Multiple iPods, multiple libraries, once instance of iTunes.

I have 3 iPods, a 30g, 60g,and 18g iTouch. I have one pc with one instance of itunes. I have an external drive which holds the libraries for the larger ipods, but I keep the itouch library on my local drive. I want to be able to have iTunes show the correct library for the iPod I connect. How do I get to create playlists and group my music if I only see the music in greyed out form?
When I add songs to the iTouch, it copies the song to the local drive and syncs it with the iTouch, but I can not manipulate the music through iTunes.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

To do this you need to transfer the files using CDs, DVDs, hard drive, or network from one machine to the other. Put the files into a temporary folder on the drive. After moving the files to the new machine, use the add folder option to add the files in the temporary folder the the library on that machine.

Similar Messages

Multiple iPod users on one computer, one iTunes

Need help.
We have 3 iPod 5th generation using one computer and each of us have different tastes in music/movies/games etc. I just spent 6 hours redoing my personal setting to resync my iPod after my son reset it for his tastes. Is there any way of setting up preferences within iTunes for each iPod to prevent or elivate this total waste of time. When adding new music, audiobooks, and/or movies it should be a no-brainer to resync them but it is a total pain-in-the-arse.
Thank you

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): iPod - Syncing Music
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: Adding songs to 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 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

Multiple family mbrs, multiple ipods, multiple accnts, multiple computers

I have a family of 6, we each have various ipods (iphone, ipod, nano, shuffle, etc), and we have multiple computers -- some Mac and some PC.
We need to understand what factors impact the ability to put a particular track on one or more devices, manage a given device from one or more accounts on one or more computers, and share, as allowed, between devices, people, iTunes libraries, iTunes store accounts, for both purchaed tracks and MP3 files that we might already own, etc...
I'm looking for a simple and concise description of all of the factors. Any pointers?
If the iTunes world were simple we could simply each have our own music -- stored in one or more places in one or more accounts, on one or more computers. We would be able to share what we like, and put whatever subset we like on whichever device, manage any device from any account on any computer, etc... Of course this could be subject to licenses, but it should at least be possible to get a statement of what license restrictions exist.
Can anyone suggest any references for this? I assumed it was simple, but anyone who has recently plugged a "guest" iPod into another computer will know this is not the case after having been rewarded with the choice of wiping all content off of the iPod, or somehow transferring the content to the friend / family member (with no clear indication of whether this also comprises transferring the content away from the original user, nor how, if possible, to undo such a move later, etc...)
I have seen an article relating to using multiple ipods with one computer, but it does not address all of the issues -- for example using one ipod with multiple computers, etc...
Thanks in advance.

Let's see if we summarise the main points that will help you decide on a strategy:
+ An iPod can automatically sync (one-way transfer from iTunes to iPod) with just one iTunes library.
+ An iPod (but not an iPhone) in manual mode can accept tracks from multiple libraries.
+ iTunes can transfer (copy) purchases from an iPod into the library if authorised for the account used to purchase them.
+ Networks, memory sticks, portable hard drives, CD-R, DVD-D and iPod to PC transfer programs can be used to move other content between your libraries.
+ The new "home sharing" feature probably has some relevance too, but I've not explored just what the capabilities are.
+ For each account, DRM puchases can be authorised on up to 5 computers at any one time.
+ For each computer, up to 5 accounts may be authorised on it at any one time.
+ Each iPod may hold DRM content from up to 5 different accounts.
+ DRM content may be transfered to as many iPod's as you wish.
+ Most iTunes Store content is no longer subject to DRM, the main exceptions being Movies & Games/Applications.
+ iPods can be formated for use with either Mac or Windows. You can manage content on a Windows formatted iPod with either system, but the reverse is not the case. Firmware updates & restores must take place on the native system.
+ An undocumented/unsupported feature is that if you clone a library (make a complete copy of the iTunes library files and media content) and place this on another machine, an iPod "synced" to the original library will also see any clone as its "home" library. Once cloned you don't have to keep all the content available in each locataion. For regular iPods if syncable content cannot be found corresponding files on the device will be left alone (not updated or deleted).
+ The main database file of an iTunes library can only be opened by one process - multiple users on the same computer or over a network will lead to problems. Always close iTunes before switching profiles.
+ The media content folders can be simultaneously accessed by multiple accounts.
+ Automatic syncing has a number of advantages. You can update tag info. in iTunes knowing that when updated the iPod will recieve all the updates. Using playlists you can manage the content that will go on an iPod without having it connected. Ratings & playcounts can sync in both directions. All the content required to restore your iPod is in one location.
+ Manual management allows you to add content from whichever library you are connected to.
+ iTunes does not keep track of files moved or updated by other programs or instances of iTunes. If you share content folders then it is best to avoid the *Keep iTunes Media folder organised* option. When you update content on one machine, e.g. change a capitalisation or correct a spelling, other libraries will only notice the change if they access the file in some way, e.g. by playing it.
I'm sure there's more that I can't think of just now but that's a start.
*Personal Case history:*
Our family has an iPhone, a Nano, 3 Classics (old & new) and a 5th gen. I started by making most of the purchases on my account, putting the children's gift cards onto my store account for example, but two now have their own accounts. I manage most of the music in one main library that sits on a network. One child has a separate library which started as clone of the original and then had content that he dislikes removed... This means I can update his iPod at either his machine or mine although if I add any of his music I have to remember to update both libraries. When he uses iTunes on his computer he only sees the rock/blues/metal that he likes whereas the main library has everybodys content lumped together.
All the iPods are set to sync automatically using the method two (Sync with selected playlists) from the Apple support document How to use multiple iPods with one computer, although I have a slight twist. Rather than regular playlists I set the grouping field to indicate which users should receive which tracks and create smart playlists based on the content of this field.
e.g.
"Alice's Tracks" is "Playlist is Music" + "Grouping contains Alice" + "Kind contains audio"
"Bob's Videos" is "Playlist is Music" + "Grouping contains Bob" + "Kind does not contain audio"
Tracks that both Alice & Bob want on their iPods have the grouping set to "Alice/Bob"
etc.
This way each of us gets a different selection of content to suit our tastes and the capacity of our iPods. An advantage of using the grouping field is that it is stored in file tags (for non-wav audio files anyway) so that it is relatively easy to recreate the playlists should the iTunes library get trashed. Also useful if you move files about manually as playlist membership is preserved when you delete & re-import the tracks.
However you choose to do things you should also create a backup. My main library gets synced to a portable hard drive using SyncToy 2.1 (Windows) which I sometimes take to work and sync there, giving me three complete copies of my library at any one time and I can update any iPod from any instance of the library. An occasional scan of the contnet folders with iTunes Folder Watch helps me catch up if, for example, a podcast has download at one location but the library is overwritten with a newer version from the other.
Hope that's given you some useful food for thought...
tt2

