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Apple Music

What is the role of media and library files? Does media contain the the music (mp4)? Thanks! Sorry if this is a bit basic.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Aug 2, 2022 11:46 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 2, 2022 12:06 PM

Assuming you mean the iTunes Library.itl or Music Library.musiclibrary files and the iTunes Media folder, then:


  1. The itl file contains your music database, with all the music info including file locations and meta data.
  2. The iTunes Media folder contains the actual media files, mp3, acc, m4a etc... for your music in folders organized by artist and by album along with album art.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 2, 2022 12:06 PM in response to Mom2Dudley

Assuming you mean the iTunes Library.itl or Music Library.musiclibrary files and the iTunes Media folder, then:


  1. The itl file contains your music database, with all the music info including file locations and meta data.
  2. The iTunes Media folder contains the actual media files, mp3, acc, m4a etc... for your music in folders organized by artist and by album along with album art.


Apple Music

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