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How to burn MP3 music CD with and without programs on Windows and Mac? Step by step guide

How to burn MP3 music CD with and without programs on Windows and Mac? Step by step guide

There are many reasons why a person chooses to burn a music CD . For some, it is a very timely idea in order to free up valuable space from their hard drives and for others, it may be because they seek to obtain a copy of their MP3 files and use them as a backup, in case of losing such data. However, many music enthusiasts are generally attracted to the idea of ​​ sharing their music with family, friends or at certain events .

In this sense, no matter what the reason, it is important to know how to burn songs to a CD , especially since it is an extremely easy matter. Taking into account that it does not matter if you are users of any version of Windows or Mac , since there are several alternatives (with and without softwares) that can help you perform this task very quickly and without so many complications . Best of all, you can do it without the help of third parties.

While it is true, operating systems are linked to some integrated programs that allow you to burn any file in physical format , and therefore do not depend on any additional program. However, many users prefer to rely on software other than that offered by their electronic device and fortunately, this practice is also acceptable. In fact, here are the different options you have on hand to burn a CD of MP3 music, either on Windows or Mac , so that you choose the one that is most adapt to your preferences.

Steps to burn and make an MP3 music CD in Windows

To create a CD with MP3 tracks in Windows, there are two common options: without programs and through Windows Media Player . Which, we will show you step by step at once.

Without programs

You may not have specialized software such as Alcohol 120%, Nero or others installed on your Windows computer to create a data CD. But luckily, you can do it with a tool that Windows gives you, with nothing else .

Then, if you are attracted to the idea of ​​doing it this way, you must carry out the following procedure :

You may not have specialized software such as Alcohol 120%, Nero or others installed on your Windows computer to generate a data CD. But luckily, you can do it with a tool that Windows gives you, with nothing else .

Then, if you are attracted to the idea of ​​doing it this way, you should carry out the following procedure:

  • First, inserts a recordable CD into the reader or recorder or also known as “ Virgin CD ”. The most common, have a capacity of 700 MB (maximum).
  • Subsequently, select the type of recording . To do this, enter the Windows file explorer, which you can do by pressing the Windows and E keys on your keyboard. Then press the “ CD or DVD drive ” option.

Sin programas

Thus, a window will be displayed that shows you two types of recordings and you must choose the one you prefer:

  • Like USB flash drive , which records files with the UFS file system and so, the writable CD will behave as a USB drive does.
  • With a CD or DVD player , which burns the CD or DVD by copying all the files once. This is estimated as the best option, since it is the most compatible method (in case you want to use the CD different from your computer).

Sin programas

  • It’s time to add the files to the CD. For this, simply drag each track to its window, using the two file browsers or even, you can copy them to the clipboard from their location and paste them inside. That is, in this step you will be in charge of creating the list of songs you want to listen to on the CD .
  • Now you can proceed to burn the CD. Just click on “ Tools in unit ”, then look for the option “ End recording ”. But in case you don’t locate drive tools, you need to deselect the files first, by clicking on “ DVD Drive ” in the set of folders that you see on the left.

Sin programas

To finish, you can select a recording speed and also change the disc title , if you prefer. As for the recording speed, it should be noted that the highest is more prone to errors if the PC has any lapse. So in short, it is recommended to try a less speed. After that, press “ Next ”.

From there, will start recording . Since this operating system does not give you the possibility to carry out a simulation of engraving. However, tells you an estimated time in reference to the end of the recording .

With Windows Media Player

Con Windows Media Player

As we mentioned, the other option is do it with Windows Media Player . Which works effectively for these types of cases and even to create other types of files in Windows.

Thus, if you prefer to burn your music CD with Windows Media Player , here are the steps you should take on your computer :

  • Logically and as the previous alternative, the first thing you should do is insert a blank or writable CD into your PC’s CD player . It is worth noting that generally, discs of this type exhibit a capacity between 75 and 80 minutes of audio . But, in case you don’t know exactly, Windows will indicate the capacity it has.
  • Later, you must create your playlist . This, when you open the player and click on the “ Record ” button, to access the recording side panel where you will include all the tracks you like. This way, you just have to drag each of the songs to the new recording section on the player . There you are indicating the available time and failing that, what you have occupied.

