Copy iTunes Library to USB Sticks with 2 Helpful Ways [Free]

Adam Cash

Aug 12,2019 • Filed to: iTunes Music Transfer • Proven solutions

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Want to learn how to copy iTunes library to a USB? This is a base feature for most transfer tools, and we’re going to be showing you how to do it for two different programs. Including the methodology for a third-party program and the actual iTunes software. Just a note, the two solutions we’re going to be introducing below are going to be a bit different. For one, we’re going to be copying music from iTunes to USB with iMusic (which means that you’ll get actual audio files.) As for the iTunes tutorial, we’ll only be showing you how you can copy your iTunes library in XML form (so that you can transfer it to another Mac or Windows PC.)

The first thing we’re going to show you is how to copy individual audio files on your iTunes library to your memory stick. For this, we’re going to be using the iTunes Library management menu that iMusic offers. This software acts almost like a direct bridge between iTunes and your device (be it your phone or your PC.) The changes you make on your iTunes will be duplicated here (and vice versa.) That is how you’ll be able to copy that contents of your iTunes library to a USB. Now, as for other things this particular feature allows, you get the following:

iMusic - Best iTunes Library Management Tool to Copy iTunes Library to Any Place

• Copy iTunes Library to New Mac/PC with one click.
• iTunes Library ID3 management automatically.
• Add and Remove media to your iTunes library.
• Clean your iTunes library in one-click (or delete any duplicates)
• Backup and Restore iTunes library content easily.
• Transfer music/video between itunes/windows/mac/ to iPhone/iPad/iPod/android with simple click.

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How to Copy iTunes Library to USB Stick by iMusic

Step 1 — ITUNES LIBRARY

In order to be able to manage your iTunes library, you need to move to the ITUNES LIBRARY page (shown below.) This is where you’ll be able to see and manage your library.

Step 2 — Select All

Now, to copy all your music to a USB stick, you’ll need to select all the available files. To do this quickly, click the Select All box at the top left-hand corner of the window (pointed out in the screen below.)

Step 3 — Export to My Computer

Next, you’ll need to click the Export icon at the top right-hand corner of the screen [1.] Then, when the option appears, select the Export to My Computer option [2.]

Step 4 — USB

Now on the Browse for Folder window that appears (shown below), you’ll be able to select the USB Disk folder (Of course, this would require that you have your memory stick already connected to your PC.)

To start the transfer between your iTunes library and your USB drive, click the OK button.

For our next tutorial, we’re going to be teaching you how to copy your entire iTunes library to a USB stick using iTunes itself! Of course, this method of copying your iTunes library is completely FREE (as it is a built-in feature.) Just a note, this method of copying your iTunes library won’t be copying it with the actual audio files — just an XML document that you can use to move your iTunes library to another PC.

Steps to Copy iTunes Library to USB Stick from iTunes Itself [For Free]

Step 1 — Export Library...

If you want to copy your entire iTunes library to your USB disk, then this is one of the ways to do it with iTunes. First, you’ll need to select the File tab > Library > Export Library...

Step 2 — Save

Next, this pop-up window should appear (refer to the image below.) Here, you’ll be able to name your library and save it as an XML file by clicking the Save button.

Step 3 — Copy Library XML to USB

All you need to do next is find the XML file under This Mac > Music > iTunes folder.

Once you’ve found it, transfer it to your USB disk so that you can use it to transfer the contents of your iTunes library to another Mac computer or Windows PC.

To finish up this article, we’re going to be going through a couple of tips and tricks for copying your iTunes library to a USB stick. These will be pretty basic tips, primarily for beginners who want some information on how the transfer of your iTunes library will be like using iTunes (or even iMusic.)

Tip #1 — Audio Files

If you want to transfer audio files to your USB (and not an XML document like we showed you), then you will only be able to move non-purchased Apple music. There’s a strong likelihood that your files will also be transferred as AAC format (which is iTunes’ preferred audio file format.)

Tip #2 — Playlist

If you want to be able to transfer your playlists individually, then you can use the Export Playlists option. Just like with the one we showed you, it will not transfer as audio files but as a document that you can move to another PC or computer.

Tip #3 — iTunes Media Folder

There is a way of transferring your iTunes music as audio files with iTunes. However, you’ll have to transfer it via the ‘iTunes Media Folder’ method. Again, depending on your settings, you might get these as AAC format rather than the more common MP3.

Tip #4 — Transfer Folder

When transferring your XML copy of your library, you’ll need to put it in the iTunes folder of your Mac (This Mac > Music > iTunes) or your Windows (This PC > Music > iTunes) computer in order for it to work.

Tip #5 — USB Stick

Make sure that your USB is big enough to handle all of your files. Which, depending on the size of your iTunes library, might be a lot more than you’d think!

Conclusion: And so, we finished our “Copy iTunes Library to USB Sticks with 2 Helpful Ways!” It’s actually not as hard as you’d think, and we suggest that you try it out with the iMusic software that we recommended — for maximum efficiency and so you won’t have to deal with the many restrictions and limitations that iTunes enforces on its users.