If you just purchased a new Mac and would like to copy the entire iTunes Library from old computer to the new one, you will want to read this article! There is no need to feel panic or nervous even though you've never done such a task. I've helped customers back up iPhone to Mac, and I've also helped them transfer music, photos, videos, etc. from iOS device to Mac. Now I'm happy to solve this trouble for you if you do think it's a daunting task to move your iTunes library over to the new Mac.
2017-3-2 I need my library to exist on the TB mass storage drive, even though of course itunes is on my boot drive (C: ). I know that you can choose the library's location by holding SHIFT and launching itunes, so I think my main problem is the transfer itself. Every now and then, an iTunes Library has problems. You may have tracks or songs that disappear in the library, but that are still in your iTunes Media folder. Or playlists may change or disappear. Or there may be other, inexplicable problems. One way to try and fix these issues is to rebuild your iTunes library.
The method that we'll use in this article requires a program called FonePaw iOS Transfer. It's a user-friendly program that can copy iTunes library to new Mac. All types of data including photos, videos, contacts, notes, messages, playlist, books, etc. are supported by this program. Besides, you can transfer files directly between iOS devices and computer with different combinations, such as from iOS device to iOS device, from iOS device to computer or vice versa. This program works with well with iMac, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, etc.
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Move iTunes Library to New Mac
Note:
• Before getting started, please sync your iTunes library with iPhone/iPad/iPod so as to make sure that you've copied the entire iTunes library with all music, videos, playlist, etc. to your iOS device.
• If you are using a Windows computer, please refer to how to transfer iTunes library to new computer.
Step 1. Launch FonePaw iOS Transfer on Mac
First of all, download and install the software on your new Mac. After that, launch the program and connect your device to Mac via the USB cable. Wait until you see the below interface pop up.
Step 2. Copy iTunes Library to New Mac
Way 1: Transfer Entire iTunes Library to New Mac
Go to 'To iTunes' from the main window, click it and then you will get a pop-up window which asks you to choose a folder on Mac to save the iTunes Library. Meanwhile, you can see all files that will be transferred to Mac before the process starts. The entire iTunes library includes Music, Ringtones, Moives, Podcasts, etc. Click on 'Start' to begin the process.
Export Itunes Library Mac To Pc
Way 2: Move Particular Data in iTunes Library to New Mac
Different from method 1, method 2 allows you to preview the iTunes library before the process starts. You can click on any categories you like from the left sidebar like Media, Photos, Contacts, etc. and then preview and mark down the items you want to copy selectively. When it's done, go to 'Export to' > 'Export to Mac' to transfer the items to new Mac.
Library Target
Finally, you can go to your new Mac and check the iTunes library once the copy is completed. If you realize the extraordinary features of FonePaw iOS Transfer, don't hesitate to download and have a try. Leave your comments below if you have any troubles with this task.
Enjoy your iTunes library, and have fun!
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Here are some things to know
Your iTunes library, a database that's made up of all of the music and other media that you add to iTunes for Windows, is organized into two iTunes library files and an iTunes Media folder.
Before you back up your media:
- Consolidate your iTunes library.
- Redownload any previous purchases, like music, movies, TV shows, and more. The only way to back up your purchased media is to download your purchases to your computer.
iTunes and Store availability and features might vary by country or region. Learn what's available in your country or region.
If you have a Mac
In macOS Catalina, your previous iTunes media library is now available in the Apple Music app, Apple TV app, Apple Podcasts app, and Apple Books app. And when you back up your Mac, your media library is automatically included in that backup.
Consolidate your iTunes library
- Open iTunes.
- From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window, choose File > Library > Organize Library.
- Select Consolidate files.
- Click OK.
When you consolidate, copies of any files that were outside of your iTunes Media folder are added to your iTunes Media folder. To save space on your hard drive, you might want to delete the original files after you make sure that the copies are in your iTunes Media Folder.
Find the iTunes Media folder
By default, your iTunes Media folder is in your iTunes folder. To find it, go to User > Music > iTunes > iTunes Media.
If you don't see your iTunes Media folder in the above location, here's how to find it:
- Open iTunes.
- From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Edit > Preferences.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Look in the box under 'iTunes Media folder location' for the location of your iTunes Media folder.
Back up your library and media files
After you consolidate your media files, you can back up your library and media files to an external drive.
- Quit iTunes.
- Find your iTunes folder.
- Right-click on your iTunes folder, then choose Copy.
- Go to your external hard drive, then right-click and choose Paste.
Restore your library from a backup
You can restore your iTunes library from your external drive to your computer. If you're restoring an iTunes Library from a different computer, make sure that your new computer has the latest version of iTunes.
- Quit iTunes.
- Go to 'This Computer,' then click your external drive.
- Select your iTunes folder, then right-click and choose Copy.
- Go to the location on your computer where you want your iTunes library, then right-click and choose Paste.
- Hold down the Shift key while opening iTunes.
- When you see a message that asks you to Choose iTunes Library, click Choose Library.
- Choose the location where you copied your iTunes folder.
- Click Open.
- Choose the iTunes Library.itl file inside.