Not many iTunes users know that it is possible to use multiple iTunes libraries on the same computer system. There is virtually no information about running multiple iTunes libraries once iTunes has been started. Before we explain how to setup multiple iTunes libraries we should analyze why someone would want to work with several iTunes libraries instead of just one.
The main reason to use multiple iTunes libraries would be to divide specific data into different libraries. This can be dividing losless and lossy music, libraries for specific occasions, specific music genres or types like bootlegs or live music only.
It is actually very easy to create a second iTunes library. All that needs to be done is to press the Shift key (Alt on Macs) before launching iTunes. A small popup window will be displayed asking the user to choose or create a library.
Selecting the create a library option will create a new iTunes library that acts independently of all other iTunes libraries. It should also be noted that iTunes will always open the library that has been used the last time iTunes was executed. Switching libraries would again require pressing the Shift key during launch.
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9 Responses to “How To Use Multiple iTunes Libraries”
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Hmmm…if my wife and I want to maintain separate libraries…but we each want “The Fray” in our respective libraries…will iTunes create duplicate copies of that album, or just tie that single album to both libraries?
Thanks for the tip! I have a question though: do these libraries have their own settings, with wich I mean: can one give 2 libraries a different location?
I’m running out of hard disk space on my 110GB macbook, and was thinking of using a external HD for my iTunes library. But since I use my external HD for backups, I don’t want to carry it around all the time with the risk of losing it.
Another means to do this, which I’ve used for years, is Libra (http://homepage.mac.com/sroy/libra/)
is there a command line switch to launch iTunes with this dialog every time? that would be much more convenient than using the Shift key.
i would like to set up multiple libraries for me and my wife on our media PC since we don’t like the same music…
@ marcus – iTunes will only create duplicates of your music if you have the preference to copy music to your iTunes folder when adding to your library set. if you don’t have this set, iTunes will just associate your music with your library and not move it at all.
i did that and i lost my other itunes library with all the music in it and i cant get it back can you help
did you try using the SHIFT thing to go back to your original library tomzy? You probably didnt lose it, i know this is late though.
This was a very useful tip! Thanks for the info.