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How To Switch Between Itunes Libraries On Mac

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Aug 27, 2006  I would like to create a setup with two iTunes libraries. A small 15GB one with 'most requested' songs will reside on the internal drive for listening on the go. The 'main' 65GB library will be on an external hard drive at home. The trick is, I want the switch between the libraries to be either automatic, or very quick and easy. Oct 01, 2016  So now that Apple has sent a new 'improved' version of itunes, how do I switch between libraries on the same computer? I don't want all the same music my son does and since we share a computer and he's young enough that we also share the id, I don't want to set up two separate accounts. Oct 08, 2019  PowerTunes allows iTunes users to create multiple libraries, organize their music among multiple music folders, and share music and libraries between multiple users on a machine. In addition to simply creating and keeping track of your libraries, PowerTunes also offers many additional features to help organize your music. There are a few ways to transfer your iTunes library from one computer to another. When you get a new Mac, use Setup Assistant (or Migration Assistant, if you’re switching from Windows) to move files—including your iTunes files—from your old computer to the new one.

'I was pretty excited with the release of the new macOS but after I updated to macOS Catalina, I started having issues. On my old version of macOS, I had multiple iTunes libraries but with the system changes made to macOS Catalina, it has become Music Library. Although the instructions for accessing multiple libraries haven't changed under Catalina, I was unable to access the libraries. How do I access multiple music libraries under Catalina?'

With the release of macOS Catalina, Apple tried its very best to provide the smoothest experience to the users; and they did to some extent. But they also made a few changes like the removal of the iTunes app. As Apple announced, this does not change anything for the users, still, they are having issues to access other libraries. But don't worry, the situation is easily fixable; just read the article below.

Part 1. How to Switch Libraries in macOS Catalina?

The problem is, iTunes doesn't exist on Catalina; instead, it is called Music.

So, if a user had multiple iTunes libraries; in the new macOS Catalina, it will be Music libraries. But the difficulty appears, when they are trying to switch Libraries in macOS Catalina.

Against popular belief, it is pretty simple to change music libraries on the new macOS Catalina. Just follow the steps below to change libraries after the update;

Apple photo library management. If you have multiple iTunes libraries, you can easily follow steps below to switch between them in macOS Catalina after you upgrade each library.

Step 1: After the upgrade, open the Mac, hold down the 'Option' key, then open the Music app or Apple TV app.

Step 2: A new window will appear on the screen, click and choose 'Library'.

Step 3:Lastly, select your preferred library and click 'Choose'.

So, if you are having trouble to access multiple Music Libraries On macOS Catalina, just follow these steps. You will be able to access them easily.

Part 2. Unable to Access Multiple Music Libraries On macOS Catalina? Note Things Below!

But if you are still having difficulty to access multiple Music Libraries on macOS Catalina, then it is possible that you may have to make some changes to your system. So, just note the details below:

1. Upgrade your iTunes library in macOS Catalina

You have to upgrade each of your libraries before you can access and switch between them, successfully. After you have upgraded to macOS Catalina, simply open the Apple Music App or the Apple TV App inside your existing iTunes library. The iTunes library will get updated automatically.

2. iTunes libraries are imported into Different Apps

There are other changes as well. iTunes was divided into multiple features on the new macOS Catalina. So, if you were using multiple iTunes libraries on the older version, then you will not find your audiobooks on Music Library. They will be imported to Apple Books library and the podcasts will be imported to Apple Podcasts library on macOS Catalina.

3. Catalina Music app does not support XML (DJ library)

As mentioned earlier, the new Music app that has replaced the iTunes on the new macOS Catalina has removed support for automatic sync of playlists with 3rd party apps using XML. XML file support is a well-known organizational feature for DJs who use it to sort tracks into playlists and it uses the 'Share iTunes Library XML with other applications' option to seamlessly transmit data between apps.

Catalina's Music app does support automatic library syncing with other apps, but many DJ apps haven't been updated yet to support the new method.

Bonus Tips: The Best iOS Music Manager/Transfer for Mac -2019

Users are indeed having difficulties using the new Music Library on macOS Catalina. Apple tried their best to make the experience as smooth as possible but there are still some issues with it.

But there is a better way to manage and transfer the music files from iOS device to Mac. You are required to use a professional program like Tenorshare iCareFone to make the transfer safe and as easy as possible.

  • No limit to the transfer of music, photos, videos, and other files.
  • Transfer the songs into your iPhone without erasing the existing playlist or files.
  • Manage the songs to take control of important files easily.
  • You will be able to restore and backup your files easily.
  • Compatible with the latest models of iOS devices and the latest iOS versions as well.

