How to import a itunes libary

I have a very basic question that i cant figure out the answer to (i feel silly for asking). I just bought a mac and owuld like to import my itunes libray saved on a external library, how would i do that with out overiding the files saved on my itunes libary on my new mac? I tried file import and clicked the library file on the external hardrive but nothing happened. I know how to import individual songs, but how would i import the Libary with all the saved data (albums covers, ratings, and play count).

AppleNewbie5682 wrote:
If i press option while launching itunes and launch the itunes library from my external hd, will it merge those files/info with the itunes library on my mac?
not automatically. first, you need to add whatever media files you have on your startup disk.
to do that, launch iTunes as suggested above and navigate to the library file on the external. next, go file > +add to library+ and navigate to the iTunes music folder on your startup disk. iTunes will move all media files found in the iTunes music folder on the startup disk to the external drive.
when that process is finished, check that all files have indeed been moved by right-clicking on random files you know where on the internal drive and choosing +get info+. go to the summary tab and look at the bottom of the +get info+ window. it will show you the path to the original file (which should be the external drive). if satisfied, you can delete the content of the iTunes music folder on your internal drive.

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