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August 5, 2024

How do I make Music look and act more like iTunes?

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In 2019 Apple split iTunes in to three Apps to make the program more efficient: Music, AppleTV, Podcasts

The music app on Mac, initially known as iTunes, revolutionized digital music consumption when it debuted in 2001. Developed by Apple, iTunes was designed as a digital media player and library, allowing users to organize and play their music collections. Over the years, iTunes expanded its capabilities to include the iTunes Store, where users could purchase and download music, movies, and TV shows. It became the dominant platform for digital music sales and played a significant role in the shift from physical media to digital downloads. In 2019, Apple retired iTunes and replaced it with separate apps: Apple Music for streaming, the Apple TV app for movies and TV shows, and the Apple Podcasts app for podcasts. This transition marked a new era in Apple’s approach to media consumption on its Mac platform, focusing more on streaming and integrated media experiences.

How do I make Music look and act more like iTunes?
Table of Contents

Why did Apple split up the iTunes app?

Apple split up the iTunes app primarily to streamline and enhance user experience, adapt to changing consumer habits, and modernize its media offerings. By the time of its retirement in 2019, iTunes had become bloated with additional functionalities beyond music, including movies, TV shows, podcasts, and device syncing. This complexity made the app less intuitive and user-friendly. The shift to separate apps like Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts allowed Apple to tailor each app specifically to its media type, offering a more focused and efficient user experience. It also reflected broader trends in media consumption, emphasizing streaming over downloads and providing more integrated services across Apple’s ecosystem of devices. This move enabled Apple to innovate further and better cater to the evolving needs and preferences of its users.

Will iTunes still work on macOS or Windows?

iTunes as a standalone app was officially discontinued by Apple, so it no longer receives updates or support. However, iTunes functionality has been split into different apps on macOS: Apple Music for music streaming and library management, Apple TV for movies and TV shows, and Apple Podcasts for podcasts. These apps collectively offer all the functionalities that iTunes provided, albeit in a more streamlined and modern interface.

On Windows, iTunes continues to exist for users who have it installed. Apple has not released a separate set of apps for Windows like they did for macOS. Users on Windows can still use iTunes for managing their music libraries, purchasing media, syncing devices like iPhones and iPads, and accessing the iTunes Store.

In both cases, while iTunes itself is no longer updated or supported in its traditional form, its core functionalities are still available through the new apps on macOS and the existing iTunes application on Windows.

How do I make Music look and act more like iTunes?

If you prefer a layout and functionality in the Music app on your Mac that resembles the old iTunes interface, here are a few tips to achieve a similar look and feel:

  1. Enable Sidebar: The sidebar in iTunes provided quick access to different sections like playlists, devices, and media types. You can enable a sidebar in the Music app to replicate this:
    • Open the Music app on your Mac.
    • Go to View in the menu bar.
    • Select Show Sidebar to display the sidebar on the left-hand side of the app.
  2. Switch to Song View: iTunes had a detailed “Songs” view that displayed music in a list format with columns for different attributes like artist, album, and genre. You can replicate this in the Music app:
    • In the Music app, go to View > View As > Songs to switch to the list view.
  3. Sort and Arrange Columns: Customize the columns displayed in the Songs view to include attributes you find useful:
    • Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the column headers in the Songs view.
    • Choose Show Columns to select which attributes (like artist, album, genre) you want to display.
    • You can also drag column headers to rearrange them according to your preference.
  4. Customize Toolbar: The toolbar in iTunes allowed quick access to commonly used functions. While the customization options in the Music app are more limited, you can still customize the toolbar to some extent:
    • Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the toolbar area.
    • Choose Customize Toolbar....
    • Drag icons like Back, Forward, Search, and View options to add or remove them from the toolbar.
  5. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: If you were used to specific keyboard shortcuts in iTunes, many of them are still applicable in the Music app. For example, Cmd + F for search, Cmd + 1 for library view, and Cmd + 2 for playlist view.

While the Music app has a different interface and organization compared to iTunes, these tips should help you customize it to resemble the layout and functionality you were familiar with in iTunes.

