Merging 2 itunes library

Is it possible to merge 2 itunes library in the shared folder of the computer?

Nevermind. I got it all straightened out. :)
My sure to backup anything before starting just in case something goes wrong.
[b]Also, please note that this involved 1 computer and 1 external HD.[/b]
This is what I did:
1. Option+Click iTunes > Choose Library.. > Chose the one on my Air (the smaller one I'm wanting to merge with the larger one.)
My library was here: /Users/itj84/Music/iTunes.
Your's may vary depending which library you're wanting to combine.
2. File > Library > Export.
I renamed the .xml file to Air_Library.xml and saved it to my desktop. Rename the exported file(s) so you know which is which if you're merging multiple libraries.
3. Close iTunes > Option+Click iTunes > Choose Library.. In this step I chose the library on my external HD, so iTunes would open up my larger library I'm wanting to add to.
My path for the external HD happened to be /Volumes/My_Book/iTunes. Your path will vary.
4. File > Library > Import Playlist. I navigated to my desktop to pick the .xml I created in Step 2. iTunes imported all the music, movies, shows, books, etc. and kept the metadata intact.
Now I have just one large iTunes library saved on my external HD which iTunes will read from without taking up valuable space on my Air's HD. :)
One thing I do want to point out is that my apps DID NOT transfer over. I had to manually move them to the newly combine library, so be careful if your doing this, so you aren't overwriting apps with any older versions.
Everything works perfectly for me, so if your's does work, I'm not responsible. These are just the steps I took that worked in my particular case.

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Merging Itunes library files

I have all my music stored in one ITunes Media folder and have 2 different subsets of the music mapped to 2 different Ipods (so each subset has its own Itunes library file). I'm looking for an easy way to merge 2 different Itunes library files (so to have the music from the 2 ipods in one single library).
The 2 methods I know of are both cumbersome.
The first is to take the first library and add in it all the folders of the artists that compose the second library.
The second is to create a library with all my music and then to suppress everything I don't want in there.
Thanks.

Hi, Dorothy, and welcome to the Discussions.
Just once, you're going to have to hook up the old computer, to copy everything over to the new one.
Please see:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=1271401#1271401
and:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=607339

Merging iTunes library from 10.6 with library 10.8??

Hey all,
My old 2008 MBP running 10.6 died and just got a new MBP running 10.8. I don't want to lose my music and back ups for iPhone and iPad.
Q: Can I merge libraries from an older OS to the newer OS?
Thanks,
Dooki

Dooki-san wrote:
However if I control click on the iTunes apps and chose "Show Content" I get a folder with infor.plist,Frameworks,Version.plist, etc. Is this what I'm looking for on the old MBP?
No.That is the iTunes application. Nothing to do wtih your media/music.
So on the old MBP I target booted and found and iTunes folder but it did not say "iTunes Media."
Then look for /Music/iTunes/iTunes music/ folder.
Likewise on the new MBP there is no path for Music/iTunes/iTunes media. If I look in User/Dooki/Music the folder is empty
Have you ran iTunes on this new computer?
Easiest if you run Migration Assitant and copy all your user data (including iTunes) to new computer.
See this -> http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5872

Can 2 different iPhones be supported by 1 iTunes library?

Scenario:
1 spouse is no longer able to maintain the content in their iTunes’ library and wishes to combine content of the 2 libraries into a singular instance.
Assumptions:
Each phone would share the same iTunes’ Library (i.e. Songs, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, iTunes U, Audiobooks, Apps, & Tones, etc)
For library being discontinued, previous purchases would be “enabled” or “forwarded” to spouses’ iTunes’ library.
As iPhone updates occur, this new “merged” iTunes’ library would know to push the updates to both phones
The users do have separate lists of Contacts and would like for this to stay separate
iPhone backups of ‘most critical data’ would continue in iCloud separate from one another as they relate to each spouse’ Apple ID
Hardware:
2 iPhone 5s running iOS 8.0.2
Software:
iTunes 11.4

Mac HD was not showing. All that was showing were: "Favorites", "Devices", "Tags". Under "Devices" the Mac-mini was showing. I then proceeded to use different File menu commands. What finally worked as under 'Favorites', I selected, "Documents". On the File menu commands, I went to "Go", then "Enclosing Folder". Doing this exposed the Mac HD. I dragged this over to the left side sidebar - it placed itself under "Devices". OK - I will try the rest of your instructions tomorrow. Thank you for telling me to try something else as I wasn't seeing what you thought I could see. Now I can see...thanks again. I will let you know more tomorrow. Thanks.

