iTunes: Finding the files of songs you've purchased
Summary
Learn how to find the files of the songs you purchased from the iTunes Store.
There are a few ways to locate songs you purchased and downloaded from the iTunes Store.
Products Affected
iTunes, iTunes Store
Within the Purchased Music Playlist
After purchasing, songs can easily be located within the Purchased Music playlist. All songs are also located in the iTunes library.
Show Song File Method
- Open iTunes.
- Locate the song in the iTunes browser either using the Purchased Music playlist or by clicking the Library icon in the Source list and then typing the song (or artist or album name) in the Search field.
- When you locate the song in the iTunes browser, click once to select the song.
- From the File menu, choose Show Song File or press Command-R on the keyboard. This will reveal the file in the Finder.
Tip: If the Show Song File Method does not appear to show the song file, use the Get Info Method below or review the Related documents section below.
Get Info Method
- Open iTunes.
- Locate the song in the iTunes browser either using the Purchased Music playlist or by clicking the Library icon in the Source list and then typing the song (or artist or album name) in the Search field.
- When you locate the song in the iTunes browser, click once to select the song.
- From the File menu, choose Get Info or press Command-I on the keyboard.
- Click the Summary tab. The Where section indicates where the song is stored as shown here. You can then navigate in the Finder to that location.
The Where section of the Summary tab.
If the song is from a shared library or playlist, you'll see "remote" in the Kind section of the Summary pane. A remote file is played (or streamed) over your network connection (for example, a local area network). It isn't downloaded to your computer's hard disk.
Tip: Be sure to make regular backups of your music files (in your iTunes Music folder) by copying them to an external hard disk or other media. If your hard disk becomes damaged or you lose any of the music you've purchased, you'll have to buy any purchased music again to rebuild your library. You can also make an audio CD of the songs you purchase so you can listen to them in a consumer CD player.
Additional Information
A note about copyright
iTunes software may be used to reproduce materials. It is licensed to you only for reproduction of non-copyrighted materials, materials in which you own the copyright, or materials you are authorized or legally permitted to reproduce. If you are uncertain about your right to copy any material, you should contact your legal advisor. See the iTunes Store Terms of Service for additional information.