id3tag
Display ID3 tag information from MP3 files
TLDR
Set artist and song title tag of an MP3 file
Set album title of all MP3 files in the current directory
Display help
SYNOPSIS
id3tag [-1|--id3v1] [-2|--id3v2] [-a|--append] [-s|--silent] [-v|--verbose] [-f|--force] [-h|--help] [-V|--version] [TAG=VALUE ...] FILE ...
PARAMETERS
-1, --id3v1
Operate on ID3v1 tags only
-2, --id3v2
Operate on ID3v2 tags only (default)
-a, --append
Append values to existing tags
-s, --silent
Suppress all output
-v, --verbose
Increase verbosity
-f, --force
Overwrite read-only files
-h, --help
Display help and exit
-V, --version
Print version info and exit
DESCRIPTION
id3tag is a lightweight, command-line tool for reading, editing, and removing ID3v1 and ID3v2 metadata tags in MP3 audio files. Without arguments, it displays all tags from a specified file. To modify tags, provide field=value pairs on the command line, such as ARTIST="Iron Maiden" TITLE="The Trooper". It supports both legacy ID3v1 (limited fields, 30-char comment) and advanced ID3v2 formats.
Common use cases include batch-updating tags across multiple files, scripting metadata fixes, and quick previews. Genres accept numeric IDs (0-255) or descriptive names like Metal or Rock, which are mapped automatically. Empty values (TAG=) remove fields. The tool preserves file integrity, only rewriting tag sections.
Options allow targeting specific tag versions (-1 for v1, -2 for v2), appending data (-a), suppressing output (-s), and forcing overwrites (-f). It's efficient for terminal users but lacks GUI or support for non-MP3 formats.
CAVEATS
Limited to MP3 files and basic ID3 fields; no advanced v2.4 frames or cover art. ID3v1 truncates long fields. Genre names must match known mappings.
SUPPORTED FIELDS
ARTIST: Performer name
TITLE: Song/track title
ALBUM: Album name
YEAR: 4-digit year
COMMENT: Free text note
TRACK: Track number (n/nn)
GENRE: ID (0-255) or name (e.g. Rock)
EXAMPLES
id3tag file.mp3 — view tags
id3tag -2 ARTIST=Beatles song.mp3 — set v2 artist
id3tag TITLE= TITLE.mp3 — clear title
HISTORY
Released around 2001, id3tag provides simple CLI ID3 editing. Developed amid early MP3 tagging needs, it's bundled in distros like Debian since ~2002 with minor updates for compatibility.
