Can I split iTunes library (video content on one machine, music on another)

I am running out of space on my MacBook Pro.
Is there a way I can keep all the music in the iTunes library on the MacBook Pro, and then move all my video content (which has almost filled all the drive space on the laptop) to my Mac Pro?
So basically have 2 different locations for iTunes content?
Thank you.

Perhaps it is possible. I am researching the same issue as you stated. See the URL below and see if it helps you.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iTunesMac/7.5/en/2607x.html

Similar Messages

Itunes Library .itl file in one folder, music in another Itunes makes no sense!

A while ago I attempted to move one of my libraries to another folder to try to force Itunes to orginise my files in a way that makes sense.   Older versions of itunes apparently used a Music folder and the new one doesn't (or is it the other way around). So I end up with some files in The Beatles/ItunesMedia/Music/Beatles and other files in Itunes The Beatles/Itunes Mediia/Beatles.
I wanted to force Itunes to re-orginize all of the files under which ever system is newer. I read up and was happy to find tha Itunes had a command to re-orginize and/or consolidate the files.   BUT carrying out this process turned out to be baffling.   It is very unclear what exactly these commands do and how to use them.
So now I have one folder called The Beatles and another folder called The Beatles ALL.   My .itl file is in The Beatles and all my music is in folders in The Beatles All/
I tried to fix this and saw some really strange behavior.   When I open my Library and play a song, that song is moved to ANOTHER folder next to the Music folder.   So now I have my itl file in one folder, most of my music in another folder, and two songs in this new folder that itunes just created.   I'm guessing that everytime I play a song itunes will move it to the new folder (Why?)
If you don't use separate Libraries please don't ask me why I am using separate Libraries.    I have a LOT of Beatles music that is more of a historical collection and I need to keep it separate from the Library of albums that I actually listen too.
To me itunes behavior is crazy.   Can some one explain it in a way that will make me slap my forehead and say "of course...it makes so much sense!"?   or is it just as bizzare and random as I think?
Another approach that I considered was just creating a new library and importing all of those songs. But I believe I would lose all of my playlists and I have my beatles collection extensively orginized by playlists.
Help appreciated.
Mike

This is an overview of how your library ought to be organized and how you might get it there. I can give specific instructions if you provide more details such as the full locations of the folders you mentioned earlier.
Make a split library portable
Here are the typical layouts for the iTunes folders:
In the layout above, with the media folder (everything in the red box) inside the library folder, the library is considered to be portable. A portable library can be moved from one path to another without breaking the links between the library and the media, and being self-contained is much easier to backup (You do backup, don't you?).
You can rearrange things to make a split library portable by taking a number of small steps which don't break the library.
Before you start any media files that are outside of the media folder will need to be consolidated (File > Library > Organize Library > Consolidate Files). If the library is in the old style layout then it should be upgraded to iTunes Media Organization (File > Library > Organize Library > Rearrange files in the folder <Media Folder>) to ensure that iPod Games, Mobile Applications etc. are brought inside the media folder.
The basic non-fatal manipulations are:
You can connect to an alternate set of library files by holding down Shift (Win) or Option (Mac) when starting iTunes.
You can move the library files to a new location as long as the media stays put.
You can move the library files and the media together if the media folder is a direct subfolder of the library folder.
If you have already moved/copied the media content from a subfolder of the library folder to a different location then you only need to copy the library files for it to appear as if you have moved the entire library in the way allowed above. I.e. just copy the library files into the parent folder of the media folder.
You can rename the media folder to iTunes Media (if it isn't already) if the media folder is inside the library folder.
iTunes (prior to iTunes 11) uses the name of the folder holding the library files as the window title. Having made a library "portable" you may need to take a final step of renaming the library folder to iTunes or, if the library files have ended up at the root of a drive, moving all of the library files and content folders into a new folder called iTunes.
After each change you need to open, test and close the relevant library before attempting another change. If a change broke the library, undo it or revert to using the previous set of library files.
In essence all you need to do to make your library portable is copy the library files into the parent folder of the media folder on the external/secondary drive and use the hold-down-shift/option-when-starting-iTunes method to connect to it. Other manipulations may be required to normalize the library so that the library and media folders have standard names.
tt2

Can I use aperture library on more than one machine

My situation is thus:
I have a Macbook Pro on which my Aperture Library resides, in wherever Aperture decided to put it when I bought the software.
I now have a iMac, which obviously will be better than the Macbook for photo editing.
But I want to be able to take my Aperture Library with me when I take the Macbook out and about, and if necesary still edit on the Macbook.
Is there any way to share the Aperture Library, so that I can edit on the iMac, but leave the library on the Macbook, and then edit on the Macbook if I wish.
I am the only user, and will only be using Aperture on one machine at any one time.
I have searched archives but not managed to find the answer.

