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30 Most Recent RSS FeedUPDATED: Delete Empty Playlists v3.0
I have just updated Delete Empty Playlists to v3.0. The previous version would simply delete any empty playlists it found. But I frequently found that I wanted to keep a few, especially if they were Smart playlists with criteria that would just be a pain to re-create.
This latest version can, certainly, delete all the empty playlists it finds. But it can also delete just the ones that are selected in the list. Additionally, specific playlists can be isolated by filtering for specific text in their names.
Delete Empty Playlists is free to use with a donation nag and is available to download from this page.
iTunes 12.6.1 Updated
Apple released iTunes 12.6.1.25 just about a week ago. Now build version 12.6.1.27 is available from the App Store app's Updates pane.
I believe this is the third time a release has been updated with a minor build shortly after its initial release.
Unable to Donate
It is possible that a recent change in the operating system may affect the ability to make an in-app donation in several scripts. These will be scripts that have the "nag" screens; when quitting, you may be unable to access PayPal when clicking the "I'll Donate" button. Instead, the script will simply quit.
I am working on updates. Thanks for your patience.
UPDATED: Convert and Replace v2.4
Convert and Replace v2.4 will convert the files of the selected tracks using an iTunes encoder chosen on-the-fly (each encoder's current Preferences-set options will be in effect) and replace the original tracks throughout the playlists of your entire library with the newly converted versions. Additionally, you can opt to Trash/delete or keep the original files and tracks.
This latest version will stay running and not quit after conversion (registered version), monitors changes to the selection of tracks and removes the ability to select a playlist of tracks.
Interestingly, a Correspondent inquired if the script could be modified to accommodate two conversions. Here's why: he wanted to convert 24 bit depth/48 kHz audio files (downloaded from Bandcamp) to Apple Lossless. But Apple Lossless conversion retains the original bit depth and sample rate, defeating the purpose (to some extent) of converting to a smaller file format. So he uses the script to convert these files to 16 bit/44.1 kHz AIFF files first and then again to convert them to ALAC.
Performing two conversions back-to-back automatically with different encoders would be a bit of a stretch for the script. So, as a compromise, I have let it stay open after conversion (at least for registered users) so that the original set of tracks remains the Source if a second conversion of them is required.
A registration code for Convert and Replace is $1.99 and it's free to demo for ten days; it's a free upgrade for current users. It can be downloaded from this page.
iTunes Folder Missing?
A couple of Correspondents have reported that fresh installations of Sierra do not have a "iTunes" folder in the User Library folder (~/Library/iTunes/). Traditionally, this folder contains the "iTunes Plug-Ins" folder and the "Scripts" folder (see my Download FAQ page for more details). Additionally, some third-party apps may use this folder for caching their own iTunes-related files. However, the "Scripts" folder is not created automatically and needs to be created by the user; and I believe Apple has lately inhibited the use of third-party visualizers such that the "iTunes Plug-Ins" folder may no longer be necessary. Perhaps, therefore, the ~/Library/iTunes/ folder is not created automatically anymore either.
To repeat: this seems to affect clean installs of the latest Sierra and iTunes 12.6 and later. If you already have these folders configured on your machine they will not disappear when you upgrade the operating system—at least, that's been my experience.
iTunes still looks for AppleScript files in this location to make them available in its Script menu, so if your system isn't configured with the ~/Library/iTunes/ folder you will have to create the intermediate "iTunes" folder there and then the "Scripts" folder within it.
AppleScripts can also be installed in the /Library/iTunes/Scripts/ folder—that's the [startup disk]/Library/ folder and putting AppleScripts here makes them available to all Users. Again, the "Scripts" folder may have to be created by the user.
AppleScripts will appear in the system-wide Script menu in the Menu Bar when they are installed in ~/Library/Scripts/Applications/iTunes/ for the single User or /Library/Scripts/Applications/iTunes/ for all Users.
Apple Releases iTunes 12.6.1
Apple has released iTunes 12.6.1 with "minor app and performance improvements". Updates for each operating system were also released today. More as it develops.
The Next Track, Episode 52 - It Was A Very Good Year
We observe our first anniversary with a look back at some of our most interesting and popular episodes.
We've also posted a brief survey that we invite you to fill out. It won't take more than a minute or two of your time and will help us plan future episodes. Here is the link to the survey, Thanks!
You can listen to the episode at The Next Track website here or subscribe here in iTunes to make sure you get all future episodes.
UPDATED: Drop A Few My Way v4.0
It's been five years since I last updated Drop A Few My Way which is now at version 4.0. This script is a droplet that converts audio files dropped on it using an iTunes encoder selected on-the-fly and saves the converted files to a user-selected location or adjacent to the source file. The tracks created during the process are removed from iTunes. I keep it in the Toolbar of my Finder windows for quick access when I just need to quickly convert a file or three without having to add it to iTunes and later clean out the detritus.
This latest version of Drop A Few My Way is a general update for macOS 10.10 and later and is free to use with a donation requested.
M3Unify v1.8.0
M3Unify is a simple file managing app that can copy and arrange audio files to a selected folder, volume or portable media. Tracks can be dragged from iTunes or files can be dragged from the Finder. When loaded in M3Unify, a set of flexible exporting options enables you to arrange your music files the way you and your music player want.
With M3Unify you can:
- Copy files of tracks dragged from iTunes or the Finder to a selected folder
- Rename copied files using substitution patterns based on track tags
- Create Album or Artist/Album sub-folders based on track tags
- Export album artwork as "folder.jpg" files, one per Album sub-folder
- Create an M3U playlist
- Format M3U Extended track information using substitution patterns based on track tags
- Optionally convert files to AAC files (or MP3 files via iTunes)
Plus, these features:
- M3U preview
- Track information and Quick Look auditioning
- Uncluttered, easy-to-use interface
- On-board and online help
This latest version adds a preferences option to rename files and sub-folders using strictly limited alphanumeric character set; improves handling of .AIFC files; other enhancements and performace fixes.
M3Unify is $5, free for current registered users, video demo after the jump, download is on this page. (more…)
Current Scripts and Playlist Window
While I like having playlist windows restored in iTunes 12.6, their return is somewhat problematic for many of my scripts. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I spent a few years stripping out references to playlist window in many scripts, particularly the ones that need to access a selection of tracks. In many cases, these scripts can only recognize tracks selected in the main window (the browser window) and cannot recognize a selection of tracks in a playlist window.
I'm updating scripts to accommodate playlist window track selection, but this will take some time to roll out.
In the meantime, be aware that some scripts will need you to select tracks in the main iTunes window. Tracks selected in a playlist window will be ignored.
