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Welcome to '''MusicBrainz!''' This beginners' guide should get you started on both correcting tags in your digital music and contributing data back to MusicBrainz. If this is your first visit to this page, it might be good to read it all before diving into more advanced topics. If you want to dive right in anyway, the [[How To]]s are a quite good place to do so.
Welcome to '''MusicBrainz!''' This beginners' guide should get you started on both correcting tags in your digital music and contributing data back to MusicBrainz. If this is your first visit to this page, it might be good to read it all before diving into more advanced topics. If you want to dive right in anyway, the [[How To]]s are a quite good place to do so.


MusicBrainz (often abbreviated to MB) currently consists of three parts:
MusicBrainz (often abbreviated to MB) consists of three parts:
* The web interface and its backend, the [[MusicBrainz Database|database]].
* The web interface and its backend, the [[MusicBrainz Database|database]].
* The documentation (you're reading part of it!).
* The documentation (you're reading part of it!).
* The [[Products|applications and services]].
* The [[Products|applications and services]].


If you're like most users, you will probably start to tag your files with information that was already in the database. But remember that MusicBrainz is user-edited, so if you find that something is missing, you can add it, and if it is wrong, you can fix it! These changes are not always applied instantly, as they pass through our voting system, so it would be good for you to check our introductions [[Introduction to Editing|to editing]] and [[Introduction to Voting|to voting]] that will help you understand how that works.
If you're like most users, you will probably start to tag your files with information that was already in the database (perhaps with [[MusicBrainz_Picard|Picard]]). But remember that MusicBrainz is user-edited, so if you find that something is missing, you can add it, and if it is wrong, you can fix it! These changes are not always applied instantly, because they pass through our voting system. Our introductions [[Introduction to Editing|to editing]] and [[Introduction to Voting|to voting]] will help you understand how that works.


==Documentation==
==Documentation==


The documentation includes guides and how-tos, but also the definitions for [[MusicBrainz Terminology|MusicBrainz terminology]] and the [[Style|guidelines]] editors are expected to follow when editing. You don't need to memorise or even read all of the guidelines from the beginning, although taking a look at the ones that apply to most edits, like [[Style/Titles|Titles]], [[Style/Artist|Artist]] or [[Style/Release|Release]], is a very good idea.
The [[MusicBrainz_Documentation|documentation]] includes guides and [[:Category:How_To|how-tos]], but also the definitions for [[MusicBrainz Terminology|MusicBrainz terminology]] and the [[Style|guidelines]] editors are expected to follow when editing. You don't need to memorise or even read all of the guidelines from the beginning, although there are a few important ones that deal with [[Style/Titles|titles]], [[Style/Artist|artists]] and [[Style/Release|releases]].


==Web interface==
==Web interface==


Before making any changes to the data, you will need to [http://musicbrainz.org/register register] and [http://musicbrainz.org/login log in]. You need to provide a valid email address, which '''won't''' be shown by default, so other editors can contact you, and then verify it (you might want to read our [[MusicBrainz Privacy Policy|privacy policy]]).
Before making any changes to the data, you will need to [http://musicbrainz.org/register register] and then [http://musicbrainz.org/login log in]. You will need to provide a verified email address so that other editors can contact you. Our [[About/Privacy Policy|privacy policy]] makes it very clear that we don't share your data or spam you.

If you want to get used to the interface before you start editing real data, you can do so at [http://test.musicbrainz.org/ our test page]. Changes made there '''won't be applied''' to the real data, so nobody will mind you adding some junk while you get used to the editing system on MusicBrainz. Note that this page is also where new features are tested by our developers, so it might be slightly different from the standard interface... and a bit broken at times!


===Definitions===
===Definitions===


When an user modifies the data in any way, that's [[Introduction to Editing|editing]]. This is different from the wiki-like editing you might be used to from sites like Wikipedia, because most edits must go through a [[Introduction to Voting|voting]] process before being applied.
When a user modifies the data in any way, that's [[Introduction to Editing|editing]]. This is different from the wiki-like editing you might be used to from sites like Wikipedia, because most edits must go through a [[Introduction to Voting|voting]] process before being applied.


