Overview
- WAV files characteristics
- Why ID3v2 metadata doesn't write to WAV files in iTunes
- The issue of "adding" metadata to WAV files in iTunes
- How to solve this issue by converting WAV files to AIFFs or MP3s
WAV files were initially developed by Microsoft to store high-quality, uncompressed digital audio. Most recording sessions export files in WAV format, which are then burned to CDs and used for distributing and selling music.
WAV Files, iTunes & Metadata
We are frequently asked why WAV files don’t transfer metadata when they’re imported from iTunes to DISCO.
While ID3v2.3 metadata can be added to WAV files using certain tag editors, the industry doesn't access files using those programs (mostly made for Windows) - so the WAVs appear to NOT carry the metadata (even if it is present).
For simplicity, we treat WAVs as if they don't carry metadata.
Metadata can be added to in iTunes, but is only stored on that computer - it is NOT written to the WAV files.
Look at the example screenshots below, which illustrate a WAV file moving from iTunes, to Meta (another metadata reading/writing software), and then to DISCO.
1) WAV file starts in iTunes
- Title, Artist, Album, Genre, Year metadata fields are filled out:
2) WAV is imported to Meta
- Only the filename, duration, bitrate and sample rate appear (not ID3v2 metadata)
3) WAV imported uploaded into DISCO
- The WAV file name imports to the Title metadata field
- No other metadata travels
Importing Data from iTunes
Now that we know WAVs won't carry metadata from iTunes into DISCO, we need to convert the WAVs into another format that can!
Convert the WAV into an AIFF or MP3 in iTunes before transferring it to another system.
To return to the previous Activewear metaphor, converting the file from a WAV into an AIFF/MP3 is like changing out of pocketless shorts and into cargo pants with pockets galore - you can now carry your essential items wherever you go!
When the WAV is converted to an AIFF or MP3, data entered in iTunes will write to new files. Just drag those files into DISCO or another system, and the corresponding ID3 metadata will travel along with them.
Wrap-Up
While metadata is displayed alongside WAV files in iTunes, it is not stored in a way that travels with these files when shared. If you need metadata to travel, you'll have to first convert WAV files into AIFFs or MP3s.