Putting iTunes library in iCloud Drive to save DRM-free files - good idea?

[bob24]

I have a collection of tracks in my iTunes library which were purchased from various sources (iTunes Store, Amazon MP3 store, and ripped CDs) and are DRM free.

I also have an Apple Music subscription, through which many of these files have been matched.

My concern is that as opposed to iTunes Match before, my understanding is that Apple Music will only let me re-download copies of my own tracks with added DRM. This means my music library is not fully backed-up on the cloud as it used to be (for example if I restore it on a new computer directly from the cloud, I will get a DRMed version, whereas iTunes Match would have given me my full DRM free library).

Since I have plenty of space on iCloud Drive, I am considering copying my whole iTunes library on there - meaning I would be storing a full copy of my original files which could be restored to a new computer from the cloud.

Does anyone see any issue with that approach? (or has a better suggestion)
Specifically, are there any know synchronisation issues when storing an iTunes library on iCloud Drive?

 

[Julien]

....Since I have plenty of space on iCloud Drive, I am considering copying my whole iTunes library on there - meaning I would be storing a full copy of my original files which could be restored to a new computer from the cloud.

Does anyone see any issue with that approach? (or has a better suggestion)
Specifically, are there any know synchronisation issues when storing an iTunes library on iCloud Drive?

iCloud is NOT a backup service, it is a syncing service. Also you do have a backup (Time Machine) of your Mac? Besides the entire system backup you should have just buy a cheep USB drive and make an extra copy of your Library there.

 

[bob24]

iCloud is NOT a backup service, it is a syncing service. Also you do have a backup (Time Machine) of your Mac? Besides the entire system backup you should have just buy a cheep USB drive and make an extra copy of your Library there.

I see it more as an easy migration/recovery option: buy a new laptop, log into iCloud and all you data is restored automatically just by doing that (aside from emails and keychain I am using pretty much using all iCloud services).

Plus Time Machine on a local device is not flawless - it won't work if there is a fire or if your house gets broken into and all your equipment is stolen. This is where having the data remotely stored on the cloud is complementary.

 

[Tech198]

you cannot transfer Apple music stuff..

Yes if u restore to new machine, it will be not just DRM versions, but also unplayable. since they must be in the same itunes library....

And since itunes can't import .m4p (Apple's DRM files), u must also backup the iTunes folder then too as well as maintain Apple music subscription to still play those backup-ed files.

Get's kind of messy.

Personally i'd rather use Macsome to make DRM-free songs of offline music, then there my local music i can do anything i want with them.

 

[jgelin]

I have a collection of tracks in my iTunes library which were purchased from various sources (iTunes Store, Amazon MP3 store, and ripped CDs) and are DRM free.

I also have an Apple Music subscription, through which many of these files have been matched.

My concern is that as opposed to iTunes Match before, my understanding is that Apple Music will only let me re-download copies of my own tracks with added DRM. This means my music library is not fully backed-up on the cloud as it used to be (for example if I restore it on a new computer directly from the cloud, I will get a DRMed version, whereas iTunes Match would have given me my full DRM free library).

Since I have plenty of space on iCloud Drive, I am considering copying my whole iTunes library on there - meaning I would be storing a full copy of my original files which could be restored to a new computer from the cloud.

Does anyone see any issue with that approach? (or has a better suggestion)
Specifically, are there any know synchronisation issues when storing an iTunes library on iCloud Drive?

I don't see much of a problem with this. If you have the cloud storage space and want to have a backup that is not physical this seems like an ideal solution. Essentially is a large flash drive as those above have suggested to use, so I don't get why they don't think it is that good of an idea. I would backup the .itu file from the export too so that the 'library' is actually backed too not just the .mp3's.

 

[bob24]

you cannot transfer Apple music stuff..

Yes if u restore to new machine, it will be not just DRM versions, but also unplayable. since they must be in the same itunes library....

And since itunes can't import .m4p (Apple's DRM files), u must also backup the iTunes folder then too as well as maintain Apple music subscription to still play those backup-ed files.

Get's kind of messy.

Personally i'd rather use Macsome to make DRM-free songs of offline music, then there my local music i can do anything i want with them.

Well the files I want to keep on th cloud aren't really the "rented" iTunes music ones, but the ones I own (unprotected MP3s and AACs).

I'll have a look at my iTunes library later on, but I don't think iTunes is mixing purchased music with caches versions of rented one?

 

[bob24]

I don't see much of a problem with this. If you have the cloud storage space and want to have a backup that is not physical this seems like an ideal solution. Essentially is a large flash drive as those above have suggested to use, so I don't get why they don't think it is that good of an idea. I would backup the .itu file from the export too so that the 'library' is actually backed too not just the .mp3's.

Cheers.

Yes I was thinking along the same line and I would put the whole iTunes library folder in there including the library definition.

What I was wondering is whether there were file attributes which wouldn't propagate to be cloud (I remember this being an issue with Dropbox and iPhoto libraries) or anything like that.

 

[jgelin]

Cheers.

Yes I was thinking along the same line and I would put the whole iTunes library folder in there including the library definition.

What I was wondering is whether there were file attributes which wouldn't propagate to be cloud (I remember this being an issue with Dropbox and iPhoto libraries) or anything like that.

Yeah I am not too sure about if it will strip your attributes to the file, too deep of a question for me.

 

[Tech198]

I have just tried moving the iTunes files and Apple music folder and when moving back into itunes media folder it works as indicated, since the file IS your libarary

https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201610


Also may be of use : https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT203225

Option 1:

If u want to back up genius make sure u back that file up too. The "Automatically add to iTunes" folder itself will be re-created. Just make sure everything is copied back to a folder named "iTunes" and Apple music folder is copied back to the iTunes Media folder (if u have any offline music. Must be done under current active Apple music subscription otherwise they'll be removed.)

I think even local music added to your playlist will be in Apple music folder. Maybe i'm mistaken,, but if it is, then backup the Apple music folder as it.

OR..

Option 2

just backup the main iTunes folder and u'r good to go.