Working with Multiple iTunes Libraries

In this lesson for iTunes on the Mac, we look at how we can use multiple libraries in iTunes.

When you first open iTunes, an iTunes folder is created in the Music folder our your account on your Mac. All of your media is organized and stored in this folder by default. With iTunes, we can use a second or more iTunes folder. This way you could keep your personal music in one library and maybe your work music and media in another iTunes folder.

Creating a Second iTunes Folder
The first thing you need to do if you are going to use multiple iTunes folder is to create the additional iTunes folder. To do this, you first need to quit out of iTunes. Now you hold down the Option key on your keyboard and one iTunes while holding the key down. When you do this, iTunes will open a small window with a couple of options. You can choose an iTunes library or create an iTunes library. To create a library, you name it and then click on Create an iTunes Library. When you do this, iTunes will create a new library and switch to that library.

Switching Libraries
If you want to switch to a different library, if you have multiple libraries, you first have to quit out of iTunes. Then again, hold down the Option key while opening iTunes. Now instead of creating a new library, select Choose an iTunes Library and select the library you want to open. iTunes will then continue opening, and you’ll see all your media in the library.

See this Lesson in Action
If you want to see this lesson in action, take a look at the video above.

Lesson tags: Mac Tutorials
Back to: Tutor for iTunes for the Mac > Media Settings and Restrictions