How to export itunes library to mp3 (names & folders intact)

Question

Hi,
I cant seem to find a solution to my problem. A family member has her music all stored on iTunes, however she now needs it taken off her old laptop. She is wanting it converted to mp3, is this possible?
I read I can select the tracks and export to mp3...but I would like to keep the track names and folder names intact. Basically, I would like an exact copy, but as mp3?
Is this possible? Even if I need software, I dont mind...hope I explained that well enough.
Thanks in advance, Im a total itunes noob.

Answer 1

There are two slightly different questions in there...
Moving an iTunes library to a new computer
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 failed to move contacts and calendar items across 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.
Converting media to mp3
Generally you don't need to convert media files to a different format but if you plan to use an mp3 only player then it may be necessary. Converting from one lossy format to another will lose a bit of fidelity. You should only convert files of a different format, and there is no point converting to a higher bit rate, so it may make sense to use a smart playlist to select specific files to target for conversion together, e.g. 256k aac files to be converted to 256k mp3. The new files will have the same filenames (will a different extension) and be stored in the same folders as the originals, and the library will contain duplicate copies of each track. If you want to permanently swap formats and replace the originals then my script ConvertFormat should do the trick.
tt2