holding down the option/alt key while starting iTUnes and selecting the library.itl file for the library you wish to use.

     

    If you want to combine the libraries there isn't an easy way to do it that magically results in the perfect combinations.  The easiest way to combine is to choose one as the main library, then drag media from the other library's media folder to the main library's Automatically Add To iTunes folder.  The content will be added but the date added will reset as well as ratings, and no playlists.  If some of those are critical then there's another couple of very long posts I will have to write.

  • by Canozzie11,

    Canozzie11 Canozzie11 Apr 30, 2014 2:26 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iCloud
    Apr 30, 2014 2:26 AM in response to Limnos

    Thanks for this Limnos. 

     

    So do I bring in the Air  iTunes folder to the Music folder in the iMac?  So I have two iTunes folders in Music...?

     

    Hypethetically, if the two libraries were using the same apple ID, would I just drag all the media from the Air into the same Automatically Add to iTunes folder?  I never noticed that folder before...Is that it's purpose?  To add media you purchased on other computers?  Why wouldn't you just drag (say) all your Movies from one computer into the Movies folder in the main library?

     

    Just trying to understand all this a bit better.  I find iTunes a bit confusing....

     

    Thanks for your help

  • by Limnos,

    Limnos Limnos Apr 30, 2014 6:21 AM in response to Canozzie11
    Level 9 (54,353 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 30, 2014 6:21 AM in response to Canozzie11

    I have thought of a minor snag that may not really be a problem but I cannot test without messing up the iTunes organization I have on my computer.  It has to do with preferences settings when using two libraries, but I can't test if it really is a problem because of the settings I use on my computer. 

     

    Automatically Add to iTunes moves media to the media folder used by that active library when you add a file to the library.  Normally iTunes places a copy of a file in the media folder when you add a file but you then have to delete the original file and until doing so it takes up extra space on the computer.

     

    It is best to let iTunes do all the adding and moving of files.  iTunes does not actively scan folders on the computer for changes you may have done to them outside of iTunes.  You could drag all the other movies from your air to the media/movies folder on your iMac in Finder and iTunes would have no idea they are there.  You can still do this with items from multiple Apple  IDs as long as the computer is authorized to both, and in fact with music purchased since about 2009 no authorization is needed for playback on the computer.

     

    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