I can’t find all the music I had in iTunes when it upgraded to Music, how do I find it?

If you’re unable to find all your music after iTunes was upgraded to the Music app on macOS, there are a few steps you can take to locate and manage your music:

  1. Check Music Library: Open the Music app on your Mac. Your music library from iTunes should have been migrated automatically to the Music app during the upgrade. Look for sections like “Songs,” “Albums,” or “Library” to browse through your music collection.
  2. iTunes Media Folder: Your music files might still be in the same location as they were in iTunes. By default, iTunes stores music files in a specific folder on your computer. You can locate this folder and check if your music files are still there.
    • On macOS, the default location for iTunes media is usually ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media.
    • Open Finder, go to your Home folder (~/Music), and look for an “iTunes” folder or an “iTunes Media” folder. Your music files should be organized by artist and album within this folder.
  3. Import Missing Music: If you find your music files in the iTunes media folder but they aren’t showing up in the Music app, you may need to import them into the Music app manually:
    • Open the Music app.
    • Go to File > Import and navigate to the folder where your music files are stored (iTunes Media folder).
    • Select the files or folders you want to import and click Open. This will add your music to the Music app’s library.
  4. Check iCloud Music Library: If you use iCloud Music Library, your music might be stored in the cloud rather than locally on your Mac. Ensure iCloud Music Library is enabled in Music app preferences (Music > Preferences> General > Sync Library).
  5. Restore from Backup: If you have a backup of your iTunes library, you can restore your music files from there. This can be done using Time Machine on macOS or any other backup solution you use.

By following these steps, you should be able to locate and manage your music that was previously in iTunes but might not be immediately visible in the Music app after the upgrade.

How do I access the iTunes Store in the music app?

In the Music app on macOS, the iTunes Store is integrated directly into the app itself, so you can access it easily to purchase music, movies, and more. Here’s how you can access the iTunes Store within the Music app:

  1. Open the Music App: Launch the Music app on your Mac. You can usually find it in the Applications folder or via Spotlight search (Cmd + Space).
  2. Navigate to the iTunes Store:
    • In the Music app, look for the iTunes Store option in the sidebar on the left-hand side of the app. If you don’t see the sidebar, you can enable it by going to View > Show Sidebar in the menu bar.
    • Alternatively, you can access the iTunes Store by clicking on Store in the menu bar at the top of your screen and selecting iTunes Store.
  3. Browse and Purchase:
    • Once you’re in the iTunes Store section of the Music app, you can browse music, movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and more.
    • Use the search bar at the top-right corner to search for specific content.
    • Click on items to view details, listen to previews (for music), and make purchases.
  4. Syncing with Apple Music:
    • If you’re subscribed to Apple Music, your purchases from the iTunes Store will automatically be available in your music library and synced across your devices where Apple Music is enabled.

By following these steps, you should be able to access and use the iTunes Store seamlessly within the Music app on your Mac, enjoying the convenience of purchasing and managing your digital media content.

How do I sync my iPod or iPhone with my Mac now that I’ve upgraded from iTunes to Music?

Syncing your iPod or iPhone with your Mac is still possible after the transition from iTunes to the Music app. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your iPod or iPhone to your Mac. Make sure your device is unlocked and on the Home screen.
  2. Open the Finder:
    • With the device connected, open a new Finder window on your Mac.
    • Look for your device listed under Locations in the sidebar of the Finder window. It should appear under Locations with the name of your device.
  3. Manage Content:
    • Click on your device’s name in the Finder sidebar to display its management screen.
    • Here, you can manage your device’s content similar to how you did in iTunes. You’ll see tabs for Summary, Music, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, and so on.
    • Use these tabs to manage what content you want to sync to your device. For example, you can select specific playlists, artists, albums, or videos to sync.
  4. Syncing:
    • After selecting your desired options, click on Apply in the bottom-right corner of the Finder window to sync your device with the selected content.
    • Depending on your settings, syncing may also automatically occur when you connect your device.
  5. Eject Safely:
    • Once syncing is complete, eject your device safely by clicking the eject button (⏏) next to your device’s name in the Finder sidebar.

