Earlier last month, Apple has revealed that it will close its famous media content management software – iTunes. Instead three separate apps, namely Music, TV and Podcast, will take the place of iTunes. Apple promises that all your contents, including downloaded songs, movies, audiobooks after purchased or ripped from CDs, will keep intact in the library. The only difference is the way you get to it. Yet it's still the time for us to back up the iTunes library, in case any further data loss. Thus, in this post we will show you 2 ways to backup and export iTunes library. Now let's take action before it disappeared completely.
Part 1. How to Backup iTunes Library and Media Files
The first way to backup iTunes library is introduced by Apple Support, which is safe but complicated. Now I will give a quick step-by-step guide for you. You can also go to its official documents to get more details.
Step 1Consolidate iTunes library
Before making a backup, you need to consolidate your iTunes media files by going to the File > Library > Organize Library, and then click the OK button to close the popup.
Step 2Move iTunes library to external drive
Now quit iTunes app and find your iTunes folder where your media files exist. Usually, you can find it in the default location:
For Windows 7 or later: \Users\username\My Music\.
For Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music\.
For Mac: Open Finder windows and press Go > Home > Music > iTunes.
Then simply drag your iTunes folder from here to an external hard drive. Now your iTunes library and all media files are backed up to the drive. When you want to enjoy these media files again, you need to restore the library from the drive to the iTunes library.
Note: If you can't find your iTunes folder in the default location, you can go to the advanced settings and check its real location. To find it, just go to the Edit > Preferences > Advanced if you're a Windows user; if you're using a Mac, you can choose iTunes > Preferences > Advanced.
Part 2. How to Remove DRM and Export iTunes Library
As you see, the method above can help you backup iTunes library to the external hard disk, but it will not allow you to play them with other players expect iTunes. This is because all iTunes media contents are protected by Apple's digital right management (DRM) copyright. Thus here we'd like introduce some powerful DRM removal tools such as ViWizard DRM M4V Converter or ViWizard DRM Audio Converter, which allow you to get rid of the DRM encryption and then export all media content from iTunes to your computer in a common format such as MP4 or MP3, etc.
ViWizard M4V Converter is an all-in-one solution to help users losslessly remove DRM protection of iTunes movies and TV shows whether they're rented or purchased, so that users can watch them on many other common devices expect iDevices such as iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, etc.
Download link:
ViWizard DRM Audio Converter is otherwise capable of removing DRM and converting all iTunes M4P songs and audiobooks to DRM-free formats like MP3, AAC, etc., without causing any quality damage, and then exporting them to any media device for playback with no limitation.
Download link:
Steps to Backup and Export iTunes Movies and TV Shows with ViWizard M4V Converter
Step 1Launch ViWizard and add iTunes videos
First, please download and install ViWizard DRM M4V Converter on your PC or Mac and then simply open it. After that, click the "Add Files" button to import the iTunes movies or TV episodes to the program or just drag the files to the program.
Step 2Set output format and parameters
Next click the Preferences option from the Menu icon on the top right corner and choose an output format such as Lossless MP4 or Lossless M4V. Change the other parameters like bit rate, codec after clicking the Gear icon when necessary.
Step 3Convert iTunes files and export them
Now click the "Convert" button to start the conversion. When it finished, all your iTunes movies and TV shows are saved and exported to the local folder of your computer.
Steps to Backup and Export iTunes Music and Audiobooks with ViWizard Audio Converter
Step 1Import iTunes M4P songs or audiobooks
Click the iTunes icon on the top menu bar and add the iTunes music and audiobooks you want to back up, after completed the installation of ViWizard DRM Audio Converter.
Step 2Choose an output format
Now press the "Format" button and select an audio format for your iTunes audio files like MP3, FLAC, etc. You're also allowed to customize the channel, sample rate, etc. as you like.
Step 3Start conversion and save them
When all settings are ready, you can click the "Convert" button. Then the program will begin to remove the DRM and convert all iTunes audio files to DRM-free ones. You can find that all files are backed up and saved on your computer.
Conclusion
iTunes is about to go away, what about the iTunes files you bought or rented? No worries. With the 2 methods introduced above, you can now easily get them backed up for safe keeping or export iTunes library for enjoying at any time on any device.
Nick Orin is a review writer, software geek and Mac OS enthusiast. He spends all his free time in searching useful software and gadgets to share with others.
