iTunes - file duplication

[Harvey]

Quick question on how iTunes works.

If I put an song on my PC, and then add that song to my iTunes library via the "add to library" menu option in iTunes... Does the file then exist in 2 places, one in the location where it originally was, and one in the iTunes library, therefore taking out double the hard drive space?

Just trying to figure out how this works, thanks!

 

[Mikuro]

There's an option, actually. See iTunes > Preferences > Advanced > Copy files...

If you're not sure about your current files, select one in iTunes and choose "Show in Finder" from the File menu.

 

[Satcomer]

Well there is this this hint that might help during the transfer. Also check out Doug's iTunes scripts to see if there is a script that will help you. good luck in finding an answer.

 

[JohnnyV]

It really depends on how you have iTunes setup. Under your preferences go to the advanced tab.

If you have "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library" checked, then yes, you will have two copies of the files. You can delete the originals.

If you don't have it checked, then you'll still need to keep your original files.