The term [[Release|release]] refers to a specific issuing of an album, single, compilation, etc., and includes a specific set of [[recording]]s in a particular order. Different editions of a release, in different [[Release/Format|formats]] for example, should be entered separately.
The term [[Release|release]] refers to a specific issuing of an album, single, compilation, etc., and includes a specific set of [[recording]]s in a particular order. A release often has several different editions such as a digital iTunes edition, or an edition with bonus tracks; these should be entered as separate releases.


A [[Disc ID]] is a kind of signature for a CD, and allows it to be recognised automatically. It contains the precise timing information of the CD. When you use [[MusicBrainz Picard]], you can automatically retrieve the disc ID of your CD to include it in the MusicBrainz database (see the help about [[How_to_Add_Disc_IDs|how to add disc IDs]]).
A [[Disc ID|disc ID]] is a kind of signature for a CD. It contains the precise timing information for the CD and allows it to be recognised automatically. When you use [[MusicBrainz_Picard|MusicBrainz Picard]], you can automatically retrieve the disc ID of your CD to include it in the MusicBrainz database. We have specific documentation on [[How_to_Add_Disc_IDs|how to add disc IDs]].


One of the fundamental aims of MusicBrainz is to offer correct and well structured information. To enforce this, we have [[Style|guidelines]] which allow us to ensure the data input by all users is accurate.
One of the fundamental aims of MusicBrainz is to offer correct and well structured information. To enforce this, we have [[Style|style guidelines]] which allow us to ensure the data input by all users is accurate.


===Adding a release===
===Adding a release===


Adding a release is probably one of the first things you will want to do. Please note that MusicBrainz aspires to have data which is as accurate as possible, and remember to follow the [[Style|style guidelines]]!
Adding a release is probably one of the first things you will want to do. Please note that MusicBrainz aspires to have data that is structured in a meaningful manner and as accurate as possible, so please follow the [[Style|style guidelines]]!

If you have a CD, you can first see if MusicBrainz has a [[Disc ID|disc ID]] for it and, if not, add a new disc ID (either to an existing release or while adding the release itself). For that, consult [[How_to_Add_Disc_IDs|the how-to for adding disc IDs]]. If you have other kind of release (like a vinyl, or a digital release), or you just can't add a disc ID for some reason, you will need to search for the release by hand. Usually the best way is to search for the title of the release. If you can't find the release you have, or the only matches in MusicBrainz are reasonably different from yours (different barcode, for example), then that means you must add the CD as a new release to the database.


See our guide on [[How to Add a Release|how to add a release]].
If you have a CD, you can first see if MusicBrainz has a [[Disc ID|disc ID]] for it and, if not, add it (either to an existing release or while adding the release itself). For that, consult [[How_to_Add_Disc_IDs|the how-to for adding disc IDs]]. If you have other kind of release (like a vinyl, or a digital release), or you just can't add a disc ID for some reason, you will need to search by hand. Usually the best way is to search for the title of the release. If you can't find the release you have, or the only matches in MusicBrainz are reasonably different from yours (different barcode, for example), then you have a new release and you should enter it!


It helps immensely if you can provide a link to a page containing more information on the release. Please read [[How to Write Edit Notes|these tips for adding edit notes]] and try to follow them: a good edit note is not only useful in the moment of adding a release, but can also prove its use years later when some other user tries to find more information about it.
When submitting your new release, it helps immensely if you can provide a link to a page containing more information about the release. Please read [[How to Write Edit Notes|these tips for adding edit notes]] and try to follow them. A good edit note is not only useful in the moment of adding a release, but can also prove its use years later when some other user tries to find more information about it. Another way of providing more information about a release, which is especially useful if it's obscure and you cannot find any links, is to upload scans or other artwork from it, as explained in [[How to Add Cover Art]].