By following these steps, you can effectively sync your iPod or iPhone with your Mac using the Finder, replacing the previous sync functionality that was handled within iTunes. This method allows you to manage and synchronize your media and other content seamlessly between your Mac and iOS devices.

Can I rip CDs in to Mac Music?

Yes, you can rip CDs directly into the Music app on your Mac. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Insert the CD: Start by inserting the CD you want to rip into your Mac’s CD/DVD drive.
  2. Open the Music App: Launch the Music app on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or via Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
  3. Configure Import Settings (Optional):
    • Before ripping, you might want to adjust the import settings. Go to Music > Preferences > Files tab.
    • Here, you can select the import format (AAC, MP3, etc.) and the quality (bitrate) for the imported songs. Choose the settings that suit your preferences.
  4. Import CD:
    • Once the CD is recognized by the Music app, it should appear under Devices in the sidebar.
    • Click on the CD’s name in the sidebar to display its contents.
    • If the CD doesn’t appear automatically, you can click on the CD icon near the top left of the Music app window to see its contents.
  5. Import Tracks:
    • Check the boxes next to the songs you want to import, or select Import CD to import all tracks.
    • The tracks will start importing into your Music library. The progress will be displayed in the top-right corner of the Music app window.
  6. Eject CD:
    • Once importing is complete, you can eject the CD by clicking the eject button next to its name in the sidebar.
  7. Check Imported Songs:
    • After importing, the songs will appear in your Music library under Recently Added or under the Songs tab.

By following these steps, you can easily rip CDs and import their contents into the Music app on your Mac, allowing you to build and manage your digital music library directly from your physical CDs.

Can I burn CD’s from Mac Music?

Yes, you can rip CDs directly into the Music app on your Mac. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Insert the CD: Start by inserting the CD you want to rip into your Mac’s CD/DVD drive.
  2. Open the Music App: Launch the Music app on your Mac. You can find it in the Applications folder or via Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
  3. Configure Import Settings (Optional):
    • Before ripping, you might want to adjust the import settings. Go to Music > Preferences > Files tab.
    • Here, you can select the import format (AAC, MP3, etc.) and the quality (bitrate) for the imported songs. Choose the settings that suit your preferences.
  4. Import CD:
    • Once the CD is recognized by the Music app, it should appear under Devices in the sidebar.
    • Click on the CD’s name in the sidebar to display its contents.
    • If the CD doesn’t appear automatically, you can click on the CD icon near the top left of the Music app window to see its contents.
  5. Import Tracks:
    • Check the boxes next to the songs you want to import, or select Import CD to import all tracks.
    • The tracks will start importing into your Music library. The progress will be displayed in the top-right corner of the Music app window.
  6. Eject CD:
    • Once importing is complete, you can eject the CD by clicking the eject button next to its name in the sidebar.
  7. Check Imported Songs:
    • After importing, the songs will appear in your Music library under Recently Added or under the Songs tab.

By following these steps, you can easily rip CDs and import their contents into the Music app on your Mac, allowing you to build and manage your digital music library directly from your physical CDs.

Can I burn CD’s from the Mac Music App?

Yes, you can still burn CDs from the Music app on your Mac. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Create a Playlist (Optional):
    • If you want to burn specific songs to a CD, you can create a playlist in the Music app first.
    • Open the Music app and navigate to File > New Playlist to create a new playlist.
    • Drag and drop songs from your library into the playlist to add them.
  2. Insert a Blank CD:
    • Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc into your Mac’s CD/DVD drive.
  3. Burn CD:
    • Once the disc is recognized by your Mac, select the playlist or individual songs you want to burn to the CD.
    • Right-click (or Control-click) on the selection and choose Burn Playlist to Disc from the context menu.
    • Alternatively, you can go to File > Burn Playlist to Disc from the menu bar.
  4. Configure Burn Settings:
    • A dialog box will appear where you can configure the burn settings. Choose the desired options:
      • Disc Format: Choose Audio CD for a standard playable CD, or MP3 CD if you prefer to burn MP3 files that can be played on compatible CD players.
      • Burn Speed: Select the burn speed. Slower speeds often result in more reliable burns.
      • Gap Between Songs: Choose whether to include gaps between songs.
  5. Burn:
    • Click Burn to start the burning process. The progress will be displayed in the top-right corner of the Music app window.
    • Depending on the number of songs and the burn speed, the process may take some time.
  6. Eject CD:
    • Once the burning process is complete, eject the CD by clicking the eject button next to its name in the sidebar of the Music app.
  7. Verify:
    • After ejecting the CD, you can play it in a CD player to verify that the burning process was successful.