Is it possible to simply share the directory that contains the necessary file(s).
If your Library is in the location that aperture picks by default, then it will be in your "Pictures" folder - look for a file with a name like "Aperture Library. aplibrary".
What you will need to share depends on your import strategy for the master images. If you use managed masters, and all your master images reside inside the Aperture library, then you simply need to make this library file accessible or copy it to an external disk.
If on the other hand your masters are referenced, then I would recommend to consolidate them into the library before you share the library and then share the consolidated library.
If you will share your library over the network or just by moving it to an external device is really up to you, but you might consider the following pros and cons:
- If you want to profit from the faster CPU on your iMac, then you should keep the library on the fastes volume that is available, and a network volume might be much slower than a directly connected volume.
- if the network fails during a critical operation your library might get corrupted, if it resides on a network volume - there have been quite a few problems reported in this forum.
That is why I suggested to use your Macbook as directly mounted external volume, that leaves the library in its place on the Macbook Pro - no need to copy - and you have a very quick and stable connection, but the decision is yours to make. You will have to be comfortable with the workflow you choose.
HTH
Léonie

Computer Hard Drive Failure - How can I copy itunes library to new pc/ipod?

Hi
My old desktop pc hard drive recently crashed due to a critical error so I have invested in a new pc and am considering purchasing a more up to date ipod to replace my old ipod mini. Is there are way I can access, retrieve or transfer my existing itunes library of imported cd / downloaded (purchased) music from my old pc (e.g. from the ipod mini itself or by loading my original software disc on the new pc?) to my new pc / ipod or do I have to start again from scratch and lose purchased tunes etc? If so, Apple may lose a customer, which would be a shame.
Many thanks for your help.
Mike

1). Connect your iPod to your new computer. If it is set to update automatically you'll get a message that it is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press "Cancel". Pressing "Erase and Sync" will irretrievably remove all the songs from your iPod.
2). When your iPod appears in the iTunes source list change the update setting to manual, that will let you use your iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button. Also when using most of the utilities listed below your iPod needs to be enabled for disc use, changing to manual update will do this by default: Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone
3). Once you are safely connected there are a few things you can do to restore your iTunes from the iPod. There are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod. You'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos, podcasts and games as well. Have a look at the web pages and documentation, this is just a small selection of what's available, they are generally quite straightforward. You can read reviews and comparisons of some of them here:
Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
Comparison of iPod managers
TuneJack Windows Only (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
SharePod Windows Only (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod2PC Windows Only
iDump Windows Only
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac and Windows
iPod Music Liberator Mac & Windows
Floola Mac & Windows
Music Rescue Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iGadget Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iRepo Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod Access Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
TouchCopy Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
If you have any iTunes Music Store purchases the transfer of purchased content only from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. You'll find details in this article: Copying iTunes Store purchases from your iPod or iPhone to a computer
There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available on page 2 at this link: Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide
4). Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync.
5). I would also advise that you get yourself an external hard drive and back your stuff up, relying on an iPod as your sole backup is not a good idea and external drives are comparatively inexpensive these days, you can get loads of storage for a reasonable outlay: Back up your iTunes library by copying to an external hard drive

How can i split a library into two.. i no longer want to sync all of my wifes songs and apps.. i have a separate account, but want to take my music and apps from hers so i now have my own and she has her own.. so that syncing is easier

how can i split a library.. my wife and i used to share it, but now we have our own id's.. i want my music and apps off of hers so that i can sync my phone and only my music and apps will "come over"

how do i share then? can she upload music if we share it somehow?
If so how??
i am also having the same problems now with IPhoto, she has all of her/our pics in my IPhoto library.
I have told her that now i have bought her the Ipad she would have to log into her user, the only thing is there is no music in her itunes account nor photos in her I Photo library, i have spent all day trying to find a way to "share" but no luck,
Please help i`m going mad!
Surely we could just share these...?
I need step by step instructions please someone send me a link on "how to share pics and music!"

