Player
Plays audio files. A good player supports the formats you need, can even out loudness between tracks and does not change files without your consent.
Tools
Tools
Working with digital audio rarely takes just one program. A player plays files, a converter turns them from one format into another, a tag editor tidies up titles and cover art, and a library manager keeps you from getting lost among thousands of tracks. Many programs combine several functions. In this section we describe the types of tools: what each does, when you need it and what to look for when choosing one.
The best program is one that does its job and leaves your files alone unless you ask.
How this section works: we describe types of software, not specific products. We do not name brands, compile rankings or accept payment for mentions. Install software only from official app stores and developers' websites.
Types of tools
Six types of software that make up a toolkit for working with your own music.
Converter
Converts files from one format to another and lets you set the bitrate. Useful for making compressed copies for your phone from a lossless archive. It is important that the converter preserves tags.
Tag editor
Lets you change metadata: artist, album, year, track number, cover art. Many editors can edit a whole batch of files at once and rename them based on their tags.
CD ripper
Copies the audio from your Audio CDs to files. A useful feature is read accuracy verification: it helps you catch errors caused by scratches.
Audio editor
Lets you trim a recording, remove silences, change the volume and split a long recording into tracks. Handy when digitising cassettes and vinyl or working with your own recordings.
Library manager
Catalogues your collection, displays it by album, genre and year, helps find duplicates and syncs music with your devices. Make a backup before first launch: some managers rename files.
Related sections
- Guides
Step-by-step guides: choosing an archive format, converting without needless loss, metadata, backups, checking files. Also home to the article catalogue.
- Comparisons
MP3, AAC, Opus, FLAC, ALAC and WAV compared, plus legal ways to listen to music: pros and cons.
- Security
The risks of pirate sites, fake installers and "free" downloaders, phishing, and copyright in general terms.
Sources
- Xiph.Org — FLAC
- Fraunhofer IIS — the story of MP3
Information on formats and standards is based on official sources as of the preparation date. Software, services and laws change, so check the current documentation, the services' help pages and the laws in force.