# is it possible to extract multiple cover art ?
**URL:** https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923
**Category:** General Discussion
**Created:** [February 18, 2006, 12:44pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923 "2006-02-18T12:44:31Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@maxdido](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/maxdido)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2006, 12:44pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/1 "2006-02-18T12:44:31Z")
hi,
great tool this mp3tag.
is it possible to extract the cover art from multiple mp3 files into a directory with the naming: %artist%-%album%.jpg
the only thing i can do now is select every mp3 seperatly and go to the tags... and extract cover art. this is very time consuming.
is there a better way to do this?
thanks,
max.
---
### Author:  [@Logan](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Logan)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 2:25am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/2 "2006-02-19T02:25:37Z")
> [@](#):
>
> hi,
>
> great tool this mp3tag.
> is it possible to extract the cover art from multiple mp3 files into a directory with the naming: %artist%-%album%.jpg
>
> \<{POST\_SNAPBACK}\>
Currently MP3Tag only supports importing art via the actions dialog, not exporting.
If enough people are looking for a feature, Florian may add it to the wish list.
---
### Author:  [@maxdido](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/maxdido)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2006, 11:55am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/3 "2006-02-19T11:55:45Z")
thanks for the reply,
i hope it will be integrated into mp3tag.
i found a program "the godfather" (also a mp3 tagger) who could do this.
max.
---
### Author:  [@milka](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/milka)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2006, 6:51am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/4 "2006-02-20T06:51:31Z")
I use The Godfather, when I cant do something in Mp3Tag.
The Godfather is great for Cover-art.
Good idea,
extract multiple cover art would be useful to me too. ๐
---
### Author:  [@Florian](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Florian)
#### Post date: [March 7, 2006, 10:26am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/5 "2006-03-07T10:26:35Z")
I've added a new action type Export cover to file with the current [Development Build](http://developer.mp3tag.de).
Best regards,
~ Florian
---
### Author:  [@Logan](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Logan)
#### Post date: [March 7, 2006, 6:16pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/6 "2006-03-07T18:16:58Z")
> [@](#):
>
> I've added a new action type Export cover to file with the current [Development Build](http://developer.mp3tag.de).
>
> Best regards,
> ~ Florian
>
> \<{POST\_SNAPBACK}\>
Once again, you rock.
---
### Author:  [@nohart](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/nohart)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2006, 8:16am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/7 "2006-12-11T08:16:22Z")
Where is this feature located? I downloaded the newest version 2.37b and I dont see where the cover can be exported. When I go to File -\> Export there isnt a selection to Export the cover. All I have found what was available in previous editions. That when selecting View -\> Extended Tags you have the ability to save the cover but not export it?
---
### Author:  [@dano](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/dano)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2006, 1:18pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/8 "2006-12-11T13:18:12Z")
Just press Alt+5 to create an action or Ctrl+Alt+5 for a quick action and choose "Export cover to file"
> [@](#):
>
> That when selecting View -\> Extended Tags you have the ability to save the cover but not export it?
When you click on  you can export the cover.
---
### Author:  [@nohart](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/nohart)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2006, 8:29pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/9 "2006-12-11T20:29:09Z")
Yes I see it as an available "Action" Thank you ๐
---
### Author:  [@FXMan](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/FXMan)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2007, 5:03pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/10 "2007-01-23T17:03:12Z")
I have the same question ... I am trying to do 2 things ...
Windows Media Player screwed up my "folder.jpg" files. I am trying to do a bulk extraction to fix them ...
I can manually go in to extended tags, click the floppy disk "Extract cover...", a save as dialog with "folder.jpg" as the default filename will pop up and I can save it, and then move to the next file ...
I want to automate this or do it in a big ass batch ... with close to 1000 albums it is taking forever by hand.
The second part is that I want to do the same thing but create files using a string to name the file.
I tried doing the action as listed above with the string %band% - %album% and I got a 0KB file with the correct name ...
again, I want to do this in bulk.
