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Batch move your playlists to an iTunes folder

by Sang Tang Oct 22nd 2009 at 3:00PM

Folders, which have been a feature of iTunes since iTunes 5.0, serve as a means to better organize your music. For example, you could create genre- or artist-based folders with corresponding playlists nested within them. But moving playlists into folders isn't the most fun thing, and can be especially time consuming if you're going to be moving a bunch. Fortunately, the "Move Playlists to Folder" script provides a means for you to easily move multiple playlists over to a specified folder in iTunes.

First, download and install the script: the file should reside in your [username]/Library/iTunes/Scripts/ folder. After successful installation, the script will now appear as an item in the scripts menu. If you didn't already have any scripts installed, the script menu allows you to access and run scripts for a specific app.

This AppleScript, along with a host of many other iTunes script goodies, is available as a free download at Doug's Scripts. However, Doug would also be more than happy if you were generous enough to donate a buck or two to help buy him a latte.



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Folders, which have been a feature of iTunes since iTunes 5.0, serve as a means to better organize your music. For example, you could...
 

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asif

I've honestly been waiting for something like this. My scenario:

- I put all my latest albums into their own playlists, I used playlists like an inbox
- These playlists go into a single folder
- The folder 'New Stuff' is syncd to my iPhone
- It's a PITA to move playlists into a folder that requires scrolling up within iTunes. Also if you hover over a closed folder for a fraction of a second too long while dragging it opens up.

So yeah, this script will come in very handy.

October 23 2009 at 12:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Zach

Now if only the iPhone would support playlist folders in the iPod app. All the organization I've done in iTunes gets lost when I sync.

October 22 2009 at 5:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
McKenzy

does this add the mp3 files to the folders in the iTunes Music folder??? Cuz that would be FANTASTIC.

October 22 2009 at 5:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Parker

I didn't even know iTunes had folders and I've been using it for over five years. I've always tried to cut down my playlists but now I don't have to. Amazing.

October 22 2009 at 4:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Parker's comment
Bill Mac

ditto. Learn somethin new (old) every day.

October 22 2009 at 4:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Cadence

Its nice to have all your running playlists in one folder for example. Then instead of having a long list of playlist you can just collapse that folder. Its also nice for syncing to your iphone or pod , you can just select the folder rather than all the individual playlists.

October 22 2009 at 4:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
carrespondent

I'm sure this is helpful to some -- and it's great to see someone step in to create something -- like comment #2, I don't get what purpose this would serve. Would it move an iTunes playlist somewhere else within iTunes? Why would be the benefit of doing that? I'm a little confused.

October 22 2009 at 3:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to carrespondent's comment
Galley

Instead of having a long list of 100 playlists, you could organize them into 10 folders.

October 22 2009 at 4:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
robert

This seems like an answer to a question that wasn't asked. Is it that hard to make a folder, command click a bunch of playlists and drag and drop them? Or am I unclear on what this does?

October 22 2009 at 3:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to robert's comment
gordonasper

It would seem that would be easy , but you can't command click playlists in itunes and then drag them into a folder.

October 22 2009 at 3:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
robert

Well, I'll be damned. You're right. Apple has some 'splainin' to do.

October 22 2009 at 3:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gordonasper

Dougs site is such a great resource for anyone serious about getting more out of iTunes. Another one of My favorite scripts is his export smart playlist criteria, check that out too. You can find his scripts in use in all kinds of iTunes plug ins and software. The most recent I've seen is the Cadence desktop software when they create the playlists and move them into a BPM folder.

http://www.cadenceapp.com

October 22 2009 at 3:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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