Playlist to Folder (Beta)… An iTuneMyWalkman alternative

[Carlos-Sz]

Overview

Playlist to Folder is a workflow made as an alternative to the great application iTuneMyWalkman that stops working on Mavericks.

It basically copies the songs from selected iTunes playlists to any folder (including SD Cards), optionally convert to mp3, remove diacriticals (e.g. á to a), remove hidden OSX files and creates an UTF-8 m3u playlist.

Why would you use this workflow? You may ask... Well, my car multimedia system supports SD Card and some audio types as well as m3u playlists. However, altough it is a 2013 A4, it is extremely picky about what it will actually read properly. For instance, it does not read all m4a purchased from iTunes, just some (go figure). It reads diacriticals in filenames but not in a m3u playlist (go figure, again). Finally, the m3u has to be encoding in UTF-8 otherwise it will not even recognize the file at all. Until Mavericks iTuneMyWalkman was working fine but now I kind of had to make a solution for my car and I'm sure others may use it as well.

Settings

Although the workflow works in both my Macs I'm almost sure it may not work in all systems due the fact that the workflow calls common dialogs to select playlists, destination folder and whether it should or not convert tracks to mp3. Here is what you should see to select playlists:



Anyway, settings are simple as seen below:

• Step 1: the workflow will show a list of iTunes playlists; select the ones you would like to export; as seen above, the workflow shows the current selection; press SHIFT key if you need a better view of the playlists;
• Step 2: the destination folder can be any folder, including a SD Card; in this folder the workflow will create a m3u playlist file and a subfolder with the playlist name (where the tracks will be copied); press SHIFT key if you need a better view of the destination folder name;
• Step 3: you have the option to convert the track to mp3 if necessary; just set Yes to enable the conversion;
• Step 4: start exporting with some interesting features:
  • Since it can take several minutes to convert and copy several files to a e.g. SD Card the workflow updates the status and you can check the progression by running the workflow again (see screenshots below); just note that it is not enough to just let the Alfred 2 window showing, you have to run the workflow again;
  • Made a mistake? No problem. The workflow was made in a way that you can Cancel the operation; just hold Command Key then hit Return key (after the current operation is done, like copying a file, the process will be canceled); to resume, run the workflow again; however, if you need a fresh start you have to manually delete the files in the destination folder

If you remove or add some songs from a playlist that you already have copied the workflow will remove or add the new files and update the playlist without the need to start all over again. It's faster this way but if you face some issues try to delete and copy again.

Download Beta 2

This is a first release. So far it is working fine in both my Macs and my car audio system seems to handle very well the files and playlists.

However, make some tests and use this workflow with care.

What's next:

• improved post notification
• new icons

Download Beta 2 Now

Edited March 22, 2014 by Carlos-Sz

[rodarte_cesar]

Hi Carlos,

 

Great workflow man! Sadly I can't get it to run... I download your workflow and imported it to Alfred... Then I open the Alfred search bar and typed "playlist" and when I hit enter nothing happens.

 

Can you provide more details on how to run it? Do I need to change any configs from your current workflow?

 

BTW.... I also need this for my Audi

 

Thanks in advance!

[Carlos-Sz]

I ended up making an application for this task. It is easier to use due the operation complexity.

ASAP I'll post a link here just in case you'd like to try it.

Hi Carlos,

Great workflow man! Sadly I can't get it to run... I download your workflow and imported it to Alfred... Then I open the Alfred search bar and typed "playlist" and when I hit enter nothing happens.

Can you provide more details on how to run it? Do I need to change any configs from your current workflow?

BTW.... I also need this for my Audi

Thanks in advance!

[Carlos-Sz]

Hi Carlos,

 

Great workflow man! Sadly I can't get it to run... I download your workflow and imported it to Alfred... Then I open the Alfred search bar and typed "playlist" and when I hit enter nothing happens.

 

Can you provide more details on how to run it? Do I need to change any configs from your current workflow?

 

BTW.... I also need this for my Audi

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Here is a link of the application.

 

Please, make some tests before using it for good and, as always, make backups first!

 

Playlist to Folder

[rodarte_cesar]

Thanks man! You have no idea how this is going to help me. I'll try it out and let you know my results. I really appreciate your help.

[rodarte_cesar]

Worked perfectly. Thanks again!

 

Here is a link of the application.

 

Please, make some tests before using it for good and, as always, make backups first!

 

Playlist to Folder

[Carlos-Sz]

Worked perfectly. Thanks again!

 

Great!