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Creating a Smart Playlist

You can create playlists of certain types of music, songs with certain ratings, or songs that match other rules. iTunes can update these playlists automatically.

For example, you could create a playlist that's no more than 5 gigabytes (GB) in size and includes your most highly rated jazz songs. Or you could create a playlist of songs by a particular artist. When you import a new CD from that artist, the songs can be added automatically to the Smart Playlist.

To create a Smart Playlist:

  1. Choose File > New Smart Playlist.
  2. To add songs that match specific rules, make sure "Match the following rule" is selected, and then choose options from the pop-up menus. To add more rules, click the Add (+) button.
  3. Tip: To duplicate a rule, hold down the Option key while you click Add.

  4. To make the playlist a specific duration or size, select "Limit to" and set options.
  5. To include only songs that have a checkmark next them in your library (and that match your rules), select "Match only checked items."
  6. To have iTunes continually modify your Smart Playlist as songs are added to or removed from your library, make sure "Live updating" is selected.
  7. To create your Smart Playlist, click OK and then name the playlist.

Any songs in your library that match your rules are added to the playlist. A Smart Playlist icon has a gear on it.

To change a Smart Playlist, select it and choose File > Edit Smart Playlist.

Related Topics

Creating a custom mix using Party Shuffle

Rating songs and other items

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