How to Transfer Playlists From iPods to PCs

Your iPod playlists contain collections of songs you choose based on your preferences. You can create a playlist for an album, artist, style of music or any other classification that suits your needs. You can create your playlists in iTunes and then transfer them to the iPod, but in order to transfer those playlists from your iPod back to your PC, you will need the help of third-party software.

• 1

  Download an iPod-to-PC integration program. Before downloading or purchasing, check the system requirements and verify the program is compatible with your operating system.

• 2

  Connect your iPod to your computer. Attach the smaller connector on your iPod USB cable to a USB port on your computer, and attach the larger connector to your iPod dock, the thin connection port along the bottom of your iPod.

• 3

  Close iTunes, which typically opens automatically when you connect your iPod, and open your new iPod software. Locate your playlists in the left column, beneath the image of your iPod device. If your playlists do not appear, click the arrow beside the iPod image to expand your view, revealing your libraries and playlists.

• 4

  Click the title of any playlist that you want to transfer. Some programs--like Senuti, for example--will require you to also select the songs inside the playlist before you can make the transfer, while others will allow you to select only the playlist title. To select multiple items, hold "Shift" while clicking each playlist or song title.

• 5

  Transfer your playlists to your computer. Click "Export" on your software window, which sometimes reads as "Transfer" or "Copy." A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to choose a location for your saved playlists. Select a folder and confirm by clicking "Save" or "OK," depending on your software.