Creating separate libraries on separate computers

I have master library on an external HDD. I have a macbook Pro and also a PC laptop. I would like to have music on each of these. Preferably, I would like only a portion of my full music, to save space. I would like to sync my Ipod to one or both of these laptops, as I use my Macbook at home, and the PC for travel. I would like to be able to add, burn, and manage the music on each cpu, from that respective cpu.
tyia for any suggestions
Right now, I am thinking that I should create new libraries for each cpu, unless there is a better answer.

I am thinking that I should create new libraries for each cpu
Yes.
Don't know how you would do it otherwise.
I use my Macbook at home, and the PC for travel
Really? Why not other way around?

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I have two libraries on separate computers. If i turned itunes match on in both computers would the two libraries merge? So if my iphone normally syncs with my laptop would i still only get the iphones library or would i get both as one?

I have two libraries on separate computers. If i turned itunes match on in both computers would the two libraries merge? So if my iphone normally syncs with my laptop would i still only get the iphones library or would i get both as one?

Yes, the two libraries should merge. However, you need to turn on match on one computer and let it finish before adding the second library.
Once you turn march on n your phone then you don't sync it with iTunes, but the merged library will show up on the phone. If you don't turn on match on your phone and continue to sync then all of the music from both libraries should be available to sync to it.
The only bit I can't confirm is what happens if you try to sync music to the phone which isnt actually downloaded into iTunes. Im not in a position to test that, but maybe someone else can help.

HT1473 I have two separate iTunes libraries on different computers and I would like to compact into one. But I cannot without completely erasing one of the libraries. How can I do this without deleting anything?

I have two separate iTunes libraries on different computers and I would like to compact into one. But I cannot without completely erasing one of the libraries. How can I do this without deleting anything?

Copy the content from one computer to another and import the media into iTunes.
Any playlists, playcounts, etc on the computer the content is being moved from will be lost.

My iTunes library is too large for my iPod classic--can I create a separate library so that I can split the current library and sync the distinct libraries onto separate iPods?

My iTunes library is too large for my iPod classic--can I create a separate library so that I can split the current library and sync the distinct libraries onto separate iPods?

- If the Gmail accounts are IMAP one then if the library is erased and then you use the account old email will be redownload
- Easing the library on the MacBook does not effect what is on the iMac. On the other hand if you deleted the messages in the Mail app on the MacBook then they will deleted from all devices.
-See the middle of the following. It would seem to help in your situation
http://www.howtogeek.com/209517/how-to-stop-your-macs-mail-app-from-wasting-giga bytes-of-space/

How to create 2 separate libraries on one computer ?

I have two music folders (such as "kids" and "Adults") in the "My Music" folder and I want to create 2 separate libraries for managing the music for Kids versus adults. I cannot figure out how to create a new iTunes library limited to a single folder tree ("kids" for example) . . . because iTunes only gives the option to "Scan for Media" which is promiscuous and scans everything, regardless of where the library files are created.
I know I can temporariry remove the "kids" folder then create a the "Adult" library. Then temporariliy remove "Adults" folder and create a "Kids" library, but thats requires hours of file copying to and from an External USB drive. Once the two libraries are created then they can live together on the same computer . . . but how to get the libraries initially created is the question ?    Maybe I will try NTFS file permissions to make folder 'A' invisible to iTunes while creating the library for folder 'B'.
But there must be an iTunes option to do this . . right ?

RESOLVED . . . Still looking for an iTunes method of creating 2 libraries on 1 computer.   But if it helps for others, you can use NTFS file permissions to deny access to one folder tree to keep iTunes focused on the other folder tree it can see when you select "Scan for Media".
Then reverse the permissions to create the library for the other folder tree.   When done allow access two both trees and they will then co-exist on one computer.
The only remaining inconvenience . . . I have iTunes Match set up on library "Adults". If I sign into the Apple store to buy a song or get artwork from library "Kids", iTunes is populated with the "Adult" songs from iTunes Match. I just have to avoid staying signed into the Store from the "Kids" library, so someone doesn't start downloading "Adults" music into the "Kids" library.
To inform the context of this question, we have 3 Apple portable devices that play from our iTunes Match "adult" library. We also have "Adult" and "kid" devices that are not Apple, so we just copy the respective folder tree to non-Apple devices.
So the use NTFS DENY permissions works for creating two libraries on a single computer, and it only take a few minutes to do, BUT FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T SYSTEM ADMININSTRATORS, IS THERE AN "APPLE WAY" TO DO THIS ON A WINDOWS COMPUTER?

