Auto Search for Audio File Metadata on Linux: A Comprehensive Guide
Managing audio files on Linux can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to organizing metadata. Metadata, such as artist, album, and track number, is crucial for maintaining a well-structured music library. This guide will walk you through the process of automatically searching for audio file metadata on Linux, ensuring that your collection is both organized and easily accessible.
Understanding Audio File Metadata
Before diving into the tools and methods for auto-searching audio file metadata, it’s essential to understand what metadata is and why it’s important. Metadata is data about data, providing additional information about an audio file. This information can include the artist’s name, album title, track number, genre, and more. Metadata is typically stored in a file’s header or in a separate file, such as an ID3 tag for MP3 files.
Tools for Auto-Searching Audio File Metadata
There are several tools available for Linux that can help you automatically search for audio file metadata. Here are some of the most popular ones:
| Tool | Description | Supported Formats |
|---|---|---|
| MusicBrainz Picard | A cross-platform music tagger that uses MusicBrainz database to identify and organize music files. | MP3, FLAC, OGG, WAV, and more |
| TagScanner | A lightweight and easy-to-use audio file renamer and tagger for Windows, but also works on Linux with Wine. | MP3, FLAC, APE, MPC, WAV, and more |
| Ex Falso | A music tagger for Linux that uses MusicBrainz and AcoustID to identify and tag music files. | MP3, FLAC, OGG, WAV, and more |
Each of these tools has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Using MusicBrainz Picard
MusicBrainz Picard is a powerful and versatile tool for auto-searching audio file metadata. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install MusicBrainz Picard from the official website.
- Open MusicBrainz Picard and import the audio files you want to tag.
- Click on the “AcoustID” tab and select “Submit AcoustID” to identify the files.
- After the identification process is complete, you can manually edit the metadata or use the “Save” button to apply the changes to the files.
MusicBrainz Picard is a great choice for those who want a comprehensive solution for auto-searching and tagging their audio files.
Using TagScanner
TagScanner is another popular tool for auto-searching audio file metadata. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install TagScanner from the official website.
- Open TagScanner and click on the “Add” button to import the audio files you want to tag.
- Select the files and click on the “Search” button to search for metadata online.
- After the search is complete, you can manually edit the metadata or use the “Apply” button to apply the changes to the files.
TagScanner is a great choice for those who want a simple and straightforward tool for auto-searching and tagging their audio files.
Using Ex Falso
Ex Falso is a music tagger for Linux that uses MusicBrainz and AcoustID to identify and tag music files. Here’s how to use it:
- Install Ex Falso from your Linux distribution’s package manager.
- Open Ex Falso and click on the “Add” button to import the audio files you want to tag.
- Select the files and click on the “Search” button to search for metadata online.
- After the search is complete, you can manually edit the metadata or use the “Save” button to apply the changes to the files.