While welcoming bootlegs, we discourage adding a home made various mix. Our aim is toward widely reaching and readily usable accurate information. Thus your home-made compilation may be deemed not useful and be voted down (or removed later).
While we welcome bootlegs, we discourage adding home-made compilations or mixtapes. These kinds of releases are not widely available and any information about them is typically only useful to the individual who created them. Releases such as these are usually removed from our database.


===Pending edits===
===Pending/open edits===


When editing MusicBrainz, be careful about edits that are open. If there is a pending edit (usually highlighted in yellow) you should check if it is already doing what you wanted to do. If so, you don't need to do anything - except voting Yes so it will be applied sooner! If it is different and you don't agree with it, you probably should say so in an [[Edit Note|edit note]]. Make sure you follow the [[Code_of_Conduct|Code of Conduct]] while doing so!
When editing MusicBrainz, be careful about edits that are open. If there is a pending edit (usually highlighted in yellow) you should check if it is already doing what you wanted to do. If so, you don't need to do anything - except voting Yes so it will be applied sooner! If it is different and you don't agree with it, you probably should say so in an [[Edit Note|edit note]]. Make sure you follow the [[Code_of_Conduct|Code of Conduct]] while doing so!


If you realise you've made a mistake, and the edit is still pending, '''don't enter a new edit to remove the problem!''' Just find your original edit and '''cancel''' it.
If you realise you've made a mistake while editing, and your edit is still open, '''don't enter a remove edit to undo it!''' You should [[How to Cancel an Edit|cancel your previous edit]] and make your changes again. The exception to this is if you make a mistake when adding a release. In this case, it is usually more efficient to leave your edit as is and create a follow up edit correcting your mistake.


==Guides==
==Guides==


We have some basic guides for adding [[How to Add an Artist|artists]], [[How to Add Relationships|relationships]] and [[How to Add a Release|releases]].
You might be interested in this [http://forums.musicbrainz.org/viewtopic.php?id=2756 forum post that explains how to add releases]. There's also an (outdated, but still partially useful) [[Beginners Guide/How To Add Information|annotated screenshot by screenshot guide]] for how to add a new artist, a new release, and some relationships.


And of course, you can read [[How_To|our how-tos]] on different matters.
And of course, you can read [[How_To|our how-tos]] on different matters.
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==Software==
==Software==


You can [[MusicBrainz Picard|download MusicBrainz Picard]], our tagger, to tag your digital files and submit [[Disc ID|disc IDs]] to MusicBrainz. If you have doubts about it, check the [[MusicBrainz_Picard/Documentation|documentation]] and [[How_to_Tag_Files_With_Picard|this illustrated how-to]]. You can install all kind of [[MusicBrainz_Picard/Plugins|plugins]] for it too!
You can [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/downloads download MusicBrainz Picard], our tagger, to tag your digital files and submit [[Disc ID|disc IDs]] to MusicBrainz. If you have questions, check the [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/docs Picard documentation] and [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/docs/guide this illustrated how-to]. You can install all kind of [https://picard.musicbrainz.org/plugins plugins] for it too!


==Discussion==
==Discussion==
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Of course, remember that if you can't find an answer to some doubt in the documentation, you can (should!) [[Communication|ask about it]].
Of course, remember that if you can't find an answer to some doubt in the documentation, you can (should!) [[Communication|ask about it]].


{{HowtoBox}}
[[Category:To Be Reviewed]] [[Category:Documentation]] [[Category:WikiDocs Page]] [[Category:Needs Intertwingling]]
[[Category:Documentation]] [[Category:WikiDocs Page]]

Revision as of 23:37, 29 December 2019

Welcome to MusicBrainz! This beginners' guide should get you started on both correcting tags in your digital music and contributing data back to MusicBrainz. If this is your first visit to this page, it might be good to read it all before diving into more advanced topics. If you want to dive right in anyway, the How Tos are a quite good place to do so.

MusicBrainz (often abbreviated to MB) consists of three parts:

If you're like most users, you will probably start to tag your files with information that was already in the database (perhaps with Picard). But remember that MusicBrainz is user-edited, so if you find that something is missing, you can add it, and if it is wrong, you can fix it! These changes are not always applied instantly, because they pass through our voting system. Our introductions to editing and to voting will help you understand how that works.

