'Convert ID3 Tags' Automator Action
Note (2008-03-21):
This project has not been maintained since 2005. While it still works, it is only built for PPC based Macs and will not run on Intel based Macs.
Description:
This Automator action simply cross converts the ID3 tag information within an MP3 file from/to ID3v1 and ID3v2. It was developed due to the frustration brought on from burning MP3s onto a CD (for use in a car CD player that supports MP3) and finding that the player cannot show song information because the MP3s only contain ID3v2 tags.
Background:
It seems that most car MP3 players only support ID3v1 tags for some reason (I'm guessing it's due to the simple fixed layout/size of the older tag format). Unfortunately, there are many MP3 encoders out there that only support ID3v2 -or- give you a choice of either, but not both. I like having the richness of ID3v2 tags when I'm browsing and editing my music in iTunes, but need ID3v1 tags when playing my MP3s in my car CD player.
This action helps bridge the two scenarios. When I go to make a CD of MP3 music for my car, I usually create a folder structure that will contain the MP3 albums the way I want them arranged. Once I've populated the folders with MP3s, I run this Automator action on that folder. Finally, I burn the folder to CD (which can be done in an Automator workflow as well). The resulting CD contains MP3s that have ID3v1 tags (along with the original ID3v2 tags) that display just fine on my car CD player.
Screenshot:
Installation:
Open Automator and choose the 'File->Import Actions...' menu item. Select the Convert ID3 Tags action from this archive. Automator will copy the action to your ~/Library/Automator/ folder.
Usage:
Once installed, you can use the included Workflow by choosing 'File->Open...' or 'File->Import Workflows...' and selecting the workflow file. You can also add the action to your own workflow. The input for the action is "Files/Folders" and outputs the same list of files and folders.
IMPORTANT: This action modifies the MP3 files passed into it. It does not make a separate copy of the input files. Make sure you are passing into it a copy of the files you want to modify, NOT the originals.
When adding the action to your own workflow, you will see a warning that you should make a copy of the files you will pass into it. If you choose to add the action, an additional "Copy Finder Items" action will be placed before the "Convert ID3 Tags" action to prevent accidental data loss. You can remove the additional "Copy Finder Items" action if you know you will be working on a copy of the files already (due to some previous action such as manually copying the files, backing up the files, etc).
Enjoy!
Requirements:
Automator actions require a PPC based Mac, Mac OS X 10.4, and the Automator application (installed as part of the OS).
Disclaimer:
This software is provided "as-is" and without warranty of any kind. Use at your own risk. The author of this software is not responsible for any loss of data or damage caused by the use of this software.
Download: