How to Get Text Onto an iPod

Your iPod is a great media player, but it can also be a serviceable reading device. An included feature allows you to place text files in a directory on the device for reading using the "notes" feature. You can use this for shopping lists, or just recreational reading.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• iTunes
• Scroll wheel-based iPod

Getting Ready

1. Connect your iPod using the included USB cable.

2. Open iTunes if it doesn't automatically launch.

3. Click on your iPod in the "Devices" section in the sidebar along the left.

4. Check "Enable Disk Use" in the "Options" section, then click "Apply" in the bottom right corner.

Adding Text on Windows

1. Open Notepad by following these steps: click "Start," then "All Programs," then "Accessories," then "Notepad."

2. Type or paste the text you want to put on your iPod in the Notepad window.

3. Click the "File" menu and select "Save as..."

4. Navigate to the iPod in the save dialogue box. It should be under "My Computer" or "Computer," depending on your version of Windows.

5. Open the iPod, then open the "Notes" folder.

6. Name the file and click "Save."

Adding Text on Mac OS X

1. Launch TextEdit. Click on the Finder icon in the dock, click "Applications" on the sidebar, and double-click "TextEdit."

2. Click the "Format" menu, and select "Make Plain Text" if the option appears.

3. In the TextEdit window, type or paste whatever text you want on your iPod.

4. Click the "File" menu and select "Save As..."

5. Click your iPod in the sidebar, then open the "Notes" folder.

6. Name the file and click "Save."

Viewing Text

1. Eject your iPod by clicking the arrow at the far right of the "Devices" list and unplug it from the USB cable.

2. Select "Extras" on the main menu.

3. Select "Notes."

4. Select the text file you'd like to view.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also make folders in the "Notes" folder to organize your text files.

• You can make the "Notes" menu appear on your main menu by going to "Main Menu" in the settings menu and changing "Notes" from "Off" to "On."

References

• Apple Support: iPod nano user guide (PDF link)
• Apple Support: iPod classic user guide (PDF link)