iTunes Storage Location Exceptions
September 4th, 2007
Most people probably have iTunes keep their music folder organized, allowing the application to copy files to a predetermined location when adding to the library.
But there might be instances when you want files to remain where they are. Movies, television shows - whatever files you’ve stored in a special location. A good example would be videos stored on an external drive.
You can still add those files to your library with a drag and drop. Simply holding the option button on the keyboard while you drag will ignore the setting in your preferences, and the files won’t be copied to your Music Folder.
Murphy heard this tip on an episode of Mac Geek Gab, after Mac Core called it in. The caller went on to point out how useful this can be for users with an Apple TV. If you add media to your library this way, and then disconnect the external drive the shows are stored on, the Apple TV will still hold on to the synced content. Here’s a quote from The Mac Core’s Apple TV review:
The TV shows on my Apple TV don’t disappear the next time it sync with my MacBook, even if the external drive isn’t attached, because the shows are still linked (although not accessible) through my iTunes library.
That might be exactly what some users are looking for.
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September 4th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
You’re back - hurrah!
Excellent tip - the timing’s just right as I’m about to re-re-re-organise my music and films.
September 6th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Welcome back!!
September 7th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Hey Murphy!
Great to have you back! I love your screencasts–can we expect more in the near future?
What about that top secret project?
Best,
Chubbs
September 7th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Welcome back, Murphy!
I did this exact thing about a year ago. I keep all my music, photos, and vids on my external drive. If the drive is not connected when I try to sync, my files are not deleted from my iPod/iPhone. Also there is a script that one can write to remind you to connect the external drive before iTunes starts up.
September 13th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Murphy?
October 1st, 2007 at 4:28 am
Awesome tip!
And I hope you come back soon, love your blog.
October 3rd, 2007 at 12:50 am
itunes is some good music software for sure, but i dont like how ipods require it to transfer files.
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:42 pm
i like itunes an all but i think ipods are over priced and everybody has one. I would feel to much like everyone else if i had an ipod, there has to be some diversity.