I brought my itunes library onto a mac from a windows machine and now i have two separate libraries. How can I merge them?

I moved to Mac from a Windows machine where I had downloaded all of my CDs into iTunes. When I got my Mac it only put my purchased items into my library. So I merged my windows library and it created a whole new user account with that on it. I now have two libraries and can only sync music with one account or I lose all of my imported CDs. Help! How do I merge them.

The easiest way is to get both computers on your home network and copy the files over the network. It's easier than you think
Check this earlier thread:
[How do I move my itunes library to new computer|http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7937172&#7937172]
That thread mentions Target Disk Mode, which won't help moving from a PC to a Mac. But you can use file sharing to copy the files.
As the articles all say: don't forget to de-authorize your PC before you get rid of it.

I have recently got an iphone 4s, I share a itunes library with a family member, i didnt realise but by sharing icloud our phonebook contacts would merge, well I have hers and mine have gone, I have restored it but it still hasnt worked.....any ideas.

I have recently got and iphone 4s, I share a itunes library with a family member, i didnt realise by sharing icloud our phonebooks would merge i now have her contacts she did have mine but deleted them from her phone, how do I get mine back I have just done a restore but it hasnt worked......gutted if ive lost them, any ideas.

I have recently got and iphone 4s, I share a itunes library with a family member, i didnt realise by sharing icloud our phonebooks would merge i now have her contacts she did have mine but deleted them from her phone, how do I get mine back I have just done a restore but it hasnt worked......gutted if ive lost them, any ideas.

How to merge existing itunes library with another time machine volume?

hi all,
i am 2 macs, an iMac and a MacBook - both running Snow Leopard 10.6.3 and both running itunes 9.
is possible to merge the itunes library on the MacBook onto the iMac via my MacBook's Time Machine volume? i do not have my MacBook with me at this moment cos' i have sent it for diagnostic and repair. i have the latest itunes library backups on my MacBook's Time Machine.
hope to hear some valuable pointers. Thank you!

mook73 wrote:
is possible to merge the itunes library on the MacBook onto the iMac via my MacBook's Time Machine volume?
i have never attempted such an operation, so no step-by-step guide !
you will be able to restore the other Mac's library to the iMac. go here and follow the instructions: http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/17.html. restore whatever you need to a temporary location, i.e. the desktop.
if you only want the media files, just restore the iTunes music folder. when restored, use +add to library+ from the file menu or just drag the folder you restored to the +automatically add to iTunes+ folder inside the iTunes folder.
if you also want playlists, playcounts, and ratings, you should restore the entire iTunes folder.
take a look @ PowerTunes. this app should enable you to merge the two libraries.
good luck !
JGG

I have created an iTunes account on my current computer for my daughters ipod touch and tried connecting my ipod nano and it won't sync and says that it is associated with another iTunes library so how do I merge the two libraries?

I have created an iTunes account on my current computer for my daughters ipod touch and tried connecting my ipod nano and it won't sync and says that it is associated with another iTunes library so how do I merge the two libraries?

You do not merge libraries.
iDevices sync to one and only one computer.
If you want a single library, you manually move the content from one library to another... all content will still be associated with the Apple ID it was acquired with.

I transferred itunes library from old PC to new PC. The content all shows when I launch iTunes on the new PC now. The previous content does not show in iTunes but folder still looks like it is on hard drive on new PC. Suggestions on how to properly merge?

I transferred itunes library from old PC to new PC. The content all shows when I launch iTunes on the new PC now. The previous content does not show in iTunes but folder still looks like it is on hard drive on new PC. Suggestions on how to properly merge?

Before you connect any device to a new library go to the Devices tab of the the preferences panel via Edit > Preferences (Windows) or iTunes > Preferences (Mac) and ensure the box next to Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically is ticked. You can now safely connect the device to your computer without the danger of media being automatically deleted or overwritten.
To get all your content off your connect your iPad to your new computer.
Then use a 3rd party piece of software to transfer your content
I have found Senuti useful but there are others listed in the article I linked to in a previous post.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3991
That will let you transfer your non purchased content
For Purchased content log in to iTunes on the new computer
In Itunes Store click on Purchased under the Quick Links section on the right.
Download any music by clicking on the cloud button

ITunes Library split!! How do I merge???

