When files are not grouped but have some metadata
In this situation, you will need to feed batches of files to Picard to process. In order to minimize the performance impact, it is recommended to keep the batches relatively small (i.e.: approximately 200 files at most in a single batch). Picard will try to group them into clusters based on the metadata currently existing in the files.
Note
This workflow will likely only partially match the files to a release in each batch processed. This means that an album may not be fully matched, tagged and renamed until multiple batches have been processed.
1. Load the files
Drag the batch of files to process 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 album clusters using the command. Picard will attempt to cluster the files based on their existing metadata. Select the desired cluster(s) in the left-hand pane and initiate the lookup using the command. See the Lookup Files section for details.
3. 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 will likely remain silver, indicating that not all tracks have been matched to files. See the Matching Files to Tracks section for details.
4. 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.
5. Save the files
Save the files using the command. See the Saving Updated Files section for details.
Note
It is not recommended to submit AcoustID fingerprints for files matched in this way, because it is virtually impossible to verify that your files actually match the recordings being matched.