
MyMp3 ID3 Tag Editor                                        

     The ID3 tag is the binary string, placed at the end of the mp3
file.  The string contains the song title, artist, album, year of
release, a comment and the genre (once you fill it in).  It may be
empty (just spaces recorded) or non-existant on some files.  

     This program is my small contribution to help make editing &
renaming MP3 Files easier;  Usefull after downloading files, copying
files from friends or after grabbing music from your own collection.
Use at your own risk and enjoy.



Before You Install MyMP3
---------------------

   Warning/Note

      ----------------------------------------------------
      WARNING! This software is provided as is.  No warranty is given
               by the author, expressed or implied.  Use this software
               at your own risk.  The author assumes no responsibility
               for any damage from the use of this software.

      NOTE:  This software is freeware which means that it is free for
                    use and distribution.
      ----------------------------------------------------

What It Does:
-----------

     MyMP3 finds mp3 files along a search path and sets them
up for individual or multiple editing. MyMP3 can edit v1.1 & 1.2
tags or will amend an ID3 Tag to the end of the file if none was there
originally (v 1.2 is used for writing).  MyMp3 will also remove
Tags, delete or rename & move files.  For more information, see "How
To Use", below.

Hardware Requirements:
-------------------

     None that I can think of.

Software Requirements:
-------------------

     ****** Must have a version of Warp that supports Rexx *******
     
and  - RXEXTRAS.DLL -
          http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/dev/rexx/rxx1g.zip

     - FILEREXX.DLL -
          http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/dev/rexx/filerx11.zip

     * N.B. I have included the above .dll files in the zip file.
       For the full documentation please download from Hobbes.


     - REXXLIB.DLL - 
          http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/dev/rexx/rexxlib.zip
          * * I cannot distribute this particular library so, * *
                         please get your own copy.

     - VROBJ.DLL - http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/dev/rexx/vrobj21d.zip
                              (This one is too big to include)


Initializing the Above Libraries:
----------------------
     
     - Copy the *.dll files to somewhere on your LIBPATH.
     - Make a startup.cmd file in your startup folder with the
        following script included:
     - If this file is placed in your startup folder, reboot
     - You can also run it any time before launching MyMp3
        (maybe consider a startdn.cmd to 'DeRegister' or 'Drop'
          libraries if you choose this arrangement: see below)

/*Startup.cmd*/
      call RxFuncAdd "SysLoadFuncs", "RexxUtil","SysLoadFuncs"
      call SysLoadFuncs
      call RxFuncAdd "RxExtra", "RxExtras","RxExtra"
      call RxExtra 'Load' 
      call RxFuncAdd "FileLoadFuncs", "FILEREXX", "FileLoadFuncs"
      call FileLoadFuncs
      call RxFuncadd 'rexxlibregister', 'rexxlib', 'rexxlibregister'
      call rexxlibregister
          
/*Startdn.cmd*/
     call FileDropFuncs
     call rexxlibderegister
     call RxExtra 'Drop'
     call SysDropFuncs
 
Installation:
----------

   If not done, copy the *.dll files to somewhere on your LIBPATH.
   Then uncompress the MyMP3.zip file on any HPFS or Fat partition and
   execute MyMP3.exe from that directory.  It will create the 2 default
   files: MyMP3.cfg & MyMP3.hst in the same directory.
     (one can recreate these files by deleting the originals & then run
          MyMP3.exe)

How To Use:
----------
      Help:
           There are hints of what each 'object' does in the bar at the
bottom of the both windows.  The hints change as the mouse moves over
different objects.  When not directly over an object the bar displays
the {F2......F12} menu (F10 - System menu).

     Settings: {F11}
     ----------
          Default Search Path:
          ----------------
                The directory that MyMp3 will search for files when
first opened.  It must be a valid drive and/or partition on a
HPFS or FAT drive.  It should take the form of drive:\path but with no
following slash.  For example:
     my h: drive has a directory structure that looks like: 
           h:\images
             \music
             \pdfs   
     under h:\music are the following
               \all incoming
               \stan getz
               \diana krall 
               \all my other artists names.....
Since I download from Napster regularly into h:\music\all incoming; I
set that directory as my default.  Good for Tagging and Renaming files
before being copied to their final destination (info on grabbing
below). The default (when mymp3.cfg created) is C:.

          Length of History File:
          -----------------
               The number (from 1 to 99) of entries stored in the
DropDown List associated with the 'Search Drive:\Path for Mp3s' .
To reduce the size of the History File use the 'Empty History'. It will
prompt you for the number of entries to remove. The oldest entries are
removed first and only valid whole numbers are accepted.
The default (when mymp3.cfg created) is 0.

