Re-Naming&Metadata
More actions
This guide explains how to manually rename files to match the required format. We use MP3Tag to rename files and add metadata.
Required Naming Format
All files must be renamed to match the following format exactly:
01 - Song Tite
All folders must be renamed to match the following format exactly:
YYYY.MM.DD - Title {Source, Catalog Number} [Format]
Example
2005.06.14 - Underbelly {CD, CT-45434} [MP3 320]
2005.00.00 - Underbelly {CD, None} [MP3 128 - 320]
2015.06.00 - Underbelly {CD, CT6744, Re-Issue, Re-Mastered} [FLAC]
2005.06.00 - Underbelly {CD, CT6744, Promo} [FLAC]
2015.06.00 - Underbelly {CD, CT6744, Re-Issue} [MP3 128 - FLAC]
2005.08.00 - Underbelly {CS, None} [FLAC] [inc]
2005.10.00 - Underbelly {Vinyl, None} [FLAC] [BT]
Important:
- If you can't find the catalog number put Unk
- Only use "BT" if the files are verified transcoded
- Only use "inc" if the album is incomplete. A complete album means it has every track and the enhanced content (if available)
- Vinyl releases need to include "source.txt" which should have how the Vinyl go transferred to the PC. I.E. Make/Model of record player used, audio card used, cables used, etc.
Download & Install
Official site:
- Windows: installer or portable
- macOS: App Store version
Essential Tags
- Artist
- Album
- Title
- Track
- Year
- Genre
Nothing else is needed
Adding Album Art
- Select files
- Right-click the album art box
- Choose:
- Add cover…
- Paste cover
Recommended:
- Square image
- 600×600 – 1200×1200
- JPG or PNG
Avoid huge scans — they bloat files.
Renaming Files From Tags
Example Output
01 - Track Title.mp3
Steps
Convert → Tag → Filename
Format string:
%track% - %title%
Click OK.
Always preview before confirming.
Creating Tags From Filenames
Example Filename
01 - Smells Like Teen Spirit.mp3
Steps
Convert → Filename → Tag
Format string:
%track% - %title%
Auto-Numbering Tracks
Tools → Auto-numbering wizard
Recommended settings:
- Start at: 1
- Padding: 2 digits
Fills:
- Track number
- Total tracks (optional)
Removing Bad / Unnecessary Tags
Unnecessary Tags:
- COMMENT
- ENCODED BY
- URL
- LYRICS
Steps:
Actions → Remove fields
Enter fields to delete.
Disc Numbers (Multi-Disc Albums)
Set:
- DISCNUMBER = 1
- TOTALDISCS = 2
Use auto-numbering per disc.
Sorting Files Correctly
Use zero-padded track numbers:
01, 02, 03
Not:
1, 2, 3
Tag Sources (Online Lookups)
Tag Sources → Discogs Tag Sources → MusicBrainz
We go by what Discogs says, unless they don't have it then Musicbrainz is fine
Best practice:
- Always verify before saving
- Especially for compilations