---
### Author:  [@DetlevD](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/DetlevD)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2007, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/11 "2007-01-23T18:52:55Z")
> [@FXMan](#):
>
> ... I want to automate this or do it in a big ass batch ... with close to 1000 albums it is taking forever by hand.
> The second part is that I want to do the same thing but create files using a string to name the file. ...
Create an action group ' **Export cover**'.
Create following action:
Action #1:
_Action type:_ **Export cover to file**
_Format string for image filename:_ **$validate($trim(%BAND%)' - '$trim(%ALBUM%),%DUMMY%)**
Try this first with one file and check if it has done what you want.
If ok, then run this action against the selected files.
DD.20070123.2053
---
### Author:  [@FXMan](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/FXMan)
#### Post date: [January 23, 2007, 7:33pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/12 "2007-01-23T19:33:14Z")
> [@DetlevD](#):
>
> Create an action group ' **Export cover**'.
> Create following action:
> Action #1:
> _Action type:_ **Export cover to file**
> _Format string for image filename:_ **$validate($trim(%BAND%) - $trim(%ALBUM%),)**
>
> Try this first with one file and check if it has done what you want.
> If ok, then run this action against the selected files.
>
> DD.20070123.2053
This worked beautifully. It did in 30 sec what it has taken 3 hours to get half way through ... How would I get it to do it with the file name folder? replace the strings with "folder"?
---
### Author:  [@LyricsLover](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/LyricsLover)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2007, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/13 "2007-01-24T15:42:59Z")
And how does it works, if it should write only one picture per album?
---
### Author:  [@DetlevD](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/DetlevD)
#### Post date: [January 24, 2007, 6:33pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/14 "2007-01-24T18:33:15Z")
Hmmm, one picture per album works, if each file contain only one picture (Mp3tag v2.37d).
Well, for other cases, I don't know.
I think that the cover area of Mp3Tag needs a litle bit more brain grease, it is not well formed yet.
Running an action like this from above against files which have 4 pictures embedded there was following result:
Robby Ameen.Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums.jpg
Robby Ameen(1).jpg
Robby Ameen(2).jpg
Robby Ameen(3).jpg
Only the first file is proper named.
The following files are numbered as expected, but let missing the %ALBUM% field.
DD.20070124.2033
---
### Author:  [@FXMan](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/FXMan)
#### Post date: [February 6, 2007, 7:07pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/15 "2007-02-06T19:07:58Z")
It will create a file for each track you have selected, so if you select say a whole album you will get multiple art files. The trick I used was to sort by Track Number and then select all of the 1s. I got one art file in each folder containing tracks. Of course I have all of mine organized with full tags ...
> [@DetlevD](#):
>
> Hmmm, one picture per album works, if each file contain only one picture (Mp3tag v2.37d).
>
> Well, for other cases, I don't know.
> I think that the cover area of Mp3Tag needs a litle bit more brain grease, it is not well formed yet.
>
> Running an action like this from above against files which have 4 pictures embedded there was following result:
> Robby Ameen.Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums.jpg
> Robby Ameen(1).jpg
> Robby Ameen(2).jpg
> Robby Ameen(3).jpg
>
> Only the first file is proper named.
> The following files are numbered as expected, but let missing the %ALBUM% field.
>
> DD.20070124.2033
---
### Author:  [@CGOuimet](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/CGOuimet)
#### Post date: [October 24, 2008, 8:42am UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/16 "2008-10-24T08:42:12Z")
This works great. How does one add a path to this action to place all covers in one folder? Thanks ...
> [@DetlevD](#):
>
> Create an action group ' **Export cover**'.
> Create following action:
> Action #1:
> _Action type:_ **Export cover to file**
> _Format string for image filename:_ **$validate($trim(%BAND%) - $trim(%ALBUM%),)**
>
> Try this first with one file and check if it has done what you want.
> If ok, then run this action against the selected files.
>
> DD.20070123.2053
---
### Author:  [@DetlevD](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/DetlevD)
#### Post date: [October 24, 2008, 12:25pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/17 "2008-10-24T12:25:13Z")
> [@CGOuimet](#):
>
> This works great. How does one add a path to this action to place all covers in one folder? Thanks.
