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Example 2: Batch Processing with Metadata

This example shows how to process a large batch of files with metadata extraction and custom presets.

Scenario

You have a music library with inconsistent filenames and want to:

  1. Convert all files to a consistent format (AAC 256k)
  2. Extract metadata from filenames
  3. Add cover art automatically
  4. Organize output by artist/album

Steps

1. Prepare Filename Patterns

  1. Go to Settings → Manage Filename Patterns
  2. Add patterns like:
    • {artist} - {title}
    • {track} - {artist} - {title}
    • {album} - {artist} - {title}

2. Create Custom Preset

  1. Go to Settings → Manage Presets
  2. Create new preset:
    • Name: "AAC 256k High Quality"
    • Format: aac
    • Mode: CBR
    • Bitrate: 256
  3. Save preset

3. Add Files

  • Use "Add Folder" to add your entire music library
  • Files are added recursively from subfolders

4. Parse Metadata

  1. Select all files in queue (Ctrl+A)
  2. Go to View → Parse tags from filename (all)
  3. HandForge extracts artist, title, album from filenames

5. Fetch Cover Art

  1. Select all files
  2. Go to View → Fetch cover from folder.jpg (selected/all)
  3. HandForge finds cover.jpg, folder.jpg, etc. in each folder

6. Edit Metadata (Optional)

  • Double-click files to edit metadata individually
  • Add missing information
  • Verify cover art

7. Configure Conversion

  • Preset: Select "AAC 256k High Quality"
  • Duplicates: "Rename" to preserve all files
  • Parallel: Increase to 4-8 for faster processing (if system allows)

8. Start Conversion

  • Click "Start"
  • Monitor progress in workers table
  • Large batches may take time

9. Handle Failures

  • Review failed items in workers table
  • Click "🔎 log" to see error details
  • Use "Retry Failed" or "Retry Failed (Safe)" to retry

10. Export Summary

  • After completion, click "Export Summary"
  • Save CSV with all conversion details
  • Use for record-keeping

Advanced: Custom Output Organization

While HandForge outputs to a single folder by default, you can:

  1. Manually organize after conversion
  2. Use the exported CSV to create scripts
  3. Wait for future features (planned)

Result

  • All files converted to AAC 256k
  • Metadata extracted and embedded
  • Cover art added where available
  • Consistent format across library

Tips

  • Test First: Process a small batch first
  • Backup: Keep originals until verified
  • Monitor: Watch for errors during large batches
  • Export: Save summaries for reference

See Also: Usage Guide | Configuration