Keep iTunes folder organized: only iTunes folder?

If I check the option "Keep iTunes folder organized" will it only organize the folder specified above this setting (the location of the iTunes Music folder), or will it also organize everything else? Such as the music I imported from other directories.
Windows XP

See my answer in this thread:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8228727&#8228727
The check box has not effect on tracks purchased from the store or ripped from CD using iTunes. iTunes organises them anyway.
It really matters if you have a music folder which you have organised yourself and you want to make it your iTunes music folder and you want to keep that structure.
If you add a track to your library that is not in the iTunes Music folder with the "Copy to ..." box unchecked, iTunes will store a link to the file.
If the "Copy to..." box is checked, iTunes copies the file into the iTunes music folder, leaving the original intact.
Message was edited by: polydorus

Similar Messages

ITunes 12.1.0.71 broke "Keep iTunes Media folder organized" option

After upgrading to iTunes 12.1.0.71 (64 bit) on my PC, iTunes is no longer organizing my iTunes media folder.
Example:
I drop a video into "automatically add to iTunes" folder
Video appears as a Home Video in iTunes as expected
I go into "get info" > Options for the video and set the Media Kind to "Movie"
Video now appears in the Movie lists, however(!)
iTunes does NOT move the file out of iTunes/Home Videos into iTunes/Movies on my hard drive like it used to
So now I have Movies piling up in the "Home Video" folder instead of getting auto-sorted correctly. The "Keep iTunes Media folder organized" option I have enabled in preferences is, obviously, not working.
This is happening for "TV Shows" as well. In addition, I can no longer set disc (season) and track (episode) numbers for TV Shows so that they're renamed with the season/episode numbers in front of the episode name. There used to be a work-around where I would shift-click "Get Info" to get into the old style pane / control panel, but this no longer works. I can't figure out how to rename files from within iTunes to force the issue. If I rename the files by hand before importing into iTunes, iTunes erases the disc/track numbers off the front of the filenames.
Does anyone know what's wrong? Why are my videos not auto-sorting into the correct folder / sub-folder hierarchy on my hard drive? Why is everything piling up in my "Home Video" folder even though iTunes has been told that they are NOT home videos? Help!

iTunes 12.0 had an issue with not moving video files around after tag/media kind changes. That seems unchanged. A workaround is to uncheck the Keep organized option, click OK, then set it active again.
The iTunes 12.1 version of Get Info appears, at first glance, to include all of the properties that were only available in the old school get info dialog in the previous version. Also gone are the Add Field button for optionally enabled fields, and the autocomplete on space bug. The old dialog doesn't seem to be available from any keyboard combination, although I quite possibly haven't tried everything.
tt2

What happens after unchecking 'Keep iTunes Music folder organized'?

After unchecking the 'Keep iTunes Music folder organized' option, am I right in thinking that future additions to the library are simply linked from their default location? If so, what happens when ripping CDs, and how is it possible to rename or move files/folders without iTunes failing to find them and having to add them again?

It's more what doesn't happen rather than what does. If you like to organise your own folders in your Music folder you must leave it unchecked, as checking it gives iTunes the authority to rename and move tracks at will.
If you rip a CD with iTunes and the iTunes Music folder according the tabs recovered from Grace note. The hierarchy is Artist\album.
This is not affected by Keep iTunes Music folder organised.
If you add tracks already on your PC, depending on the setting of "Copy to iTunes Music folder when adding to library, iTunes will either store a link to the track in its current location or copy it into the iTunes Music folder according to the tags.
It is not possible to move or rename any track in your library or iTunes will lose it. There is no folder watch feature.
So you need to place and name a file BEFORE adding it to the library if you want to manage your own folders. Once added you can't change it without having to either add it again or find it manually in iTunes.
The only thing you can do is to use iTunes to move the whole iTunes Music folder to a new location.
Message was edited by: polydorus

Can I run the "Keep iTunes organized" script on a folder-by-folder basis?