Multiple iPods, multiple computers, one account???

I have four computers and will soon have four iPods (one model #M946OLL, three new Nanos) My main computer has iTunes loaded with all our downloaded and purchased music. Please advise as to how I set up the three new Nanos, each with their own computer, but sharing all the music. Note, all music will be purchased with the same account. Thank you!

Start with these links:
Natalie Beresford: Multiple iPods/iTunes Installations
How to use multiple iPods with one computer
How to share music between different accounts on a single computer
Using iPod with Multiple Computers
Then post back with your desired 'end-state' vision of how all four PCs will work with all four iPods. It may or may not be possible (or even easy, if possible).

ITunes Library on Multiple iPods?

Can one iTunes library supply multiple iPods? If I have an iTunes library on my computer, and I have already put that music on my iPod, can I put that same library on a second iPod, without affecting the viability of the library ? If so, will I still be able to reinstall the music on my first iPod, if I would ever need to? Thanks you!

Be sure to check out the following kb article:
How to use multiple iPods with one computer
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1495

Multiple IPods / Single Computer.

Is there a way to have multiple IPods synch to 1 computer with Itunes and each Ipod can synch to their own playlist.
We have three I Pods and three computers and I want to consolidate and have one Mac with a whole lot of music to hook up to the stereo.
If this can't be done, Apple needs to fix it so we can. More and more households have more than one Ipod.
Help!!!

Choosing the update option "automatically update selected playlists only" (called Sync Music - Selected playlists in iTunes 7) allows you to create a playlist specifically for each 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 by the other iPods. Make your playlist a Smart playlist and limit the size to just below the advertised capacity of your iPods ( for example, around 3700MB for a 4GB or 1800MB for a 2GB Mini or Nano). You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes
How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Another option when using a single library is to set one or all of the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod

Updating iPOD with a song without using iTunes

Hi all,
I was wondering if it was possible to:-
1) Connect an iPOD to a computer
2) Automatically add a song to the iPOD from the computer
3) Disconnect the iPOD once the song has been added and synced.
This system must work with multiple iPODs, hence the need to bypass iTunes.
Is it possible?
iPod Windows XP Pro

Hi,
The machine the iPods connect to will be owned by different people.
The goal is to add a chosen MP3 to each iPOD as it is docked with the computer and then, once disconnected, the MP3 will be shown on the iPOD.
Thanks for getting back to me,
John

Using multiple iPod Touch units with a single instance of iTunes.

My wife and I both have the iPod Touch. She syncs hers on her computer, I sync mine on my computer... If I want to transfer an .mp3 or .mp4 video from my device to hers what's the best way to do that?
I tried to plug hers into my computer and iTunes opened but iTunes will not let me drag and drop music or videos (not even .mp3s) into her iPod Touch and she can not transfer anything into mine.
What is the work around to this? Why is this so?