Creating 2 separate libraries on the same computer

So my sister just got her first iPod (nano chromatic), I have had mine for two years (nano second generation). I would like to know if it is possible to create two separate libraries on the same computer. If someone could also please tell me how to do that, that would be awesome. Thank you all so much!
-Auri

To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Shift key in Windows when launching iTunes. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.
Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library: Using multiple iTunes libraries -Windows
Another option is to create a separate Windows User account for each person on your PC. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists
I don't use Windows so I can't give you a step by step on that one, however I can point you to another web page which should help you out. You can read about Windows user accounts here: Create and customize user accounts in Windows XP

ITunes - Creating Separate Libraries

I have a ton of songs in iTunes. editing - searching and finding stuff is getting slower and slower. I seem to remember several years back that there was some way, (I Think involving AppleScript) to have multiple separate libraries within iTunes, but I can't quite remember how this was done. So basically - I would like to create a few separate libraries - possibly one for current music - and another one for archive music - that I will keep but seldom use.
Q: What is the best way to create several different separate libraries in iTunes?

Pardon the intrusion.
Better late than never.
The Lounge should be available to you now. Welcome aboard.

HT3819 how to combine 2 separate libraries to one

how does home sharing work when 2 computers have separate apple IDs?

RESOLVED . . . Still looking for an iTunes method of creating 2 libraries on 1 computer. But if it helps for others, you can use NTFS file permissions to deny access to one folder tree to keep iTunes focused on the other folder tree it can see when you select "Scan for Media".
Then reverse the permissions to create the library for the other folder tree. When done allow access two both trees and they will then co-exist on one computer.
The only remaining inconvenience . . . I have iTunes Match set up on library "Adults". If I sign into the Apple store to buy a song or get artwork from library "Kids", iTunes is populated with the "Adult" songs from iTunes Match. I just have to avoid staying signed into the Store from the "Kids" library, so someone doesn't start downloading "Adults" music into the "Kids" library.
To inform the context of this question, we have 3 Apple portable devices that play from our iTunes Match "adult" library. We also have "Adult" and "kid" devices that are not Apple, so we just copy the respective folder tree to non-Apple devices.
So the use NTFS DENY permissions works for creating two libraries on a single computer, and it only take a few minutes to do, BUT FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T SYSTEM ADMININSTRATORS, IS THERE AN "APPLE WAY" TO DO THIS ON A WINDOWS COMPUTER?

My wife and I share one itunes account with separate libraries. When I sync her iphone in her library, it adds all of my iphone contacts to her contact list. How can we void this?

My wife and I share one itunes account with separate libraries. When I sync her iphone in her library, it adds all of my iphone contacts to her contact list. How can we avoid this?

Make groups of contacts in your Address Book and select the option to sync only selected groups to each phone.
This explains how to create groups: Mac 101: Address Book, http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2486

ITunes account with 2 separate libraries...Can we split the account so neither of us loose our music?

Currently have an iTunes account with 2 separate libraries and would like to split them into two separate accounts. I'd like my niece to have her own account at this point. Can we split the account so that neither of us loose our current music and videos?

You can't split the accounts. Purchased items stay authorized with the account it was purchased on. Really, the only thing you can do is keep your libraries separate and use them that way, or create an account for her, put your purchases in her account and authorize her device(s) to use your apple ID. I've done that with my library; my boyfriend and I share the same library with two different accounts and each of our devices are authorized to play one anothers purchases.
Sorry there's no better way I can think of. I'd like to split our libraries.... I wish Apple would create a feature keeping in mind that people buy new PCs and that family members move and get old enough for their own account, etc. :/

Multiple iPods - One computer - How do I separate libraries?

I have an Ipod and my Two sons have thier own Ipods. When I hook up I get all of their songs on my ipod.
How do I set up Separate Ipod accounts and have my Ipod go to mine only and not theirs?