Just prepend the given format string with the proper folder path, e. g.
X:\FOLDER$validate($trim(%BAND%) - $trim(%ALBUM%),)
Make sure to assemble unique file pathnames to avoid collision due to duplicate file pathnames.
DD.20081024.1625.CEST
---
### Author:  [@CGOuimet](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/CGOuimet)
#### Post date: [October 24, 2008, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/18 "2008-10-24T19:45:48Z")
Thanks did try this numerous times this AM with success but it does work now ... Thanks ...
> [@DetlevD](#):
>
> Just prepend the given format string with the proper folder path, e. g.
> X:\FOLDER$validate($trim(%BAND%) - $trim(%ALBUM%),)
>
> Make sure to assemble unique file pathnames to avoid collision due to duplicate file pathnames.
>
> DD.20081024.1625.CEST
---
### Author:  [@Moonbase](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/Moonbase)
#### Post date: [October 24, 2008, 11:07pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/19 "2008-10-24T23:07:10Z")
A suggestion: It would be nice if we could import/export from/to the (numbered) image types in a file, i.e., only update the front cover (3). Or store an extra back cover (4).
Hereโs a list (as far as I know about the numbers, all as hex byte code):
- 00: Other
- 01: 32x32 pixel 'file icon' (PNG only)
- 02: Other file icon
- 03: Cover (front)
- 04: Cover (back)
- 05: Leaflet page
- 06: Media (i.e., label side of CD)
- 07: Lead artist/lead performer/soloist
- 08: Artist/performer
- 09: Conductor
- 0a: Band/orchestra
- 0b: Composer
- 0c: Lyricist/text writer
- 0d: Recording Location
- 0e: During recording
- 0f: During performance
- 10: Movie/video screen capture
- 11: A bright coloured fish (whatever _that_ is for โฆ)
- 12: Illustration
- 13: Band/artist Logotype
- 14: Publisher/Studio Logotype
Of course it might also be nice to be able to set/read the image description (max. 64 characters/image).
**EDIT:** All done in v2.42 โ Thanks, Florian!
---
### Author:  [@XaereauX](https://community.mp3tag.de/u/XaereauX)
#### Post date: [February 26, 2009, 7:20pm UTC](https://community.mp3tag.de/t/is-it-possible-to-extract-multiple-cover-art/2923/20 "2009-02-26T19:20:02Z")
Firstly,
Florian ... wonderful work. Best tagger out there. This is a double edged sword, though, because if mp3tag doenst have a feature it really hurts as you wont find it elsewhere ๐
Now about Moonbase's question/request...
> [@Moonbase](#):
>
> A suggestion: It would be nice if we could import/export from/to the (numbered) image types in a file, i.e., only update the front cover (3). Or store an extra back cover (4).
>
> Hereโs a list (as far as I know about the numbers, all as hex byte code):
>
> - 00: Other
> - 01: 32x32 pixel 'file icon' (PNG only)
> - 02: Other file icon
> - 03: Cover (front)
> - 04: Cover (back)
> - 05: Leaflet page
> - 06: Media (i.e., label side of CD)
> - 07: Lead artist/lead performer/soloist
> - 08: Artist/performer
> - 09: Conductor
> - 0a: Band/orchestra
> - 0b: Composer
> - 0c: Lyricist/text writer
> - 0d: Recording Location
> - 0e: During recording
> - 0f: During performance
> - 10: Movie/video screen capture
> - 11: A bright coloured fish (whatever _that_ is for โฆ)
> - 12: Illustration
> - 13: Band/artist Logotype
> - 14: Publisher/Studio Logotype
>
> Of course it might also be nice to be able to set/read the image description (max. 64 characters/image).
>
> **EDIT:** All done in v2.42 โ Thanks, Florian!
I cant seem to find a way to import into a specific cover location. you know, like if i have Back covers in each album folder , is it possible to import them into "Cover (Back)"?
Thanks for a great product (you must get tired of reading/hearing that)
X