How To Convert MP3's into the iTunes Audiobook Format

Tue, Sep 8, 2009

iTunes Hacks

Turning your MP3’s into iTunes Audiobooks is a really simple process.  Begin by importing your Audiobooks into iTunes by either using the “Import from CD” option or by dragging and dropping, or by using the “File > Add to Library” option.

Once your Audiobook is in your iTunes “Music” library all you need to do is do a “Get Info” on the files.  You can “Right Click” or use the “File” menu.  Click on the “Options” tab and look for where it says “Media Kind”.  Change this to “Audiobook” and the put a checkmark in the “Remember playback position” option.  Click “OK” at the bottom and your done.  Your MP3 file will be moved to the “Audiobook” section inside iTunes and you will now be able to speed up (or slow down) your Audiobook and your listening position will be remembered if you need to stop listening for a while.

Thanks goes out to Alderete for pointing out the update information above.

Related posts:

  1. Create Ringtones for Your iPhone Using Only iTunes
  2. Shorten URL's on Your Domain with Su.pr
, , , , ,

This post was written by:

Chris Pugh - has written 28 posts.

I live in Mendocino County and do work for a small non-profit. Outside of work I'm a Social media nerd, drinker of tea and maker of beer. I sometimes do side-work for companies and individuals in the Lake & Mendocino County areas.

Email

  • Actually, if you're using iTunes 8 (or greater), it's much easier than this. Just do a Get Info on any track, including MP3 tracks, move to the Options tab, and choose "Audiobook" as the Media Kind. This will move the track into the Audiobooks source list.

    While you're on the Options tab, make sure that both Skip when shuffling and Remember playback position are checked.

    More details, including screen shots, on my weblog, in "iTunes 8 is great for audiobook lovers":
    http://aldoblog.com/2008/09/itunes-8-is-great-f...
  • wow, talk about being behind the times... I was reposting some old posts that got shuffled away, guess I better update my info. Thanks for the link. I feel stupid now :)
  • Definitely don't feel stupid; until iTunes 8, it was extremely cumbersome to do the conversions. Then finally, after almost eight years, Apple makes it much easier, but didn't make that one of the signature features of iTunes 8, that is, they didn't describe or advertise the change, and certainly not in relation to audiobooks. It was left to us fanatics to notice, and spread the good news. Takes a while when one's audience is dozens (that's all I assume mine is :-), not millions.
  • Don't feel daft. It was this site that got me onto Alderete's comment which helped me convert a whole mess of Spanish lessons into audiobook format. Thanks to both of you. Cheers.
  • MoSeS
    This does work sort of.... in iTunes it did move my mp3 audiobooks to the audiobooks section of iTunes, I then spent probably an hour or two updating my library with book covers, etc. Then i sync with my iPod and guess what, they aren't in audiobooks on the iPod. However I have an older iPod, 4th generation, but it does do audiobooks, cause the ones from iTunes store shows there. Oh well!
  • If that doesn't work for you try converting them to AAC files (Right click, Covert to AAC). Go the file on your Hard Drive and rename it to "whatever.m4b" and then reimport into iTunes. It should show up as an audiobook.
blog comments powered by Disqus