How to Move Your iTunes Library to Another Mac

Whether you're moving to a new Mac, or just switching up that machine that you sync your iOS or iPod device with, moving your library can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the process is relatively straight-forward once you understand a few basics of how iTunes stores your data. The method that we'll use in this article not only copies your audio and media files over, it also retains your ratings and playlists. Follow along with this guide to move your iTunes library to another computer.

What You'll Need

>> External hard drive that's large enough to hold your iTunes library, OR...
>> Wired or wireless network

1. Consolidate Your Library and Deauthorize iTunes

To begin, open iTunes and navigate to Preferences > Advanced, and ensure that the box labeled, "Keep iTunes Media Folder Organized" is checked and then click OK. This will ensure that your iTunes folder is properly organized so that the transition over to another computer is smooth.

In addition to consolidating your library, it is important to deauthorize iTunes on the old computer if you don't plan on accessing your iTunes-purchased media on that machine. To deauthorize the computer, navigate to Store > Deauthorize This Computer. You'll be prompted to enter your iTunes account credentials in order to proceed with the deauthorization process.

2. Move Your iTunes Media Folder

Close iTunes on the the machine you will be transferring the library from, and ensure that it remains closed for the duration of the copy progress.

Locate the "iTunes" folder in your Music folder (~/Music). You will need to move this folder to your new Mac by using an external drive to copy the folder over, or via a wired or wireless network and the Sharing features available in OS X.

3. Change Library on New Mac

After the files have been copied to the new Mac, you will need move the "iTunes" folder to the same location on the new machine (~/Music; or in the Music folder inside of the user's home directory).

After the copy has finished and the iTunes folder has moved over, launch iTunes while holding down the Option key on your keyboard. A dialog box will pop up asking for you to Cancel, Create a new Library, or Choose an existing iTunes library. After selecting Choose Library, navigate to and select the iTunes folder that you just copied to the Music folder on your new Mac. Once selected, click Open.

After a few seconds to a few minutes (depending on the size of your library), you will see your iTunes library. You can now import music, sync your devices, and continue on with your iTunes collection from the new machine.

After you are sure that the new machine is set up and working correctly, you can delete the iTunes folder on your old machine, and on the external drive used to move the files.

Please note: By replacing the iTunes library on the new machine, you will be overwriting any existing library files. If you have music, movies, or other media in your library, you will need to move it to another location on your drive and then import it after you have switched libraries on the new Mac.

4. Authorize and Enjoy

The last step is to authorize the new machine to play your iTunes purchases. To do this, navigate to Store > Authorize this Computer. After doing this, iTunes will be able to authenticate and play any older iTunes DRM-protected songs.

Cory Bohon is a freelance technology writer, indie Mac and iOS developer, and amateur photographer. Follow this article's author, Cory Bohon on Twitter.

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Original Page: http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_move_your_itunes_library_another_mac

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