iTunes: Create multiple libraries

If you use iTunes for different things, it may make sense to create multiple libraries. You can read how this works in this practical tip.

Create multiple libraries in iTunes

To create a new media library in iTunes, you must first quit the program.

1. Start iTunes while holding down the Shift key (Mac: ALT key). A dialog opens (see screenshot).
2. Click on "Create new ...".
3. Enter a name for your media library in the dialog. With a click on "Save" a new media library is created, which is located in the folder of your choice. iTunes now opens with the new media library.

Switch between several iTunes libraries

To switch between two or more libraries, you must quit iTunes.

1. Start iTunes while holding down the Shift key (Mac: ALT key). A dialog opens.
2. Click on "Choose ...".
3. There is a ".itl" file in the folder just created. Select this and click on "Open". This library will now be used for all future iTunes launches until you choose another one.

You can find out how to update an iTunes library manually in this practical tip.