Hi there,
I luckily stopped the operation before it completed, so it didn't take too long to re-compile my music folder the way I had it. Right now, I have folders with each artist that has >7 songs in my library (I used to use a PC and this is how I organized it). There was a Various Folder and genre folders, like Jazz that made my music easy to navigate for me. Not all my music is labeled correctly, so the "keep iTunes organized" feature started creating random folders, and even duplicating artist folders.
So while I wouldn't mind my music organized, I still want to retain my folder structure. Is there any way to run the organize tool on a folder by folder basis and clean my library up from there? Or are there any tools available that actually scan a song until a literal audio match is found in some database?
Even then, sometimes one might run into the issue with iTunes making artists like:
Ella Fitzgerald & Charlie Parker
rather than simply Ella Fitzgerald.
I'm new, and trying to figure out an optimal way to consolidate my music in a way that is easy to traverse, doesn't make multiple folders for the same artist, etc.
Ideally, regardless of whether if it's Greatest Hits Elvis or from a soundtrack, I'd love if iTunes would "organize" and create folders for artist names, whoever made the song, period. For my "genre" folders, I'd love to simply scan those folders individually and manually manage them.
Is this possible? If so, what is an optimal solution?
Thanks (in advance) so much for your advice!
~ dizzythejazzman

Hi there,
I luckily stopped the operation before it completed, so it didn't take too long to re-compile my music folder the way I had it. Right now, I have folders with each artist that has >7 songs in my library (I used to use a PC and this is how I organized it). There was a Various Folder and genre folders, like Jazz that made my music easy to navigate for me. Not all my music is labeled correctly, so the "keep iTunes organized" feature started creating random folders, and even duplicating artist folders.
So while I wouldn't mind my music organized, I still want to retain my folder structure. Is there any way to run the organize tool on a folder by folder basis and clean my library up from there? Or are there any tools available that actually scan a song until a literal audio match is found in some database?
Even then, sometimes one might run into the issue with iTunes making artists like:
Ella Fitzgerald & Charlie Parker
rather than simply Ella Fitzgerald.
I'm new, and trying to figure out an optimal way to consolidate my music in a way that is easy to traverse, doesn't make multiple folders for the same artist, etc.
Ideally, regardless of whether if it's Greatest Hits Elvis or from a soundtrack, I'd love if iTunes would "organize" and create folders for artist names, whoever made the song, period. For my "genre" folders, I'd love to simply scan those folders individually and manually manage them.
Is this possible? If so, what is an optimal solution?
Thanks (in advance) so much for your advice!
~ dizzythejazzman

How do I find out if Keep Itunes Media Folder Organized option is enabled programtically

How do I find out if Keep Itunes Media Folder Organized option is enabled on Windows. My Java application needs to know this because it effects how it should interact with iTunes and last time I looked the api provided by the iTunes.dll doesnt provide this information.
I have made some progress looking at iTunesPrefs.xml which stores preferences in a binary plist format and have mananged to extract the location of the iTunes xml file using a Java library called dd-plist
public File getITunesXMLFile()
        System.getProperties().list(System.out);
        String homedir = System.getProperty("user.home");
        File prefsFile = new File(homedir,"AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/iTunes/iTunesPrefs.xml");
        File xmlFile;
        try
            NSDictionary rootDict = (NSDictionary) PropertyListParser.parse(prefsFile);
            NSDictionary userPrefs = (NSDictionary) rootDict.objectForKey("User Preferences");
            if(userPrefs!=null)
                NSData iTunesLocation = (NSData) userPrefs.objectForKey("iTunes Library XML Location:1");
                if(iTunesLocation!=null)
                    String base64 = iTunesLocation.getBase64EncodedData();
                    String filepath = new String(Base64.decodeBase64(base64),"UTF-16LE");
                    xmlFile = new File(filepath);
                    System.out.println(filepath+":File Exists:"+xmlFile.exists());
                    if (xmlFile.exists())
                        return xmlFile;
        catch(Exception ex)
            ex.printStackTrace();
            //Use default then
            xmlFile = new File(homedir + "/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music Library.xml");
            if (xmlFile.exists())
                return xmlFile;
        return null;
However the Keep Itunes Media Folder Organized option appears to be stored in the Documents:132 key with other options and this library doesnt seem able to decode the daat into a base64encoded value. I did think I could just compare differences between the file after enabling/disabling the option in iTunes, but the results are inconclusive - sometimes after chnaging the option the preferences file doesnt seem to change.
Is there a known hack for this ?

Thanks that certainly a possible workaround that I can see working but Im not that keen on using a users file as a test file, or adding a file myself that I have to keep deleting.
The thing is I'm very close, I've found a library that can read the binary xml format to some degree, and managed to decode the Xml Library File sucessfullly (but I don't need to this as available as the in the COM lib anyway as itunes.getLibraryXMLPath())
but I cannot decode this option whihc is lumped in with others, real shame they dont provide it via the COM lib.
Added this link showing progress in case interested:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/17957433/how-can-i-work-out-if-ituneskeep-itu nes-folder-organized-is-set-programmaticall

Will enabling the 'Keep iTunes Folder Organized' option alter my folders?