Something happened and I cant get up....
For the longest time my iTunes Library was set to an external HD.
I started noticing my Macs HD space quickly diminishing in the recent weeks so I started snooping around.
Seems as though on July 11th, the default iTunes library location was reset back to the Mac HD.
So theres the culprit.
The weird thing is I could play all the music regardless of if it was added prior to July 11th. (Is this normal??????)
Question is - how can I safely merge the Library on the mac HD to the previous default of the library on the external HD?
And once thats merged, how can I ensure the external is the default library?
Thank you in advance.

You do not merge libraries.
iDevices sync to one and only one computer.
If you want a single library, you manually move the content from one library to another... all content will still be associated with the Apple ID it was acquired with.

Can I merge my daughters iTunes library from her laptop into mine on my iMac?

Can I merge my daughters iTunes library from her laptop into mine on my iMac?

Physically merge? Yes.
All you need to do is move the files into your Library folder.
Adding the playlists to your Mac is something else.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ph1744

HT202213 multiple admin users on one iMac using central iTunes library & Merging iTunes accts

Hi guys.
Instead of just trying to share itunes across several devices. i'm also trying to share itunes and one library across multiple users of one iMac without having to ask for permission everytime somebody wants to listen to music.
Also, since starting a family, we'd like to combine our separate itunes accounts into one master account for the household. is there any way to merge itunes accounts and permissions for songs and apps?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thnx

You can't merge iTunes accounts, purchases are tied to their respective Apple ID.
Not sure about the other, you'd be better off posting to the iMac or iTunes section.

After moving my itunes library from my old WinXP computer to my new Win7 computer, itunes gives a warning that my content on my phone must be removed and re-synced. I want to merge changes/updates on my phone with my itunes library as normal, not erase it

After moving my itunes library from my old WinXP computer to my new Win7 computer, itunes gives a warning that my content on my phone must be removed and re-synced. I want to merge changes/updates on my phone with my itunes library as normal, not erase it & replace it. My updates/changes will be lost.
How do I merge content on my iPhone & content in iTunes together?

Hopefully you still have the original library and can redo the migration...
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

Merge or move iTunes library?

Forgive this newbie-type question but I'm hoping some kind person can point me towards a relevant post or document that can solve my problem.
I am the proud owner of a new iPhone 3GS which I have synced with iTunes on my main PC. On an older PC I have the iTunes library (and purchased tracks) from my venerable 3rd gen iPod.
I have already created an iTunes library on my main PC and added a couple of tracks. My question is; can I still copy/move my old iPod library over and merge it into the new one? What is the best way to do this?
That's it. Thank you for your time. I hope you can help.

Would you happen to know if moving an iTunes library from one one PC to another will overwrite an existing one?
It won't. Put the new library in a different location from the existing one and launch iTunes with the Shift key held down and point it there, or open the existing library and drag the new library into the open iTunes window.
(45376)

HT1391 I have accidantally created anoth iTunes library file and ripped a lot of music in it. Than I discovered that this music was not arrived in one library file. Know I would like to merge all my music in one library file but don't see which library is

Hi,
Regarding my Itunes library:
I'll try to explain my situation (sorry for my english).
I have a networkdrive where all my music is stored on. Itunes is installed on my macbook and I entered the network drive as my media file location.
I use my macbook to rip music and buy itunes music assuming it will all be placed in the media folder that I once entered.
Recently I found out that itunes had changed the location of my media folder to the local drive.
Since a time now (I can't exactly say when) I'm ripping many of my music collection to itunes.
Today i discovered the change of my media file location by itunes after I ripped some collections. When clicking the info button on some of the ripped files I see that they are not stored on my networkdrive, very normal, since the location of the media file is changed to local computer.
When I look in the finder I can find a local libray file (xml file) from 13 april and also one on my network drive but the date is from March. So this one is even older.
I suppose that the libray file is updated each time I add a song in itunes. So there must be anonther library file somewhere?
Is there a way to see which libarary file is used in itunes? I know you can start Itunes with the option key to select another library file but is it also possible to view in itunes which library file is used so I can consult the path of the library file in use?
What should i do to put all the local music to to my network drive and update the correct library to the new location of these files?
Why is there no alert when Itunes changes the location of the media files path?
Thanks

hi i had the same problem today when i updated my itunes to latest version. however, i have just found my songs in the 'itunes media' folder. this was accessed through 'my music' then keep clicking through until you find itunes media and all my library songs were in there and i then just added these files to my library and all were restored however, i have lost all my playlists but at least my 700 songs are back. very dissapointed with apple that they have let this happen with their latest update, the previous version was miles better than this one . hope you find them. stevo

Merging 2 itunes library

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