How to Transfer Music from Mac to iPhone without Syncing

Here is the simple guide on how to transfer music from iTunes to iPhone without syncing with the help of iCareFone. Download and install the software properly and finish the setup. Then follow the steps given below:

Step 1 Download and install iCareFone on your Mac or PC, whatever you are using. Then, connect the iOS device to the said computer and establish a proper connection. Launch, iCareFone and upon detecting the device, select the 'Transfer iTunes Media to Device' and move forward.

Step 2 Select the ones you want to transfer and click the 'Transfer' button.

Step 3 Now iCarefone will start the sync. Make sure that you don't disconnect your device from the system and you will have all your music files on the iPhone.

The process will only take a while depending on the number of files you are transferring. Afer transferring, you will be able to enjoy your Mac music library on your iPhone.

Sum Up

Therefore, the difficulty faced by users is pretty real. They are confused and unable to access more than one music library on new macOS Catalina. Some are also wondering about their favorite audiobooks and podcasts. So, we have provided all the details on this article and made it as adaptable as possible. Still, we would say that the best way to manage your music files on iOS would be to use Tenorshare iCareFone. It is an easier and safer option.

Though it is not a necessity to use your computer as a means to sync your iPhone or iPad content anymore, there are still lots of people that use iTunes on their computer for just that purpose. If you and your family all use one Mac but have have different content on your devices, you can set up iTunes to sync each one separately. It just takes a little advanced setup. Here's how.

Creating a user account for each person on your Mac

When you create separate user accounts, it makes it possible for each person to basically have a separate computer with a separate iTunes app. This method is ideal if each person syncs their device differently or if any of the devices have parental controls set up.

How to create a new user account on your Mac

The account administrator is the only person that can create a new user account. Make sure you have your administrator user name and password before you begin.

  1. Click on the Apple menu () at the top left of your Mac's screen.

  2. Select System Preferences from the drop down menu.

  3. Click on Users & Groups.

  4. Click on the lock in the lower left corner of the Users & Groups window.

  5. Enter your administrator username and password.
  6. Click Unlock.

  7. Click the Add (+) button under the current users list.

  8. Select an Account Type from the drop down menu. I suggest using 'Standard' for other adults and 'Managed with Parental Controls' for kids.

  9. Enter the full name of the new user.

  10. Enter an account name. This can be a nickname.
  11. Enter a password.

  12. Verify the password by entering it again.

  13. Enter a hint to help you remember the password if you forget.

  14. Click on Create User.

Repeat this process for user account you'd like to create on your Mac.

When the new users logs into their account for the first time, they will be able to set up their Apple ID and iCloud account.

How To Switch Between Itunes Libraries On Pc

How to switch between user accounts on your Mac

How To Switch Between Itunes Libraries On Mac Pro

Switching between user accounts is as easy as signing out of one and into another. Make sure you switch to your user accounts before connecting your iPhone.

  1. Click on the Apple menu () in the top left corner of your Mac's screen.

  2. Select Log Out [user name].

  3. Select Log Out when the dialog window appears.
  4. Select the user account associated with the iPhone you want to sync.

  5. Log in.

Creating a separate iTunes library on your Mac

If everyone in your household uses the same sync settings and no one's iPhone or iPad is restricted with parental controls, you can create separate iTunes libraries instead of having a separate user account on your Mac for each person. This will allow each of you to sync your specific content, like movies, music, books, and apps, without mixing in with anyone else's content.

How to create a separate iTunes library on your Mac

Before you start, make sure iTunes is closed completely and not running in the background.

  1. Quit iTunes.
  2. Launch iTunes and hold down the Option key at the same time.

  3. Click on Create Library when the window appears.

  4. Enter a name for the new library under Save As (I suggest naming it after the person that will be using it).
  5. Make sure the save location is the Music folder.

  6. Click on Save.

  7. Click on iTunes in the app menu at the top left of your Mac's screen.

  8. Select Preferences from the drop down menu.

  9. Click on the Advanced tab.

  10. Untick the box for Copy files to iTunes Media folder when adding to library. This step is important. It will tell iTunes not to add duplicates of your current iTunes library to the new one.

  11. Connect the iPhone associated with this new iTunes library to your Mac to sync it. All content on that iPhone will sync to this new library. You can also drag and drop movies, music, books, and other media content from your Mac into this new iTunes library and it will sync with the associated iPhone. Make sure you resync after any changes you make.
  12. Disconnect the iPhone and repeat this process for all iPhones in the household that you want to create a separate iTunes library for.

How to switch between iTunes libraries on your Mac

Switching between libraries just takes a few steps right when you launch iTunes. Make sure you switch the iTunes library before connecting your iPhone.

  1. Quit iTunes.
  2. Launch iTunes and hold down the Option Keyat the same time.

  3. Click on Choose Library when the window appears.

  4. Select the iTunes library associated with the iPhone you want to sync.
  5. Click Open.

  6. Sync the iPhone associated with this library.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about creating and switching between iTunes accounts or libraries? Put them in the comments and we'll help you out.

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