How do I export my entire iTunes library?

To export your entire iTunes library, you will typically perform two key actions: exporting the library's structural metadata (including playlists) and consolidating and copying all your media files. This ensures you have both your organized data and the actual audio/video content.

Understanding What "Exporting Your Entire iTunes Library" Means

"Exporting your entire iTunes library" generally refers to two distinct but complementary processes:

1. Exporting Library Metadata: This involves saving the organizational structure of your library, such as playlists, ratings, play counts, and other details. This information is saved in an XML format.
2. Exporting Media Files: This involves consolidating and copying the actual music, videos, audiobooks, and other media files that make up your collection. These are the physical files (e.g., MP3, AAC, MOV).

Here's a breakdown of what each part entails:

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting Your iTunes Library Metadata (Playlists)

Exporting your library's metadata creates an XML file that captures the structure and details of your playlists and library content.

How to Export Your Library XML File

1. Open iTunes: Launch the iTunes application on your computer.
2. Navigate to File Menu: In the top menu bar, click on File.
3. Go to Library: From the drop-down menu, hover over Library.
4. Select Export Library: Click on Export Library....
5. Choose Save Location: A "Save As" dialog box will appear. Choose a convenient location on your computer to save the file (e.g., your Desktop or Documents folder).
6. Save the File: Give the file a name (e.g., "iTunes Library Export") and click Save. The exported information will be saved in XML format.

This XML file contains references to your media files' locations and all your playlist structures. It does not contain the actual media files themselves.

How to Consolidate and Copy Your iTunes Media Files

To truly export your "entire" library, you'll also need to ensure all your media files are gathered in one place and then copy them.

Consolidating Your Library Files

iTunes can often have media files scattered across various folders on your computer. Consolidating them moves all files referenced in your library into the designated iTunes Media folder, making it easier to copy your entire collection.

1. Open iTunes: Launch iTunes.

2. Access Preferences/Options:

   • On Windows: Go to Edit > Preferences.
   • On macOS (older iTunes): Go to iTunes > Preferences.

3. Go to Advanced Tab: In the Preferences window, click on the Advanced tab.

4. Locate iTunes Media Folder Location: Note the path listed under "iTunes Media folder location." This is where your consolidated files will be stored.

5. Consolidate Files:

   • Go to the File menu in iTunes.
   • Hover over Library.
   • Click on Organize Library....
   • In the window that appears, check the box next to Consolidate files.
   • Click OK.
   • iTunes will now copy all media files referenced in your library to the iTunes Media folder. This process might take some time depending on the size of your library. Original files from external locations will remain, but copies will be made in the iTunes Media folder.

   For more detailed information on consolidating your library, you can refer to Apple's official support documentation on changing where your iTunes files are stored, which includes the consolidation process: Consolidate your files in iTunes/Music.

Copying Your Consolidated iTunes Folder

After consolidating, your entire media collection, along with your library files (the main database files), will typically reside within a single "iTunes" folder, usually found in your user's Music directory.

1. Locate the iTunes Folder:
   • On Windows: Navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\Music\iTunes\
   • On macOS (older iTunes): Navigate to ~/Music/iTunes/
     This folder contains your iTunes Library.itl file (the main database), the iTunes Library.xml file (which you exported separately, but a version also exists here), and the "iTunes Media" folder containing all your music, videos, and other content.
2. Copy the Entire iTunes Folder: Drag and drop or copy the entire iTunes folder to your desired export location (e.g., an external hard drive, a network drive, or a cloud storage service).

Important Considerations

• External Drives: If exporting to an external drive, ensure it has enough free space for your entire library.
• Transferring to a New Computer: When setting up iTunes on a new computer, you can copy the entire iTunes folder (containing both the .itl database and the media folder) to the new computer's Music directory. Then, open iTunes while holding the Shift key (Windows) or Option/Alt key (macOS) to choose an existing library, pointing it to the .itl file within the copied folder.
• File Paths: Be aware that if you move your media files manually without consolidating or updating the library, iTunes might lose track of them. Consolidating helps prevent this by bringing everything under the iTunes Media folder.