Backup iTunes Playlists - Why do I need to backup my iTunes Playlist files?

Backing up your iTunes Playlists is a good idea, either to burnable media or BackupRight. Otherwise, if you loose your playlist files you will need to recreate them - this can be very time consuming.

How do I backup my iTunes Playlists to CD or DVD?

  • Step 1: Launch iTunes.
  • Step 2: Select one of your playlists in the 'Source' list.
  • Step 3: From the 'File' menu, choose 'Export Song List'.
  • Step 4: From the 'Format' menu, select 'XML'.
  • Step 5: From the 'Where' menu, select 'Desktop'.
  • Step 6: Click 'Save'.
  • Step 7: Repeat steps 1-6 for each playlist.
  • Step 8: You can now burn the exported playlist 'XML' files to CD or DVD.

Restoring your iTunes Playlist files from CD or DVD

  • Step 1: From the 'File' menu, select 'Import'.
  • Step 2: Find on of the exported playlists on your backup CD or DVD.
  • Step 3: Click 'Choose'.
  • Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 for each playlist that you have backed up.

How do I backup my iTunes Playlists using BackupRight?

  • Step 1: Launch BackupRight and login.
  • Step 2: From the 'Backup Set' menu, select 'New' and then 'File Backup Set'.
  • Step 3: In the 'Name' section enter 'iTunes Playlists Backup' and click 'Next'.
  • Step 4: Navigate to the location where your iTunes Playlists files are installed. Typically on Mac OS '~/Music/iTunes/'.
  • Step 5: Check the box next to the 'iTunes Music Library.xml' folder and click 'Next'.
  • Step 6: In the 'Backup Schedule' area you can use the default and click 'Next' or customize your settings.
  • Step 7: In the 'Encryption Setting' select 'Default' if you want to use your current encryption key and click 'Next'.
  • Step 8: Click 'Finish' and relax.

Restoring your iTunes Playlists backup using BackupRight

  • Step 1: Launch BackupRight and login.
  • Step 2: From the 'Restore' menu and 'Select Restore Source', select 'iTunes Playlists Backup'.
  • Step 3: In the 'Restore Source' section, check the box next to the first directory.
  • Step 4: Click the 'Restore Files' button.
  • Step 5: In the 'Restore Files' window select where you want the restored files to be saved.
  • Step 6: Click 'Start'.