Apple Music is a powerful platform for music enthusiasts, offering a vast library of songs and albums. However, one of its limitations on Windows is the inability to directly edit metadata, such as cover images, within the app itself. This guide will walk you through the process of changing the artwork (cover image) of a song in Apple Music on Windows, ensuring your library is as personalized as you desire.
Understanding Metadata and Artwork in Apple Music
Metadata refers to the information embedded in a music file, such as the title, artist, album, and cover image. In Apple Music, this metadata is crucial for organizing and displaying your library. While Apple Music on iOS and macOS allows for some metadata editing, the Windows version lacks this functionality. To customize your library, you’ll need to use third-party tools.
Supported formats for cover images include JPEG and PNG, with a recommended resolution of 1400×1400 pixels for optimal quality. Ensuring your image meets these specifications will prevent any display issues in your library.
Step 1: Locate the Music File on Your Computer
Before you can change the artwork, you need to locate the music file on your Windows computer. Apple Music stores downloaded songs in a specific folder, usually within the iTunes Media folder. Navigate to this folder to find the song you wish to edit.
If you’re unsure where your music files are stored, you can check the file path in the Apple Music app. Right-click on the song, select Get Info, and look for the file location under the Summary tab.
Step 2: Use a Metadata Editor to Change the Artwork
To edit the cover image, you’ll need a metadata editor. One of the most popular tools for this purpose is Mp3tag, a free and user-friendly application that allows you to edit metadata for various audio formats, including MP3, M4A, and FLAC.
After installing Mp3tag, open the application and drag the music file you located earlier into the interface. Once the file is loaded, you can edit its metadata, including the cover image. To add or change the artwork, click on the Cover Art section and upload your desired image. Ensure the image meets the recommended resolution and format for the best results.
Step 3: Save Changes and Sync with Apple Music
After editing the metadata and adding the new cover image, save your changes in Mp3tag. The updated metadata will now be embedded in the music file. To see the changes in Apple Music, you may need to resync your library.
Open the Apple Music app on your Windows computer and navigate to the song you edited. If the changes don’t appear immediately, try restarting the app or re-importing the song. This will ensure that the updated metadata, including the new cover image, is displayed correctly.
Step 4: Verify the Changes and Troubleshoot
Once you’ve completed the steps above, verify that the new cover image is displayed correctly in Apple Music. If the changes aren’t visible, double-check the file format and resolution of the image you used. Additionally, ensure that the metadata editor saved the changes correctly.
If you encounter any issues, consider using alternative metadata editors like TagScanner or Kid3. These tools offer similar functionality and may resolve any compatibility problems you face.
Step 5: Automate the Process for Multiple Songs
If you have multiple songs that require artwork changes, you can automate the process using batch editing features in metadata editors like Mp3tag. Simply select all the files you wish to edit, upload the desired cover image, and apply the changes to all selected files simultaneously.
This method saves time and ensures consistency across your library. However, always double-check the results to avoid any errors or mismatched artwork.