How to Merge iTunes Libraries

Adam Cash

Aug 09,2019 • Filed to: Manage iTunes • Proven solutions

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Many people may have such puzzle: is it possible to merge two iTunes libraries?

Music can be stored along with other media on iTunes. It will maintain various files which will contain information about the content in your library. Every household does not require more than a single computer that can run iTunes. But, there are cases when it is required to stream videos and music to devices that may be connected all over the house. 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.

On account of the large size of many iTunes libraries, it is not easy to consolidate them. It is not as simple as burning a compact disc and then loading it on to a new computer. There are certain techniques, however, we can make the process of merging libraries easier.

iTunes Library.itl is always the primary file. Library.xml file can be used to import libraries from other computers. iTunes will write those files in a format that is easily readable so that all other applications can also get a compiled list of the content of the library.

If you have two libraries, Library 1 and Library 2, and you would like to add Library 2’s contents to Library 1, you will have to go to the Media folder on iTunes that has your content. You can select File and go to Library and on to Organize Library. You will have to then check for "Consolidate Files" and select OK. When you have many files which are not in iTunes Media’s folder, it may take several minutes. Create a fresh playlist and give it a temporary label. You will have to drag folder of iTunes Media into iTunes after switching to that particular playlist.

You will have to select File and go to Library and on to Import Playlist and opt for iTunes Library.xml file that was copied from the Second Library. It will help in not only adding all contents that were dragged to iTunes but the playlists from that particular library will also be added.

You will have to keep in mind that you will not be able to retain ratings and play counts. There may also be a chance that you may have some music that is duplicated on to Library 1 in your media files. It can get difficult if your library happens to be a huge one.

Now you’ll have a library that is derived from playlists taken from two separate libraries. However, there is a possibility that there may be some duplicates of the media files. iTunes shows you the duplication. When in the music library, you can select the Option (ALT) key and go for "Show Exact Duplicate Items". When this process is over, you would have successfully merged two libraries. The temporary playlist, which was created earlier, may then be deleted.

Aimersoft’s iMusic is ideal for merging and transferring musical content from a single or even multiple iOS devices to new personal computers or Mac units. It is perhaps one of the best tools available in the market for overhauling your iTunes libraries from data that has already been synced to various multiple devices. It is now laying more emphasis on helping to recover music libraries from iDevices and merging music from multiple gadgets to one iTunes library. It is also useful in importing the content from an old computer or Mac to a new unit.

iMusic - Merging iTunes Library Fast and Quickly

• Download music from more than 300 music sites by copying and pasting the URL.
• Record unlimited music from any website for playback in your computer with just one click.
• Built-in music library let you browse and preview the lattest and hottest music.
• 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 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.

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Steps to Merge Two iTunes Library by iMusic

Step 1: First all you have to do is to install iMusic on your personal computer or Mac. Launch it to it's main interface.

Step 2: Now connect your iPhone, iPod or iPad with usb cable , and select the paylist that you want to transfer.

The playlists and the selected content will be transferred and merged to the iTunes Library within your computer. It will go a step further than other library managers. When you merge the music content on to a new library, you can maintain your song ratings, the skip counts and the play counts intact. iMusic will also be able to copy the videos or any other data from a selected iDevice back to your computer and manage the libraries. It is the perfect companion tool for all users of iTunes as it allows them to do what iTunes cannot.

Part 3. Merging iTunes Library from an External Hard Drive or Other Computers

When you record the iTunes library on to an external hard drive, it is easy to consolidate and merge libraries. The major hurdle is that iTunes does not offer any direct method to merge two separate iTunes libraries. Users may have to manually import all the music and media files into one database for their library.

You need to plug the hard drive into your computer in order to merge and create a new iTunes library for yourself. You will then have to locate the iTunes folder on the external hard drive and the itunes music folder within it which contains the music, podcasts or movies. Choose the folders you want to be moved from the itunes music folder on the hard drive and drag them to your Library section of iTunes on your PC. When the section starts turning blue, the data is being transferred to your new library. You will have to remember that you will lose the play counts and the star ratings when the music is moved to the new library.