I need to combine the iTunes libraries from a PowerBook G4, MacBook Pro, and one that's on a firewire hard drive. All 3 iTunes libraries need to be combined into one new library I created on a Lacie HDD. What is the best way to do this while retaining playlists and all the metadata?
In the end what I need to accomplish is this:
G4 iTunes library (default) is empty
MacBook Pro iTunes library (default) is empty
External HDD iTunes library is deleted
All libraries are merged into one that is held on the Lacie HDD
Duplicate songs, playlists, etc. are identified and/or erased.
This way the Lacie drive can be connected to the G4 (for example) and the library on the drive can be selected to listen to. OR the default library can be loaded and select songs or playlists can be sync'd to it keeping the hard drive relatively empty.
What is the best way to do this?
I started by connecting a brand new Lacie hard drive to the G4. I created a new iTunes library on this hard drive. Then I copied the contents of the music folder on the G4 to the music folder on the hard drive. I then opened iTunes on the G4 and exported the library. Once that was done I opened the iTunes library on the Lacie hard drive (holding the Option button while opening iTunes and choosing the library that is on the Lacie HDD) and imported the file that the G4's library made.
Here's the thing. The library from the G4 has over 6000 songs in it. iTunes has been copying these songs for 2 hours. Why is it copying them if I already put a copy of them on the Lacie HDD? Seems to me that it is rebuilding the library rather than picking up where I left off (just on a new drive).
Is there a faster way to do this?
Do I need to load the library that's on the other external HDD into iTunes on one of the computers so I can then export it?
Aug 06,2019 • Filed to: Manage iTunes • Proven solutions
Oct 20, 2019 Method 1: Combine iTunes Libraries directly on Mac. You can absolutely combine two or more iTunes Libraries with iTunes directly even if it may cost some time. You need to not only merge content from two Media folders together but also their information. This guide will show you how to merge two iTunes libraries as easily as possible, either between users or same, with Mac OS X (MacOS 10.12 Sierra, Snow Leopard, Lion included). This can be very useful for those who have one iTunes library at home Mac, say iMac, and a MacBook for work, for example.
This guide will show you how to merge two iTunes libraries as easily as possible, either between users or same, with Mac OS X (MacOS 10.12 Sierra, Snow Leopard, Lion included). This can be very useful for those who have one iTunes library at home Mac, say iMac, and a MacBook for work, for example. If you happen to have troubles like this, you can:
Jan 04, 2015 I need to combine the iTunes libraries from a PowerBook G4, MacBook Pro, and one that's on a firewire hard drive. All 3 iTunes libraries need to be co. Welcome to Mac-Forums. You must Register (free) before posting. To view discussions, select the desired subject forum(s) below. How to merge two iPhoto libraries on the same computer. Keeping iTunes Synced Between Two Computers. While iTunes can't automatically sync the same library between two computers the way it can with an iPhone or iPad, you can keep them in sync yourself. If you just want to sync the same music and videos between two computers in. Feb 24, 2016 If a house has more than one personal computer to manage, you can then consolidate the libraries of iTunes from multiple devices into one single library on a selected computer.
![Merge itunes libraries without duplicates Merge itunes libraries without duplicates](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126617420/158921672.jpg)
- Get access to your whole iTunes library with any Mac
- Download movies, music on the go with your potable Mac
- Organize all your iTunes music, movies and more in one iTunes library
- Sync your iTunes library to your iPod, iPhone or iPad anytime you want
Part 1. Merge Two iTunes Libraries with Mac by iMusic
iMusic can be the best helper for you to download music from Tubidy.com. It is specially designed for people to download and record music from any music sharing sites. It's able to download music from more than 300 music sites by a single click, and record music from unlimited music sites and radio stations. To put it in a word, with iMusic, i'm sure you'll get the music you like. You can download it. If not, then you can record it. Solutions are always at your hand.
iMusic -All-in-one Tool: Download, Record, Transfer and Manage Music
- Download music from more than 300 music sites, including YouTube, by copying and pasting the URL.
- Record unlimited music from any website or any audio or video playing in your computer with just one click.
- Built-in music library let you browse and preview the lattest and hottest music from popular music sites.
- Automatically save downloaded/recorded music to library for management and easy transfer.
- Identify and tag music with artist, title, album, genre, and more with the latest ID3 tag technology.
- 1 click to transfer downloaded music and playlist to USB drive to enjoy in car.
- Ability to burn downloaded songs and playlists to CDs easily.
Step-by-step for combining iTunes libraries in Mac OS X with iMusic
Step 1: iMusic has versions for both Windows PC and Mac. Install and launch it. Now click “TOOLBOX” menu on the top of the software. Then, click “BACKUP/RESTORE ITUNES LIBRARY”.
Step 2: Click “Backup” option in the new pop-up window. Then check file types you want to backup in the next window and set up the destination for your computer to save the backup file. Click “Backup”.
Step 3: When the backup process is done, you can see the message “Congratulations! Your iTunes Library is backed up”. You can you enjoy the content from your iTunes on your Mac anytime!
To backup other iTunes to your Mac, you can repeat the process above so that files from different iTunes will be available on your Mac. Now you can find the files and combine them! EASY JOB!
Video Tutorial: iMusic- How to Backup iTunes with Simple Clicks
Part 2. Merge Two iTunes Libraries with Mac Directly on iTunes
This method is a bit complicated. You need to export your library from the first computer , and import it into the second computer as its final destination.To merge your iTunes library without losing metadata, go with the following steps:
![Merge Merge](/uploads/1/2/6/6/126617420/775988989.jpg)
Note:Please make sure that all of the media files from both libraries you’re combining are in their correct folders.
Step 1: Launch iTunes, to to 'Preferences', choose'Advanced'.Select ' Keep iTunes Media folder organized 'and 'Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to the library'. Next click OK.
Step 2: Find 'File' , choose'Library', further select'Organize Library'. Choose both Consolidate Files and Reorganize files in the folder ‘iTunes Music’. If you cannot select “Reorganize files in the folder ‘iTunes Music”, it means that your computer has already done this. Then select 'OK'.
Step 3: Next go to 'iTunes', find 'Preferences', choose' General'. Make sure all of the file types you’d like to export are checked off, such as Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, iTunes U, etc. Choose 'OK'.
Step 4: Now share the hard drive of Computer A. In iTunes on Computer B, go to 'File', choose'Add to Library'. Navigate to the 'User', find'Music', choose 'iTunes folder' on Computer A’s hard drive. Select the file ending in .xml (in my case, “iTunes Music Library.xml”) and click 'Open'.
Merge Two Itunes Libraries Mac Os
Step 5: Connect the external hard drive to Computer A. Go to 'iTunes', find 'Preferences', choose'Advanced'. Where it says “iTunes Media folder location” select Change. Select (or create) a folder on the hard drive, and select 'Open'. Go to 'File', find 'Library', choose'Export Library'. Navigate to the hard drive and select 'Save'.
Step 6: Connect the external hard drive to Computer B. In iTunes on Computer B , go to 'File', find 'Add to Library'. Navigate to the external hard drive. and select the file you’ve just saved there ending in .xml. Click Open.
That's it ! You’ve merged your library for FREE.
Managing Multiple Itunes Libraries
For both methods to merge two iTunes library, we strongly recommend you to use iMusic to consolidate two iTunes library on Mac . Which is easy and fast !