          Renaming of the File:
          -----------------
               If set, the file will be renamed when the ID3 Tag is
saved. On a HPFS drive the file name will be exactly as chosen, ie:
artist - song title.mp3.  If a file with that name already exists in
that directory the file will be numbered ie: artist - song title_1.mp3.
(up to 99 maximum).  On a FAT drive the name of the file will be
shortened (if necessary) to 88888888.mp3 and if numbering of duplicate
files is required.....then 8888881.mp3 to 88888899.mp3. Illegal
symbols for filenames that I have trapped are:  ' / , \ , * , ? , < , >
, " , | , : '. MyMp3 removes these symbols from the filename and then 
reconstructs the filename without them, however the ID3 Tag will have
all the symbols included.  Any other illegal symbols that precludes
copying, will cause an error window to appear, but as above, the ID3
Tag will still be written to the file.  If anyone finds anymore illegal
symbols to include in the list be sure to inform me of them.
The default (when mymp3.cfg created) is for 'No Renaming'.

               Chosen Style of Renaming:
               ---------------------
                    Song.mp3 or Artist - Song Title.mp3 or 
                    Artist - Album - Song Title.mp3 or
                    Album - Song Title.mp3 or Artist - Album.mp3
                    The default Chosen Style (when mymp3.cfg  created) is 1.

               Default Rename & Move Path:
               -----------------------
               This routine sets the 'Rename & Move MP3 File to:'
(the field in the upper left corner - not visible until 'Editing) to
the drive:\path entered.  Iif 'Renaming of the File' is not 'Set' than
this setting has no effect. It must be a valid drive and/or partition
on a HPFS or FAT drive.  It should take the form of drive:\path but
with no following slash.  For example:
     my h: drive has a directory structure that looks like: 
           h:\images
             \music
             \pdfs   
     under h:\music are the following
               \all incoming
               \stan getz
               \diana krall 
               \all my other artists names.....
     If renaming is 'Set', I use h:\music as the default directory 
for Renaming & Moving. This way I can easily see all the directories
under h:\music (the artists) to select the move destination directory
without too many clicks. If I intend to rename but leave them in the
download directory, I simply point to /music/all incoming as the
destination, when editing.
The default Rename & Move Path (when mymp3.cfg created) is C:.

     The Push Buttons for the Settings Window:
     ---------------------------------
     Save Settings: Saves settings as they appear...
     Empty History: Allows you to reduce the History List 'Without'
                        changing the Default Length of History Setting.
                        The amount is determined when selected.
     Cancel & Exit: Restores the previous entries.

     Search Drive:\Path for Mp3s:
     ----------------------
          As one begins to type...the search begins for any and all
.mp3 files located in that path; these files appear in the ListBox
directly to left, titled 'Select File(s) below:'.  Directly below the
search field is a Listbox that will list any and all subdirectories
that exist under the chosen 'Search Drive:\Path'. (blue backgrounds)
The 'Search Drive:\Path' DropDown List is toggled, show list/hide list,
with {F4}. When you click on a subdirectory in the Listbox below the
search path...the ListBox will be searched for any and all .mp3
files.  If there are subdirectories below the chosen subdirectory,  the
chosen subdirectory is amended to the 'Search Drive:\Path for Mp3s and
the .mp3 files appear in the ListBox directly to left, tiltled 'Select
File(s) below:'.
     Files in the process of being downloaded or unavailable for
reading & writing will not be displayed or written to.  Files that are
playing at the time of editing, can be editied but 'NOT' renamed.
You will have to delete the remnant or choose another download with a
slightly different name.

     'Select Files below:' ListBox:
     ----------------------
     All the files are automatically selected when they first
appear. The 'UnMark' {F9) and 'Mark' {F8} buttons, do so globally, all
deselected or all selected.  The files can also be individually toggled
between selected or deselected by clicking on each of them with the
mouse.  When finished ...Press 'Add' {F7} to move them to the
'Editing List below:' ListBox.

     'Delete MP3(s)' Push Button:
     ----------------------
     This deletes one or more of the files selected in the 'Select
Files(s) below:' ListBox.  It is disabled when editing a ID3 Tag.
Usefull for removing file remnants (incomplete downloads in the
incoming directory) or mp3's of low quality.

     To keep keystrokes to a minumum, after mp3 files appear:
     ---------------------------------------------
{F7} - or <CR>(the Add button highlighted) will add all marked files to
     'Editing List below:' (adding more than one directory at a time to
               this list, is allowed)
{F5} initiates 'Editing List {All}'
Then after editing each file
If Renaming is 'Set' on...be sure to select the directory for the move
     (see expanded explanation below)
{F2} to 'Save ID3 Tag'  {F3} skip to 'Next' file {F5} to 'Cancel Edit'

     After Files are Displayed in 'Editing List below:' ListBox
     -------------------------------------------
     If there is more than one file in the list, 'Editing List {All}'
becomes enabled. The 'Clear' {F6} all the files from the 'Editing List
below:' ListBox.