When the iPods belong to different people, there are basically three ways of using multiple iPods on a computer and these involve:
a) Sharing a single iTunes library
b) Creating Multiple Libraries in a single user account
c) Creating multiple user accounts.
Note: When you are sharing an iTunes library, you don't have to set each iPod to update in the same manner, you can mix and match from the options below as each iPod has it's own update settings
Sharing a Library and/or User Account
If you want to share the one library, you can set either or all of the iPods so that they only get updated with only certain playlists (you can update from more than one if you wish): Loading songs onto iPod automatically - Windows
Choosing the update option "Sync Music - Selected playlists" allows you to create a playlist specifically for the iPod and drag the tracks you want into it. If you tire of the list and want to change it, you just add or remove the songs you don't want. The ones you take out out remain in the library to be used some other time if you choose. You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
Or you can choose to update any or all of the iPods manually and just drag whatever content you want to them: Managing content manually on iPod
Loading the iPod shuffle differs slightly but it can still be used with the others, for details have a look at this page: Loading songs onto iPod shuffle - Windows
Multiple Libraries
It's also possible to have multiple libraries in a single account. To create or access a second (or more) library, hold down the Option key (or Shift key in Windows) when launching iTunes 7. In the resulting dialogue you will get the option to create a new library or navigate to the other Library.
Note: You can only have one Library open at a time and iTunes will default to the last library opened if you don't use the keyboard command to choose one. This can prove tricky when using multiple iPods, if you don't use the keyboard command you can risk syncing to the wrong library: Using multiple iTunes libraries -Windows
Separate User Accounts
Another option is to create a separate User account for each person on your PC or Mac. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists
I don't use Windows so I can't give you a step by step on that one, however I can point you to another web page which should help you out. You can read about Windows user accounts here: Using Windows XP User Accounts

How can two users have separate libraries in iTunes?

I have a library in iTunes for my 20 GB iPod, and now someone else in the house has an iPod shuffle. How is the shuffle installed into iTunes without overriding my library? Will it become obvious when the shuffle software is downloaded? Will I be forced to upgrade to the current version of iTunes (I've been avoiding that because when I previously upgraded I had endless problems with iTunes until the next version came out)? Thanks for any help!!
spurvis

Two iPods can update from the same library if you choose. The shuffle has two fill options, autofill which adds a random selection of songs or manual and you drag what you want to it. You can continue to manage your other iPod whatever way you want to. You can also create a separate User account for each person on your PC. Different accounts by definition would give you completely separate libraries. Each account has it's own iTunes folder, Library and iTunes Music folder and you load it with CDs etc just as you did with your original one. The iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses. The iPod shuffle 2nd generation requires iTunes 7 so if you are still on 6 you'll need to update.

How do I set up two libraries on one pc so that we have two separate libraries for each iPhone?

How do I set up two libraries on one pc so that we have two separate libraries for each iPhone?

Launch it with the Shift key held down, or create a second Windows user account.
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My husband and I share a new PC. We have different music tastes and each have an iphone. How can we both use our one computer and one itunes program with separate music libraries and separate iphones?

My husband and I share a new PC. We have different music tastes and each have an iphone. How can we both use our one computer and one itunes program with separate music libraries and separate iphones?

Each device only syncs waht you select.
Select only what you want for each phone.

My wife and i both have an itunes library installed on to our separate pc's, we are now de-commissioning the pc's and are moving over to a single mac mini, can we install both libraries on to the mac mini and run them as separate libraries?

my wife and i both have an itunes library installed on to our separate pc's, we are now de-commissioning the pc's and are moving over to a single mac mini, can we install both libraries on to the mac mini and run them as separate libraries?

graham218 wrote:
are moving over to a single mac mini, can we install both libraries on to the mac mini and run them as separate libraries?
Generally YES.
It's possible to hold separate iTunes library's on a single machine.
Generate two new folders inside the Music folder of the Mini and name them differently; e.g. man and woman.
Copy your whole library into "man" and your wifes into "woman"
Go to sharing in the system settings of the Mini and share the Music folder in your network.
After copying the whole library's to the Mini you may point iTunes to the new location at startup by holding the option key (alt) at the keyboard.
iTunes will then ask you where the library is located.
Point it to the matching library on the Mini.
That's all.
Lupunus
PS ... If you both use only the Mini you have to setup a user account for each and just copy the whole library to the Music folder in particular.
Message was edited by: lupunus

Creating separate libraries on separate computers

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