If I select "Keep iTunes Folder Organized" in iTunes, will it alter the way my folders are curretnly organied on that drive? I already have my music organized by artist and album in folders on my harddrive. Though, some of the track names are messed up in iTunes. If i select this option, what happens? will it fix the track names issue, or must i fix those manually? would it copy or reogranize my folders that are already there?

It shouldn't alter your folders unless they are in the place that iTunes wants to put its folders - It will rearrange the music into new folders so that iTunes can find them. They will be located in your Music folder > iTunes > iTunes Music > then usually folders by Artist.
For the ones that are not named correctly - when you edit the ID3 tracks in iTunes they will be moved to the correct place.
I think you should be able to verify this by using the iTunes > File > Add to Library... option on a small sample of your music that is currently arranged manually.
Regards,
Colin R.

Keeping itunes music folder organized

I have the box checked for "keep itunes music folder organized" but noticed that the folders on my computer are not consistent with how certain albums are organized in itunes.
For example, I have a series of albums, all with the same name, Vol. 1-6. On itunes, they are all properly separated by Vol number and disc number, but in the folder on my computer, they are all lumped in together in the same folder.
Anyone know how I can fix this because I really want to keep my itunes music folder consistent with how the music is layed out in itunes.
Thanks much.

I just ripped a 4-disc set that had really bad Gracenote tags.
I had to fiddle around with things so itunes could organize them properly. If you want more details, post back.
I really don't think this is an itunes bug. I think it's an issue with a bad Gracenote entry.

"keep iTunes folder organized" option

for the past year i have been importing my music, then converting it to AAC format. after converting it, i have deleted the original foles from my computer, seeing that the AAC files are in my iTunes music folder. i have never had "Keep iTunes Folder Organized" selected. does iTunes automatically do this when you convert files?
sorry if u dont understand what i am trying to ask, i guess im just trying to figure out the difference between using it and not using that option.

for the past year i have been importing my music, then converting it to AAC format. after converting it, i have deleted the original foles from my computer, seeing that the AAC files are in my iTunes music folder. i have never had "Keep iTunes Folder Organized" selected. does iTunes automatically do this when you convert files?
sorry if u dont understand what i am trying to ask, i guess im just trying to figure out the difference between using it and not using that option.

ITunes 12 - "Keep iTunes Media Folder Organised" feature no longer works

Hi everyone, I was wondering if you could help me with an issue I've been having.
Since updating to iTunes 12, the 'Keep iTunes Media Folder Organised' feature no longer works. When I add media to the library, iTunes doesn't copy it to a destination within my media library. It only works if I turn the feature off, and then back on again.
Thanks in advance for any help.

I don't use the feature myself, but it works properly in a test library for me.
It could possibly be a permissions issue. Different processes in iTunes seem to make use of either the system or the user account for file actions and it is just possible that which has been used in that case has changed. See Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows for details.
tt2

Keeping itunes media folder organised slows down itunes

My itunes became very very slow indeed when I updated to version 9. I looked at self help forums and discovered that it should speed up if I unchecked "keep itunes media folder organised". I did that, and sure enough, itunes was cured.
Somebody then said that if I re-checked it, then the folder would be re-organised, and everything would be OK. I did this, and it took all night to organise my library (although it wasn't actually 'disorganised'). However itunes had just returned to being glacially slow.
So why is this happening? I can't find any cure for it, although I suppose one might have been found by now.
This is on a G4 ibook, 1.42 GHz. It ran itunes 8 with no problem at all. Leopard

I don't use the feature myself, but it works properly in a test library for me.
It could possibly be a permissions issue. Different processes in iTunes seem to make use of either the system or the user account for file actions and it is just possible that which has been used in that case has changed. See Repair security permissions for iTunes for Windows for details.
tt2

Keeping itunes organized

so i've just copied a huge amount of songs from one mac to another via firewire target disk mode...
now i realize that i didnt go about getting them into itunes in the best way... i simply copied the files/folders from the itunes music folder to the desktop of the other computer. after the copy was finished i simply did a drag n drop of the folders into itunes... i had anticipated that because i had the "keep itunes organized" turned on that it would move the files from the desktop into the itunes music folder... but this is not the case.... so i figured that using the consolidate library option would do that, but alas, that copies the files, and i dont have the HD space available for that....
sooo, does anyone know how i can easily get all these music files into the itunes folder and organized correctly?
thanks.

