iTunes 9: Understanding iTunes Media Organization

Summary

iTunes 9 offers a new method of organizing the iTunes folder, making it easier to locate your music, movies, TV shows, and more. This article details the changes that occur when upgrading to iTunes Media organization.

Note: If you are using iTunes for the first time, iTunes 9 automatically uses iTunes Media organization.

Products Affected

iTunes 9 for Mac, iTunes 9 for Windows

Upgrading to iTunes Media organization

In iTunes 8.2.1 and earlier, the iTunes folder is organized as follows, with the iTunes Music folder containing most of your content:

  • iTunes
    • Mobile Applications
    • iTunes Music
      • Movies
      • Podcasts
      • Ringtones
      • TV Shows
    • iPod Games

In iTunes 9 and later, the iTunes folder is organized as follows, with iTunes Media organization arranging your content into folders related to the content: 

  • iTunes
    • iTunes Media 
      • Audiobooks
      • Automatically Added to iTunes
      • Books
      • iPod Games
      • iTunes U
      • Mobile Applications
      • Movies
      • Music
      • Podcasts
      • Ringtones
      • TV Shows
      • Voice Memos

 Upgrade to iTunes Media organization by choosing File > Library > Organize Library:

  Consolidate and Organize

Important: Once you complete this process, you cannot return to the previous method of organizing your content.

 

 

Additional Information

  • If the option to Upgrade to iTunes Media organization is not shown, you have already upgraded to it.
  • If you share your iTunes folder between multiple users on the same computer, or keep your iTunes folder on a network or Airport Disk, ensure all computers are using iTunes 9.
    • When using different versions of iTunes, you may be unable to locate content, or may import or transfer content to the wrong location.
  • If you changed the location of your iTunes Music folder using iTunes > Preferences > Advanced, iTunes does not rename the iTunes Music folder to iTunes Media.
    • If this occurs, do not manually rename the iTunes Music folder. This could cause issues with locating or playing content.
  • In some instances, old folders may remain in the iTunes folder (Mobile Applications, iPod Games, etc).
    • After you verify these folders are empty, you can safely remove them.
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