*Apple doesn't allow you to sync multiple iPods*
Sure they do.
Plug it in and it will sync. Plug in another and it will sync.
iTunes does not sync from the iPod to the computer (except for iTunes purchases).
If I want to transfer an .mp3 or .mp4 video from my device to hers what's the best way to do that?
You can't go iPod to iPod.
Copy the music from her computer to your computer.
Or set your iPod to Manually manage music, plug into her computer and drag the music to your iPod.
I am unable to manage the other iPod.
You don't need to do it on both and you cannot go iPod to computer.
You can if you copy the files into the iPod in the Finder, then plug into the other computer and drag from the iPod in th eFInder to the desktop, then add to iTunes.

How Do I Use iTunes with Multiple iPods?

How do I use iTunes and keep 2 iPods music libraries separate? When I plug in my iPod (2nd one), it brings up the music from the 1st iPod registered.
Thanks

There are a few different ways to use two iPods with one computer, have a look at this help page for suggestions: How to use multiple iPods with one computer

Multiple user accounts, multiple Ipods, One computer, One Itunes library

Here's my problem, I have my main music library on my Mac Mini (Intel 1.5 solo) its too big to fit on the hard drive with everything else, so I added a Mini pal drive. This has my music, photos and all the other junk I cant fit on the mini's hard drive. I want to create multiple accounts so my kids can each have their own, but we all have Ipods that we want connected to our own accounts. I want to keep all the music in one library, and share it accross all the accounts. I dont want to have to log on when my kids want a song from my library. Itunes dosent seam to like the library being on the seperate drive. Mabe I am just dooing something wrong.
Ps: I'm running Itunes 7.3 on all my machines

Apple really doesn't quite do multi-user well yet, at least as far as the iPod goes (IMHO.)
We've taken your approach. 3 users with iTunes for each pointing to a single library on an external storage device. That way there's no problem with having to go to other libraries to import (and not question about 'copying files'... big waste of space.)
Our problem is having multiple iPods plugged into the same machine. I'm about to buy one of the new models for wife and daughter, but I'm not sure how we all can be plugged in (as I'm sure will happen.)
Right now, when I plug in just my own Nano, it appears in iTunes for each of the other users. In fact I sometimes can't even eject because iTunes for another user thinks the iPod its attached to it.
To expand this thread, anyone have pointers on use of multiple iPods on the same machine with multiple users? The existing links to Apple support articles are not relevant.

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

Using multiple ipods on a single itunes

I currently have a 40GB ipod and have bought for my wife and daughter 2 2gb ipod nanos'. i have all our music on itunes in one library, how can i download only the songs my wife or daughter want onto their ipods as opposed to downloading every item which is what happens with my ipod currently
Hope you can help
Thanks
Dave

There are a couple of recommended methods for using more than one iPod on a single computer. Method one is to have individual Mac or Windows user accounts which 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. Each iPod can be set to update however the owner chooses, sync all, manual or sync specific playlists.
Method two is to set your preferences so that either one or all iPods get updated with only certain playlists within one library. Have a look at this article and see what you think and go for whichever you feel suits your needs best: How To Use Multiple iPods with One Computer
Another option when using a single library is to set the iPods to manual update: Managing content manually on iPod
Choosing the update option "automatically update selected playlists only" (called Sync Music - Selected playlists in iTunes 7) allows you to create a playlist specifically for each 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 by the other iPods. Make your playlist a Smart playlist and limit the size to just below the advertised capacity of your iPod ( for example, around 3700MB for a 4GB or 1800MB for a 2GB Mini or Nano). You can read more about playlists at these links:
iTunes: Creating playlists of your favorite songs
How to create a Smart Playlist with iTunes

How to use multiple iPods in iTunes??

Had existing iPod touch and bought a second one, need to know how to setup in iTunes and have different libraries if possible

Hello hog head,
And welcome to Apple Discussions!
You can create a second library by holding down the Shift key upon opening iTunes. From there, choose to create a new library. For more and information regarding using this method and others for managing multiple iPods with one computer, see this Apple support document.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1495
B-rock

Can Multiple ipods use the same computer/itunes program

I recently purchased two ipods for different family members. Can both be used on the same computer. I seem to remember seeing a blurb in the user agreement for itunes that said the program was only for one ipod. Can anyone elaborate?

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: Create A New User Account In Vista

Multiple Ipod nano's on same computer with different libraries

I have tried to create two libraries on the same computer for my Nano and my wife's. We have very different music tastes. The Itunes program will not let me choose a library. It goes into the last one created. I have tried starting Itunes with the "shift" key but it will not let me choose a ilbrary. Any ideas??

You might find it much easier to simply create a new user account on the computer for your wife. By default, she will get a brand new library she can call her own and sync her iPod to it. Now, not only will she have her very own library she can do with what she pleases, she can also customize the desktop, have different desktop icons, etc. to her own liking.
How to use multiple iPods with one computer
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300432
Cheers,
Patrick

Multiple iPods, multiple libraries, once instance of iTunes.

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