When files are grouped by album

If the music files to be processed are already grouped into folders by album, then the process of looking up the release in the MusicBrainz database is greatly simplified because Picard works best when processing one album at a time.

1. Load the files

Drag the files or folder from the browser to the “Unclustered Files” section in the left-hand pane.

2. Cluster and lookup the files

Select the files in the left-hand pane and combine them into an album cluster using the “Tools ‣ Cluster” command. Select the cluster in the left-hand pane and initiate the lookup using the “Tools ‣ Lookup” command. See the Lookup Files section for details.

3. Select the correct release

If there is only one release that matches the lookup, it will be loaded automatically. Before proceeding, please check to ensure that it properly matches your album (e.g.: release country, date and label, catalog number, barcode, media type, and cover art). This is especially important if you are going to submit any information such as AcoustID fingerprints.

4. Match the files to the tracks on the release

Drag the files from the left-hand pane and drop them on the release in the right-hand pane. Check that each track on the release is associated with only one file. The release icon should turn gold. See the Matching Files to Tracks section for details.

5. Verify the metadata and cover art

Check that the metadata and cover art image for the release and tracks are what you want. Adjust if required. See the Setting the Cover Art section for details.

6. Save the files

Save the files using the “File ‣ Save” command. See the Saving Updated Files section for details.

7. Calculate and submit AcoustID fingerprints

This step is optional, but appreciated because it will help identify the files for others to look up for tagging.

Select the album entry in the right-hand pane and calculate the AcoustID fingerprints using “Tools ‣ Generate AcoustID Fingerprints”. Once the fingerprints have been calculated, submit them using “Files ‣ Submit AcoustIDs”.

Note

AcoustID fingerprints should only be submitted after the files have been tagged with MusicBrainz metadata, and you have verified that the files have been matched to the correct track on the proper release.