By following these steps, you can easily burn CDs from the Music app on your Mac, whether it’s creating audio CDs for standard playback or MP3 CDs for compatibility with other devices.

Do I have to subscribe to Apple Music to use the Music app on Mac?

No, you do not have to subscribe to Apple Music to use the Music app on your Mac. The Music app can function as a standalone music player and library manager without an Apple Music subscription. Here’s what you can do without subscribing to Apple Music:

  1. Manage Your Music Library: You can add, organize, and play music files that you already own. This includes music imported from CDs, purchased from the iTunes Store, or added from other sources.
  2. Purchase Music: You can still buy songs and albums from the iTunes Store directly within the Music app. These purchases will be added to your library and can be played without any subscription.
  3. Import CDs: You can rip CDs into your Music library, allowing you to digitize your physical music collection and listen to it on your Mac.
  4. Create and Manage Playlists: You can create and manage playlists, allowing you to organize your music in a way that suits your preferences.
  5. Sync with Devices: You can sync your music library with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using the Finder, as described in previous instructions. This allows you to transfer music between your Mac and other devices without needing an Apple Music subscription.
  6. Burn CDs: You can burn your own music CDs using the Music app, as described in earlier steps.

While an Apple Music subscription provides additional features like access to the entire Apple Music catalog, curated playlists, and more, it is not necessary for using the basic functionalities of the Music app. You can enjoy and manage your own music library fully without subscribing to Apple Music.

Are there any plugins for the Music App on Mac?

The Music app on macOS, like its predecessor iTunes, supports some third-party plugins, although the ecosystem is not as extensive as it once was. These plugins can enhance the functionality and features of the Music app. Here are a few types of plugins and tools that you might find useful:

  1. Audio Enhancements: Plugins that enhance audio quality or add new audio features to the Music app.
    • eqMac: A powerful and free system-wide equalizer for macOS that can enhance the sound output of all audio played through your Mac, including the Music app.
    • Audio Hijack: A versatile tool from Rogue Amoeba that allows you to record and manipulate audio from any app, including the Music app. It’s great for creating high-quality audio recordings and adding effects.
  2. Library Management: Tools that help manage and organize your music library.
    • Yate: A tag editor for macOS that allows you to organize your music library by editing metadata tags for your music files. This can be particularly useful for maintaining a clean and organized library.
    • TuneUp: A tool designed to clean up and organize your music library by fixing track information, finding album art, and removing duplicates.
  3. Lyrics and Metadata: Plugins that add lyrics or improve metadata for your music collection.
    • Musixmatch: A lyrics app that can be integrated with the Music app to display lyrics for the currently playing song. It’s available as a standalone app with a floating lyrics window that syncs with the Music app.
  4. Automation and Scripting: Automate tasks and enhance functionality through scripting.
    • AppleScript: The Music app supports AppleScript, which allows you to automate tasks within the app. You can create custom scripts to handle repetitive tasks, manage your library, and more.
  5. Visualizers: Enhancements to the visual experience while playing music.
    • The Music app includes built-in visualizers that can be accessed by selecting Window > Visualizer or by pressing Cmd + T. There are also some third-party visualizers available online, although these are less common than they were for iTunes.

To install and use these plugins, you usually need to download them from the developer’s website and follow the installation instructions provided. Keep in mind that not all plugins or tools may be fully compatible with the latest versions of macOS and the Music app, so it’s important to check for compatibility and read user reviews where available.

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