How to Import Songs Into iTunes
The preferred file format for iTunes is M4A but you can play songs that are in other audio file formats as well. You can import songs into iTunes from a CD or from your Windows Media collection or even your iPod! Here's how.
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Instructions
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Import From a CD
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Insert a CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Open iTunes. After your computer reads the CD, it should appear as an icon in the "Source" list.
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Click on the icon for the CD to display its contents.
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Click the "Import" button in the top right to add all the tracks. Alternatively, drag and drop individual tracks into your library.
Import Files From Your Hard Drive
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Click on "File," and then "Add to Library."
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Locate audio files on your hard drive. Select one and click "Open" to add it to your library.
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If the file format is incompatible with iTunes, iTunes will ask if you want to convert it. Click "Yes" to begin conversion. You will hear a sound when the conversion ends.
Import From Your iPod
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Connect your iPod to your computer.
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Click your "iPod" icon. This brings up the "Summary" screen. If the screen doesn't appear, click the "Summary" tab.
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Select the "Manually Manage Music or Enable Disk Use" option.
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Minimize iTunes on your desktop.
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Open up "My Computer."
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Click "Tools" and select "Folder Options." Click the "View" tab.
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Select the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" option under "Advanced Settings." Click "Apply to All Folders," and then click "OK."
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Bring up iTunes again.
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Click on "File," and then "Add to library."
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Browse to "My Computer" and find your iPod. It should appear as if it is an external hard drive.
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Open up the "iPod Control Folder."
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Open up the "Music" folder. Examine the contents of your iPod. The filenames will look jumbled, but if you let your mouse cursor hover over a file, the song information will appear.
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Select a song and click "Open."
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Tips & Warnings
Keep all downloaded music files in a designated folder.
If you have set your iPod is set for manual management, you won't lose any songs when you connect it to someone else's computer. Just make sure you don't synchronize it to another machine!
Some file types may require you to download an additional codec for conversion.
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Comments
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it didn't work. when I click on my ipod, my computer treats it as a camera. there isn't a folder with all of my songs in them.
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rebeccamichelle
Jan 12, 2011
If you prefer, you dont have to add them one file at a time. There is a fast way to import entire music folders into iTunes. You can sort the files into folders and then add them ALL to one folder, that one contains all folders. Add just that folder, iTunes will automatically add all songs in the folder to your library and sort them. -
Nikul Patel
Nov 26, 2010
dude, trying to import songs from ipod but when i go to my computer, where do i see the tools icon. i have windows vista home premium. please help
