Create a modifiable iTunes random order playlist

Sep 04, '02 10:06:06AM

Contributed by: toddsnc

My biggest beef with the shuffle order in iTunes is that you can't "fine tune" it - drag songs around if you'd really like to hear this particular song next.

A practical solution is to use Smart Playlists: Simply create a new Smart Playlist (Option-click the Add Playlist (+) button as an alternative to the File menu) and make sure Limit to somenumberof {songs|hours|...} selected by random is enabled. Also enable Live Updating (on by default) to create a new random list on the fly. Name and save the smart playlist. It automagically generates a randomized list, with the added advantage of being able to reorder the tracks by dragging with the mouse.

With Live Updating enabled you can make larger tweaks to your randomized playlist as well. If, for example, you have too many Metallica tracks use either search or browse (command-B from any playlist) to isolate and delete the tracks. iTunes will automatically fill the playlist with random tracks to your original criteria.

With each major release iTunes becomes more and more usable. Smart Playlists are a huge step forward. Now Apple needs to add boolean OR operations to its searches (come to think of it, they need this in Finder as well) and the abillity to edit a SP once it's been created.

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