How to create MP3s using iTunes

by Thomas Fowler

Some of our customers who are just getting starting with their new music website want to know how to encode their CD tracks into the MP3 format, which allows them to share their music on their music page. The good news is that it’s very easy to do. What follows is a very brief tutorial on how to create MP3s using the iTunes software from Apple.

While there are many different ways to encode an MP3 file from a CD track, I’ve chosen to use iTunes in this tutorial, since it’s free and works on both Macintosh and Windows computers. If you don’t already have iTunes installed on your computer, you can download it from Apple’s website.

First, you need to change the iTunes import settings:

  1. Launch iTunes.
  2. From the iTunes menu (Macintosh) or Edit menu (Windows), select Preferences… The Preferences window will open.
  3. Click on the Importing button (you may have to click the Advanced tab first, depending on your version of iTunes).
  4. From the Import Using pull-down menu select MP3 Encoder.
  5. From the Setting pull-down menu, select your desired MP3 quality setting.
    iTunes preferences
  6. Click OK to close the Preferences window.

Now you are ready to create your MP3:

  1. Insert your CD into the CD-ROM drive on your computer.
  2. You should see the CD listed under the Source menu on your iTunes window and the CD tracks should appear on the right.
  3. Select the track that you wish to encode by clicking on it once.
  4. From the Advanced menu, choose Convert to MP3 (or Convert Selection to MP3).
  5. By default, the MP3s are saved in the Macintosh HD>Users>Current User indicated by the ‘house’ icon >Music> iTunes>iTunes Music folder (on Macintosh), or C:\Documents and Settings\Current User\My Documents\My Music\iTunes\iTunes Music on Windows.

The MP3 files that you created of your music are now stored on your local computer, and you can add them to the music page of your NoteWay website.

That’s all there is to it! Happy MP3 encoding!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 18th, 2006 at 2:25 pm by Thomas Fowler.

Questions or comments about this article? Are there other topics you would like us to discuss in the future? Please contact us with your suggestions.

Author biography: Thomas Fowler is Vice President of Technology and Development at NoteWay Media. He has been involved with music for most of his life and now earns a living building websites.