None of my iDevices can read my iTunes library after an hour of availibility. When I first start iTunes I can read the library, but after about 30 minutes my iPad's and iPhones can no longer access the library. I see it in the shared list, but no access.

None of my iDevices can read my iTunes library after about 30 minutes. My iDevices lose connection to my library and I have to do one of the three following things in iTunes to regain connectivity: 1. Restart iTunes 2: Stop / Start Home Services 3: Start playing a song.
I'ts as if iTunes goes into a background or sleep mode. During the loss of connectivity my iDevices show that there's a library shared, but I cannot connect to it.

Smae issue here, but I'm unable to get Home Sharing started again (after MAc and iOS restarts, Home Sharing on/off. etc.) This happend a few weeks ago and turngin Home Sharing Off/On fixed the connection issue b/w iPad2 5.1 and iTunes 10.6.1 running on a OSX10.6.8.
I updated to iOS 5.1.1 on iPad2 today, watched a movie and then about 20 minutes into a 2nd movie I lost connection (Sharing tab in Video app disappeared and has not come back.) The update seems like the culprit, but odd it worked for over 2 hours before stopping, odd I can't get Sharing to work anymore (iTunes see's my iOS devices b/c I can conenct to iTunes to enter my passcod efor connecting the Remote app.) Appears to be an issue with iTunes broadcasting Home Sharing, even thougt it says it is on.

I bought a new laptop and can access my itunes library but when i try to add purchased playlist songs to my ipod message appears asking if I'm ok with erasing all other songs on the ipod. Help needed.

I bought a new laptop and can access my itunes library but when i try to add purchased playlist songs to my ipod message appears asking if I'm ok with erasing all other songs on the ipod. How do I add purchased playlist to ipod without erasing existing ipod playlists?

cujoftw wrote:
wow ... I get a headache just trying to read what you just said. I went and read how to migrate my library and found that you can only migrate purchased media.
No, you can easily migrate your entire library from one working compter to another.
If you fail to backup or migrate your library and find yourself with nothing but a new empty computer and a device full of content iTunes is designed to only recover the iTunes purchased content, however third party tools can help recover everything if needed.
tt2

Can't add itunes library to my ipod etc since installing itunes on my new computer. HELP!

I have just installed itunes on my new PC and am trying to add some songs onto an ipod. The songs were purchases from the Itunes store. I go through the process of drag and drop onto the device (its the same with my ipad and iphone) but it won't work. Since installing itunes on my new computer I have bought an album off itunes and it downloaded with no problems - but any of my old purchases won't transfer over. Not sure what I am doing wrong. I haven't as yet transferred over my music libray from my old PC (songs that I burnt ) so not sure if it would be the same. I would have thought that songs that have been purchased in itunes should easily transfer. Help please?

Move the files for your new purchases out to the desktop.
Migrate your library properly from your old computer as given below.
Move the files stored on the desktop into the Automatically Add to iTunes folder.
Migrate iTunes Library
These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
Method 2
Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data from the device.
If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
tt2

ERROR (-50) can't save iTunes library

Since last some weeks, whem I use iTunes it appears this message on popup continuously: Can't save iTunes library. Unknown error (-50).
What must I do?
Thanks

Hello, lepps.
Here is are a couple articles that you may find helpful when troubleshooting this issue.
iTunes Store: "Error (-50)" when downloading purchased content
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1583
iTunes: Missing folder or incorrect permissions may prevent authorization
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1277
Cheers,
Jason H.

My iTunes library is constructed entirely of uploaded music cds. How can I transfer this music to another mac

My iTunes library is constructed entirely of uploaded music cds. How can I transfer this music to another mac (I'm replacing current macbook)? Eventually, I will begin using itunes to download / purchase music. Do i need to transfer original library before updating itunes library on the cloud? What's order of operations?

From your OLD computer...
Copy your ENTIRE iTunes FOLDER to an External Drive... and then from the External Drive to your New Computer..
Full Details Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
An Added Bonus is that you will have a Backup of iTunes.
Also have a look at these 2 Videos...
http://macmost.com/moving-your-itunes-library.html
http://macmost.com/moving-your-itunes-media-to-an-external-drive.html

I lost my iPod Nano. Can I retrieve all of the songs in my itunes library, or just the ones I purchased from the store?

