Transferring playlists between iTunes libraries

Article

Transferring playlists between iTunes libraries

Ask iLounge offers readers the opportunity to get answers to their iPod-, iPhone-, iPad-, iTunes-, or Apple TV-related questions from a member of the iLounge editorial team. We'll answer several questions here each week, and of course, you can always get help with more immediate concerns from the iLounge Discussion Forums. Submit your questions for consideration using our Ask iLounge Submit Form. We reserve the right to edit questions for grammar, spelling, and length.

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

Q: I have a PC with a complete iTunes library. I have set up a second PC and have copied the entire library from the first PC to the second PC. My daughter has multiple playlists on the iTunes library in the first PC. How can we transfer the various playlists on to the iTunes library in the second PC?

- Peter

A: If the tracks themselves exist on both computers, the simplest way to transfer your playlists is to export them from your first iTunes library, and then import them into the second iTunes library. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to do this en-masse unless you really want to move the entire library, including all ratings and play counts as well.

To export an individual playlist, simply select the playlist in iTunes, and choose File, Export… from the iTunes menu:

You will be prompted for a file name and location to save the exported playlist to. By default, this should be the name of the playlist followed by the XML extension. These defaults should work fine in most cases.

Once you’ve exported your playlists, simply copy them over to the second computer, and bring them into the second iTunes library using the File, Import option:

Specify the name of the XML file that you exported earlier, and the playlist will be created in your second iTunes library, with references to all of the tracks that exist in that library.

Note that this procedure does not move over any of the files themselves. These must already exist in the target library and have the same track and artist names in order to be properly identified for the imported playlist.

The most asked question at iLounge.com:

How do I copy content from my iPod/iPhone onto my computer?

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, Apple TV and iPhone Video Formats

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Mac)

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Win)

Best Speakers?

Best Headphones?

Best Case?

Best In-Car Solution?

Best Battery Extender?

Find more answers in the latest publications in our Library. Free downloads developed by the editors of iLounge!

Ask iLounge Archives:

5-23-13: Costs associated with using FaceTime

5-22-13: iMessages showing as Delivered when iPhone is out of coverage

5-21-13: Inability to use Find My Friends without a passcode

5-17-13: Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore

5-16-13: Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

« Importing audiobooks

iDesign Interview: Belkin, On Collaboration and Solutions »

Comments

If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.

Recent Reviews

New Deals

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.

iLounge

Article