beets

Import music into your library

$ beet import [path/to/music]

$ beet import -A [path/to/music]

$ beet ls -a

$ beet ls [artist:beatles]

$ beet stats

$ beet move

$ beet modify [query] [field=value]

$ beet fetchart

beet command [options] [query]

beets is a music library manager and organizer that automatically tags, organizes, and manages music collections. It queries online databases like MusicBrainz to identify albums and correct metadata.
During import, beets identifies albums, fixes metadata, downloads album art, and moves files into a structured directory hierarchy. The query system allows powerful searches and bulk modifications across the library.
The plugin system extends functionality with features like fetching lyrics, managing play counts, converting formats, and integrating with music players. Configuration is stored in ~/.config/beets/config.yaml.

import [path]

Import music files into the library.

List tracks or albums matching query.

Modify metadata for matching items.

Move files to match configured paths.

Remove items from the library.

Update library from file changes.

Show library statistics.

Operate on albums instead of tracks.

Custom output format.

Skip automatic tagging during import.

artist:name: Match artist field
album:name: Match album field
year:2020: Match year
year:2018..2022: Year range
bitrate:320..: Minimum bitrate
path:/music/: Match file path

fetchart: Download album artwork
lyrics: Fetch song lyrics
lastgenre: Get genres from Last.fm
convert: Transcode to different formats
duplicates: Find duplicate tracks
web: Web interface for browsing

Initial import of large libraries can be time-consuming due to online lookups. Automatic matching may fail for obscure releases or poorly-tagged files. The database must be kept in sync with actual files; moving files outside beets can cause inconsistencies.

Beets was created by Adrian Sampson starting in 2010 as a research project while pursuing a PhD in computer science. It grew from a personal tool into a comprehensive music management system. The project has been open source since inception and benefits from community-contributed plugins. It remains one of the most capable command-line music library managers available.

mpd(1), kid3(1), picard(1), metaflac(1)