How about - Try this with a couple of tunes and see if all is well. If it is ok then you know the rest of the story - putting the tunes (folders and all) into where you want your tunes to reside - then go to iTunes prefs>Advanced>General and select the Keep option and turn off the Copy option - then select the "Add" option from the Files Menu. Try this with a couple for tunes and see if all is well. If it is ok then you know the rest of the story.
As the tunes are already in the iTunes Music Folder location then all iTunes should do is create an association and organize the tunes.
MJ

Trying to update iTunes 10.5.2 my mac book air keeps telling me that it is installed but when i plug my new iPad and iPhone it keeps saying it has only 10.3 iTunes can anyone help?

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I have several pdf files in my computer which are organized in folders. I want to transfer them to IBooks (in my Ipad) and keep the folder structure I use in my computer. Is it possible to do it? Do I need any other app?

I have several pdf files in my computer which are organized in folders. I want to transfer them to IBooks (in my Ipad) and keep the folder structure I use in my computer. Is it possible to do it? Do I need any other app?

By design, the organizer (and any other database management systems) is there to prevent you from duplicating your media files. The catalog management allows you to have the same image in different categories or albums. Duplication in different folders is to be absolutely avoided.
The same image file can have multiple tags like 'family', 'vacations', 'birthdays' and be present in three different albums with the same names. On obvious advantage is less disk space. Another one with your present folder system is that if you edit one of your duplicates, the other ones are unchanged.
I don't see an easy way to make your present folder structure simplified for the organizer ...

HT3384 In order to keep my files organized, I need to create separate "folders". For some reason, I cannot find the instructions on how to create a folder in Pages. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

In order to keep each family members' documents organized, I need to create separate "folders". I've seared the help section but to no avail. I'm sure this is very easy for someone out there. Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

You can't created a folder in Pages. Here's what Help says about new folders:
To create a folder:
Click the desktop (the background area of your screen) if you want to keep the new folder on the desktop; otherwise, open the window where you want to keep the folder.
Choose File > New Folder.
If the New Folder command is dimmed, you do not have permission to create a folder at the current location.
To give the folder a new name, click to select it and press Return. Then type a name for the folder and press Return again.
Walt

How to move multiple tracks from one location to another on HD and keeping iTunes updated?

Hi all
I'd like to move/re-arrange some subdirectories of my iTunes' main folder and I'd like to keep iTunes library updated without broken links without needing to re-imports the moved albums/tracks. Is there any method to do this? Even with the help of some utility or app?
thanks in advance!
luca

iTunes works this way. You add a file. It makes a note of its location and metadata stored in the file and adds this to its own library database.
Note: All my answers are with reference to iTunes 7.5 (yes, 7.5). I've stopped trying to keep up with Apple's newer stuff which is why I rarely come here anymore.
Answers to your specific questions.
1&2) I think I have in the past copied a file with the identical name over an existing file and iTunes was fooled into thinking it was the original file. However, it didn't update the metadata in its own database until I highlighted the file briefly in a playlist. This causes the original file to be re-read. The same thing happens if I use a third party metadata editor to change the metadata in a file. iTunes will continue to display the old data until I briefly select the file in a playlist or it starts to play the file.
You can, by the way, add two files with the identical name (but in two different folders obviously) and iTunes will add them both as individual entries, even if the metadata is identical.
3) I don't have iTunes Match obviously (I can't even see the Store anymore with iTunes 7). My third hand understanding is it won't do anything to your original files. If it finds a match it will automatically download the match to your iTunes folder as if you had all the preferences settings set to use it normally. I'm guessing you will then have two files for that track and you'll need to work on cleaning up the lesser quality one unless you want to just leave it. Again, can't speak from experience.
I have both preferences options de-selected and don't want to select them to test my reply. I don't want iTunes to do either because I have media organized by kind and source over two internal hard drives and 3 partitions. I 100% manage my media manually and have always done it that way. I think option 2 has iTunes restructure your folders according to album and artist. I deselected both because i didn't want to constantly be fighting iTunes in its attempt to organize things how it wanted.
If you're going to manage your media manually then you need to understand how iTunes works in detail and be willing to stay on top of it. iTunes is designed to do everything on its own so people don't have to worry about things. By unclicking its default preferences or moving files yourself in Finder or using a script to do so you are also figuratively clicking a button that says, "Okay, I know what I am doing and iTunes works." Normally rule #1 with iTunes is never, never move a file to a different location in Finder and you'll see a lot of posts here from people who have "lost" items becaause they moved a folder or renamed it. Maybe iTunes behaves differently when you deselect those preferences because I do this all the time and iTunes can track it as long as I don't move it to a different volume/drive. I am very careful not to lose things or make duplicates, and of course I back up my computer before any major editing.

Keep iTunes folder organized: only iTunes folder?

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