How to Import Songs to iTunes From a CD

Importing songs to iTunes from a CD is a simple process, and it saves you the worry of your CD getting scratched or lost. It’s the first step you take if you are looking to make a mix CD of songs from different albums. These steps will show you how to import songs to iTunes from a CD.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open your Web browser and go to Apple’s Web site (see below) to download iTunes. There is a link for a free download there.

2. Confirm that iTunes was downloaded properly by playing one of the samples iTunes will have when you first open it.

3. Open the CD-ROM drive on your computer and put the CD you want to import songs from into the tray. Close it, and wait for iTunes to list the tracks.

4. Note that iTunes has an icon of the CD you put into the CD-ROM drive on the task list to the left of iTunes. When iTunes indicates it is reading the CD, you will be able to proceed with importing the songs.

5. Click on and "drag the song" icon from the CD into the iTunes library. When you drag it to the right spot, the library icon will highlight. When you release it, the window on top of iTunes will have a timer for how long it will take iTunes to copy the song. It will say “Importing .”

6. Click on the library icon and verify the import was successful. A warning will appear if the import fails, and it will direct you to what steps to take to fix the problem.

Tips & Warnings

• You can select more than one song to copy at a time by holding down the “Control” key on your keyboard while clicking on each song. All those songs will be highlighted and you can drag and drop all of them into the library at once.
• Make sure the songs you are looking to put in iTunes or your MP3 player are in compatible formats. Check the user’s guide to find compatible formats.
• Pirating copyrighted songs or other files is illegal.
• The CD won’t be read or imported if the CD is scratched badly or broken.