Con Windows Media Player

  • Then, when you finish creating your playlist, proceed to burn the MP3 music CD . That is, click on the button that says “ Start recording “. In this step, you should keep in mind that this process consists of several stages, so it could take some time.
  • After completing these cycles, the real recording begins . It is recommended that while the disc is being recorded, do not use the computer to avoid using more power. Finally, when the recording is finished, the CD will be automatically ejected .

How to record and make a music CD for the car in a Mac computer?

To achieve make a music CD on a Mac computer , there are several options that are clearly easy to use and that at this time, we will indicate you to choose the that best suits your tastes or abilities.

On iTunes

En iTunes

By default, iTunes is the playback application that includes the tool to record music on Mac computers . As is and how Windows Media Player works on any version of Windows.

Thus, it is easy to create a music CD with this software, for which a process of five to 10 minutes is estimated , all depending on the processor speed of the device. Taking into account that if you want to generate a music disc compatible with any other reader or music player, it is best to record it with iTunes.

Now, we indicate the steps you must take to do this:

  • First, access iTunes from your Mac .
  • Then, start create the lists . This is the most curious step of the whole procedure. So, add in that list all the tracks you want to have on your CD and for this, you must click on where it says “ File / New Playlist ”.
  • Once this is done, iTunes will show you a pop-up box with a blank data field, so enter the name you want for the list of songs you’ve made . Then, copy it and click on the “ Back ” option located at the bottom of the data field.
  • Finally, click on the right button place on the list and choose the option “ Burn playlist to disc “. Usually the software generates an audio disc but if you wish, you can choose for other options such as an MP3 disc or a data disc .

Disk Utility

Utilidad de Discos

The Disk Utility is a program known to virtually all Mac users and is considered as one of the most appropriate alternatives to create and burn executable discs . In other words, from there, it is easy to record this type of content while maintaining the file structure of the disk image, taking into account that is only possible with DMG or ISO files .

So if you want to record a different type of extension, first of all you must convert it into a known format. The steps to do so are:

  • The first thing you should do is open the image from Disk Utility , and you can drag directly to the program window. Or simply, when select the corresponding option in the menu File “.
  • So, after mounting, choose the option “ Record in the images menu ”or do it directly from the upper buttons.

As additional information, it is necessary to inform you that you can also erase rewritable discs within this program . For which, you must choose the disk drive, once you insert it, and then click on “ Delete ” within the reader alternatives.

With Finder

Con Finder

This is the most basic alternative to burn a disc on Mac , since it doesn’t matter what type of file it is. To execute this procedure, there are two options that we will explain quickly now:

  • Produce a recording folder : Through the Finder options, go to “ File / New recording folder ”. In this way, the system will create a folder in the window of the same Finder that you are in and that is where you must drag all the files that you want to generate on the CD. Then, press the “ Burn ” button located at the top right or you can save it and do it later when you are ready to finally burn the disc.
  • Enter the disk directly : Once you insert the virgin CD, you will verify that the Finder detects it as such and installs it on the system. In this way, you can access the disk from the Finder and drag all the files you want to it. When finished, click on the “ Record ” option located in the upper right. It’s all.

When you record using this method , the files are stored in their current format and therefore can only be used from a computer or from a specific device that recognizes the format .

With iDVD

Con iDVD

For those who don’t know, iDVD is an Apple-based multimedia software application for your Mac OS X operating system . However, many of the people who use Mac, think that this program is useless but in reality it is not, since it is one of the most recommended alternatives to burn a music and audio CD . What happens, is that is not considered as such useful software , because it seems so to the naked eye. Being a practical application but uncomfortable at the same time.

Similarly, it must be used when you want to produce a CD or even a DVD to watch a movie in the comfort of your home, being one of the most effective ways to use it >. For its part, iDVD presents its users with infinite alternatives when it comes to something simple. To start using it, just choose a template you like and then, include the movie you want to record .

At that moment, you can verify that the program needs to transform it into a compatible format and then, if necessary, press the “Burn” button to generate a DVD . The same happens when you want to make your playlist , that is, you must add the list of the tracks you want to listen to and proceed to record them .

Finally, expect iDVD to complete the process and be very patient, as it is a tool that is not considered so fast. Indeed, if it takes a long time to generate the disk, don’t worry and just afterwards, proceed to burn it .