          Individual Editing:
          -------------
     By clicking on a file, its full name (drive:\path\filename) is
displayed in the field titled 'Editing file....', at the top of the
window. It's ID3 tag information, whatever is embedded will
be displayed. The 'Save ID3 Tag' {F2} and 'CaNcel' {F3} buttons becomes
enabled, along with all the fields...song title, artist...etc.  Enter
the information you want embedded (there are limits in the standards
for the tags, so the fields will beep you when you get those limits). 
The 'Genre' DropDown List is toggled, show list/hide list, with {F4}. 
'Cancel', well, cancels the operation.  Save will come up with a
window with the information provided and 4 choices (for individual
file editing). These are 'Save', 'Redo (Reset)', 'Redo (Retain)',
'Remove Tag', 'Cancel'.  The first button and last two buttons are
self-explanatory (if you intend on using 'Remove Tag' - don't
bother emptying the fields, the file is reduced by 128 bytes). The
'Redo (Reset)' returns to the main window with the original ID3 Tag
info in the fields and the 'Redo (Retain)' goes returns to the main
window with the latest edit in the fields.  (if you make a spelling
mistake in the song title or whatever...this will save some time in
correcting it)

          Multiple Editing: (especially after grabbing)
          ------------
     By clicking on the 'Edit List {All}' {F5} button the whole list
in the 'Editing List below:' ListBox is selected.  The 'Save ID3 Tag'
{F2} and 'Next' {F3} buttons becomes enabled and the 'Edit List{All}'
button becomes the 'Cancel Edit' {F5} button.  Entering the information
is as above (Individual File Editing). 'Cancel Edit' {F5} cancels the
editing operation, however the remainder of the list selected but not
edited (ie: never brought up into the ID3 fields) stays in the 'Editing
List below:' ListBox. 'Next' {F3}, moves you on to the next record in
the list. (same as cancelling during the Save). And of course the 'Save
ID3 Tag' {F2}. Save will come up with the window as described above
(Individual File Editing) except with one added button, 'Save &
Retain'.  This is especially usefull after grabbing whole audio cd's. 
After typing in the Song Title, Artist, Album, Release Date, Comment,
and Genre, use the 'Save & Retain' and only the Song Title will be
removed....the other fields (artist, album etc.) will remain the same.

     N.B. If 'Renaming File' is set on:
     ------------------------
     The 'Search Drive:\Path' and its associated ListBox below
(blue backgrounds) change into 'Rename & Move MP3 File to:'
(red backgrounds). The 'Default Rename and Move Path' is displayed in
the field at the top and the Listbox below now displays its
subdirectories. The 'Rename & Move File to:' DropDown
List is toggled, show list/hide list, with {F4}.  When you 'Save ID3
Tag' {F2}, whether editing the file as part of a list or not, the
directory to move the file to, is the one selected in the ListBox (red)
and if none is selected, the directory to be used will be the whatever
is in the field at the top.  To remove the above selction in the
ListBox (red), you can either choose another selection in the ListBox
or click on the 'Rename & Move MP3 File to:' field and the selection
will be deselected (entering a new 'Rename & Move MP3 File to:' path
will also remove all selections in the ListBox (red)). Be careful here
to check exactly where you are copying the file to, when the 'Save ID3
Tag' {F2} window comes up with the information. The original file
remains until after it is moved successfully. There is also a 'MaKe New
Directory' that appears when the red colored fields appear.  This is
self-explanatory.

Other Situations to Watch Carefully!
----------------------------
     Be carefull with files that had been partially downloaded.  MyMp3
will amend (add) an ID3 string to the end of it, as if it was simply
missing the Tag info. If 'Renaming' set 'On' then the file will
inevitably have a different name, so Napster will not use
the file remnant as the starting point the next time you try...it will
start a new download; If not renamed and the 'TAG' is not
'Removed' then you will create a digital skip....128 bytes in the
middle or wherever, with no music.  I tried this out and the skip, if
I heard it at all, was negligable, at least to my ear. I have also had
the experience where the download fails over and over until cancelled.
So, I would suggest removing any 'Tags' that you inadvertently add to
a file, before resuming the download.


Finally a note on those damn bugs & other things:
---------------------------------------

          If you find any errors, please send me the MyMP3.err file
that may be created; and/or, the exact steps that you took to arrive
at the error in the first place.  If I can recreate, I have more of a
chance to fix it.

     If you have any suggestions, feel free to send them on. I can't
promise anything, but I will check them out.

     Lastly,  if you feel inclined to reward me for my efforts......
Please donate to a Spinal Research Foundation, of your choice.
Thanks

Only for OS/2!

rwc@coastnet.com
Chuck Cohen
2849 Heath Drive,
Victoria, BC.
Canada. V9A 2J6