Tutorial - How to import files from Apple Music/iTunes

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Peter 15Sep14: ToDo-2P P2 placeholder as a reminder to ensure that this page is relevant to any later version of Apple Music/iTunes, currently the page is accurate for version 12.
Generally, files in Apple Music/iTunes can be imported into Audacity either by dragging them in, or using Audacity's File > Import > Audio command.

Files purchased from Apple Music/iTunes Store may be DRM protected, and must be extracted or recorded to an unprotected format before use in Audacity.

Finding the location and format of your Apple Music/iTunes files

The Apple Music/iTunes Library is not a collection of actual files, but a collection of links to the actual physical location of the files on your hard drive. To view the actual location of your Apple Music/iTunes files and what format they are in:

  1. Right click or control-click over the file in the Apple Music/iTunes window
  2. Click "Show in Windows Explorer" or "Show in Finder"
  3. The new window will have the file selected in the correct folder. Windows by default may not show the file format, but you can right-click the file and hit "Properties" to show the file details.
Advice Do not move the file from its current location, or Apple Music/iTunes will no longer be able to find it - instead, copy it to a new location if required.


Importing WAV, AIFF and MP3 files

You can drag WAV, AAC, MP3 and AIFF files from Apple Music/iTunes into the Audacity window.

Or, import these files into Audacity thus:

  1. Launch Audacity
  2. Click File > Import > Audio
  3. Navigate to the actual location of the file
  4. Select the file by clicking on it
  5. Click the Open button.


Importing M4A (AAC) and MP4 files

M4A(AAC) and MP4 files can be imported into Audacity on Mac as shipped.

On Windows and GNU/Linux you need to download and install the optional FFmpeg library. See the Windows or Linux instructions.

Then drag and drop files from Apple Music/iTunes into the Audacity window, or use File > Import > Audio to import files from the location stated in Apple Music/iTunes.


Importing protected M4P files

Before 2009 iTunes Store was selling audio files with DRM (copyright) protection. Any file that has an M4P extension is protected, and some files with AAC extension may also be protected. Protected files cannot be directly converted to another format in Apple Music/iTunes.

There are two main solutions:

Perhaps the easiest way if you have a file with DRM is simply to re-buy the song from the Apple Music/iTunes Store. Apple now offers all audio content on iTunes (except e-books) free of Fair Play DRM.

Then you can simply drag and drop it from Apple Music/iTunes into Audacity or use Audacity's Import command.

In many cases you can re-download iTunes Plus versions of the songs without Digital Rights Management by subscribing to iTunes Match.


Exporting the audio back to Apple Music/iTunes/iPhone/iPod

See the tutorial Exporting to Apple Music/iTunes.

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