I lost my iPod Nano. Can I retrieve all of the songs in my iTunes library, or just the ones I bought through the iTunes store?

The "bar" at the bottom does not say anything about all of your songs being on the iPod. It just shows you how much of its storage capacity is being used, based on what is on the iPod.
If you see "On This iPod," that means the iTunes sidebar (along left side of window) is not visible. This is easier to describe with the sidebar visible, so from the iTunes menu bar, under View, select Show Sidebar.
Select the iPod in the sidebar, under DEVICES. There is a bar of buttons near the top, starting with Summary. Click on Music next to Summary. This is the iPod's Music screen, where you tell iTunes how to sync songs to the iPod.
Check the box for Sync Music. You can choose to sync Entire music library, if (?) your iTunes music library fits on the iPod. With this setting, your entire iTunes music library syncs to the iPod, and new songs get synced automatically. A 7th gen iPod nano is 16GB, so your iTunes music library would have to be less than 16GB (not counting non-music content on the iPod). Otherwise, you can choose to sync Selected playlists, artists, albums, and genres. Then, select (checkmark) the playlists, artists, albums, and/or genres you want on the iPod from the lists below. If you want newly added songs to sync to the iPod, they must be part of your selection. For example, you can add them to a playlist that you have selected for syncing to the iPod.
When you click Apply, the songs from your selection sync to the iPod. Going forward, changes to your iTunes library (based on your settings on the iPod's Music screen) sync automatically to the iPod, the next time it is connected (or when you click Sync).

Split itunes library

can i split my library? onto 2 external usb drives, say movies and tv shows on one drive and music and apps on another (itunes program is installed on internal c drive, but library is getting very large, 750 gb and growing)

Not easily, it can be done with a script, or by changing the media folder, selectively consolidating, and then deleting the originals. Much better however to invest in an external drive big enough for your library with some room for growth (and a second to back it up to) then copy the entire iTunes folder out to the external drive and hold down shift as you start itunes to connect to the relocated library.
tt2

Can I share iTunes library between different users on the same pc

I want to know if and how I can share an iTunes library with other user accounts on the same laptop? Can anyone help please.

Jim, sorry, I should have mentioned that permissions issue.
I have a similar setup on a Mac mini. I have the entire iTunes library in the shared folder and on each user account, I point it to that iTunes library file. That way there isn't a permissions problem when multiple accounts are connected to it.
The only problem with that is that each user account connected to that iTunes library can make changes to the library file (ratings, playlists, etc.)

How can I import playlists, ratings, and play counts from an old iTunes library into a new one?

After reading countless threads re: how to get the iTunes artwork screensaver to work, I decided to delete my iTunes library file and reimport all of music which resulted in fixing the iTunes artwork screensaver. Unfortunately (and expectedly), my playlists, playcounts, and other information were lost with the creation of a new library. Is there any way to import the playlists, ratings and play counts for my music from an old library file to my current one? I realize this may be complex, but I'm up for the task.
Thanks in advance,
B

I can't begin to describe how frustrating the screensaver issue has been for me (and I suspect countless others, judging by the number of threads on the topic).
I took your advice, though, just to test it. After backing up my current library.itl, I copied and pasted the old .itl file into its place. As expected the playlists, play counts, etc were instantly restored. And now the screensaver fails to work with the dreaded error 'No iTunes artwork found' which makes me think it IS an issue with the old library file. The only work around I've seen so far is to rebuild the library (which I did).
I'm afraid I'm going to be forced into choosing either a working screen saver or all my itunes data. Very frustrating indeed.
Here's a link to the 'definitive' fix for the screensaver, if you're interested.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3695200?start=0&tstart=0
Thanks again,
B

How can I transfer my iTunes library and playlists from one computer to another?

How can I transfer my iTunes library and playlists from one computer to another?

Copy the iTunes folder (Mac: Home\Music or PC: My Music) to the same location on the new computer. If an iTunes folder already exists on the new computer (it will on a Mac) replace it with one you copied.

Can I split iTunes library (video content on one machine, music on another)

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for