ID3 Tags

Those darn ID3 Tags!  I'm writing this in frustration as I tag over 3000 songs in my library.  So what's the deal with them?  Well, nowadays this is how PCDJ, Winamp, iTunes, and so on, give you the name, artist, album, etc. info from your MP3s.  There are 2 different types of tags an MP3 can contain: v1 and v2.  v2 contains loads more info and even gives the ability to embed a small image like an album cover in the MP3.  Most programs like PCDJ and iTunes default to the v2 tag, but will read v1 if v2 doesn't exist.

Why is this a frustration?  The first thing I see when organizing my MP3s is the filename.  I like mine to be in the format of <BPM> - <Artist> - <Title> - <Version>.  This way, when I burn off my CDs, they are usually organized in ascending BPM and I know Hip Hop will be at the beginning, Dance toward the end.  So after I retype all my filenames, then I have to re-type the darn ID3 Tags.  Here's some tips I've found along the way to hopefully save you some time.  I definitely don't do twice the work anymore.  Like they say, "Work smarter, not harder!"

Software - gotta get ID3 Tag-It http://www.id3-tagit.de/ or MP3Tag http://www.mp3tag.de/en/

This is the greatest software for ID3 Tagging and filename management.  Whether you want to change your filename first and then read the filename to create your ID3 tags, or create your tags and place that data as your filename.  This software gives you the option to do both.  It edits multiple files at once, exports v2 over to v1 and vice versa. Be sure to press alt+F11 before you get into it to select "Synchronize v1 and v2"

Here's the process I use now to organize my MP3s:

1. Edit the ID3 tags Artist, Album, Title - whatever you want.
2. Import the tracks into PCDJ and BPM scan them
3. Use the Tag v2 -> Filename function to rename your files in any format you want - i.e  <Artist> - <Title> - <BPM>

• "Version" in PCDJ is linked to the Detailed info of the ID3 Tag named "Sub Title"
• To clear out unwanted comments, select all the items to clear, Multiple edit tag v2 (Ctrl + N), and check the box "Remove all existing comments first", then click OK.
• PCDJ Stores a 5 digit BPM number in the BPM Field so it can measure down to the hundredth.
  
• Be sure to Save your changes!! AKA - Apply them!