Several weeks ago, Apple released a new version of iTunes – iTunes 11 which brings you a complete different user experience. Some users love the upgrade and enjoy the new user interface which is fresh and less cluttered. But some do not. Whether you love the upgrade or not, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that would help you get the most out of the new iTunes.
1. Give Me Back the Sidebar
iTunes 11 comes with a fresh design that is less cluttered and simpler. The very first time you open iTunes 11, you’ll notice the sidebar is gone. Some users may miss the sidebar or not get used to the change. If you’re one of them, you can simply press Option + Command + S to get the sidebar back.
2. Get Album Art
To get the album art for your song library, click File -> Library -> Get Album Artwork.
You can also go to the Store preference (select iTunes -> Preferences -> Store) and enable an option named “Share details about your Library with Apple”. By selecting the option, iTunes automatically retrieves album covers and other information related to your library.
3. Drag Song to Build Playlist
Without the sidebar, you may find it difficult to add songs to playlist. iTunes 11 introduces a new way to let user build the playlist. Just select a track in the song library and drag to the right. A sidebar will be appeared. You can then drop the track to the playlist you want.
4. Keep MiniPlayer on Top of All Windows
iTunes allow user to create more than one library. By holding the Option key and click the iTunes icon to start the program, you can choose or create a new music library to use.
5. Create New iTunes Library
iTunes allow user to create more than one library. By holding the Option key and click the iTunes icon to start the program, you can choose or create a new music library to use.
6. Redeem iTunes Gift Card with FaceTime camera
iTunes 11 introduces a new feature to let user redeem iTunes gift card by using the FaceTime camera. Simply click “iTunes Store”, then select “Redeem” in the sidebar.
Click “Use Camera” button. Hold the back of your gift card with redeem code up to the FaceTime camera to redeem it.
After your Mac reads the redeem code, you should see your iTunes Store balance on screen. But please note that this feature is only available in US at the moment.
7. Placing Movies in Other Categories
iTunes 11 introduces a new category called Home Movies. Videos you’ve purchased from iTunes store is placed under the “Film” or “TV shows” category. For your imported videos, they’re automatically placed under the “Home Movies” category. You can always change it if you like. Right-click on the video and select “Get Info” option. Under Options tab, choose Film, TV Show, Music Video from the Media kind list.
8. Missing Ringtone / iTunes U
If you can’t find ringtone or iTunes U in your library, try to go to iTunes -> Preferences -> General.
Tick the check boxes for both iTunes U and Tones, then click “OK”. You should be able to find them in your library.
Note: If you’re upgrading from older version of iTunes, Apple has renamed “Ringtone” option to “Tones” that organize both ringtones and text tones.
9. Toggle the Status Bar
By default, the status bar is hidden. You can choose View -> Show Status Bar or press Command + / to unhide it.
10. Useful Shortcuts
iTunes offers a number of shortcuts to give you quick access of some handy functions. Hit the Command key on your keyboard, followed by the 1 ? 7 number keys at the same time to switch to any enabled media. Here is the list:
- Command + 1 = Music
- Command + 2 = Movies
- Command + 3 = TV Shows
- Command + 4 = Podcasts
- Command + 5 = iTunes U
- Command + 6 = Books
- Command + 7 = Apps
To switch to the mini player, hit Command + Option + M keys together.
What do you think about the tips? Do share with us if you find other useful tips and tricks.
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