Documentation

The documentation includes guides and how-tos, but also the definitions for MusicBrainz terminology and the guidelines editors are expected to follow when editing. You don't need to memorise or even read all of the guidelines from the beginning, although there are a few important ones that deal with titles, artists and releases.

Web interface

Before making any changes to the data, you will need to register and then log in. You will need to provide a verified email address so that other editors can contact you. Our privacy policy makes it very clear that we don't share your data or spam you.

If you want to get used to the interface before you start editing real data, you can do so at our test page. Changes made there won't be applied to the real data, so nobody will mind you adding some junk while you get used to the editing system on MusicBrainz. Note that this page is also where new features are tested by our developers, so it might be slightly different from the standard interface... and a bit broken at times!

Definitions

When a user modifies the data in any way, that's editing. This is different from the wiki-like editing you might be used to from sites like Wikipedia, because most edits must go through a voting process before being applied.

The term release refers to a specific issuing of an album, single, compilation, etc., and includes a specific set of recordings in a particular order. A release often has several different editions such as a digital iTunes edition, or an edition with bonus tracks; these should be entered as separate releases.

A disc ID is a kind of signature for a CD. It contains the precise timing information for the CD and allows it to be recognised automatically. When you use MusicBrainz Picard, you can automatically retrieve the disc ID of your CD to include it in the MusicBrainz database. We have specific documentation on how to add disc IDs.

One of the fundamental aims of MusicBrainz is to offer correct and well structured information. To enforce this, we have style guidelines which allow us to ensure the data input by all users is accurate.

Adding a release

Adding a release is probably one of the first things you will want to do. Please note that MusicBrainz aspires to have data that is structured in a meaningful manner and as accurate as possible, so please follow the style guidelines!

If you have a CD, you can first see if MusicBrainz has a disc ID for it and, if not, add a new disc ID (either to an existing release or while adding the release itself). For that, consult the how-to for adding disc IDs. If you have other kind of release (like a vinyl, or a digital release), or you just can't add a disc ID for some reason, you will need to search for the release by hand. Usually the best way is to search for the title of the release. If you can't find the release you have, or the only matches in MusicBrainz are reasonably different from yours (different barcode, for example), then that means you must add the CD as a new release to the database.

See our guide on how to add a release.

When submitting your new release, it helps immensely if you can provide a link to a page containing more information about the release. Please read these tips for adding edit notes and try to follow them. A good edit note is not only useful in the moment of adding a release, but can also prove its use years later when some other user tries to find more information about it. Another way of providing more information about a release, which is especially useful if it's obscure and you cannot find any links, is to upload scans or other artwork from it, as explained in How to Add Cover Art.

While we welcome bootlegs, we discourage adding home-made compilations or mixtapes. These kinds of releases are not widely available and any information about them is typically only useful to the individual who created them. Releases such as these are usually removed from our database.

Pending/open edits

When editing MusicBrainz, be careful about edits that are open. If there is a pending edit (usually highlighted in yellow) you should check if it is already doing what you wanted to do. If so, you don't need to do anything - except voting Yes so it will be applied sooner! If it is different and you don't agree with it, you probably should say so in an edit note. Make sure you follow the Code of Conduct while doing so!

If you realise you've made a mistake while editing, and your edit is still open, don't enter a remove edit to undo it! You should cancel your previous edit and make your changes again. The exception to this is if you make a mistake when adding a release. In this case, it is usually more efficient to leave your edit as is and create a follow up edit correcting your mistake.

Guides

We have some basic guides for adding artists, relationships and releases.

And of course, you can read our how-tos on different matters.

Software

You can download MusicBrainz Picard, our tagger, to tag your digital files and submit disc IDs to MusicBrainz. If you have questions, check the Picard documentation and this illustrated how-to. You can install all kind of plugins for it too!

Discussion

Of course, remember that if you can't find an answer to some doubt in the documentation, you can (should!) ask about it.

How-To Pages
Introductory Guides
Basic How-Tos
Specific How-Tos