Freedb

Freedb: Open Database for CD Track Listings

Freedb is an open database of CD track listings, used to lookup CD information over the internet. It allows media player and ripper software to automatically retrieve track info from the database.

What is Freedb?

freedb is an open database of CD track listings that allows media player and CD ripper software to automatically retrieve CD information over the internet. It contains track listings of over 3 million audio CDs. When an audio CD is inserted into a computer, the software calculates a disc ID from the track lengths and number of tracks. This disc ID is used to query the freedb database and retrieve the track listing if available.

The freedb database is community-maintained and submissions are made by users and software developers. It enables media players and rippers to display track info, song titles, artists, etc. automatically instead of requiring the user to manually enter the details. Some of the software that interacts with freedb includes Windows Media Player, MusicBee, Exact Audio Copy, and foobar2000.

The freedb database provides an essential component for an enriched music listening experience. However, it requires an internet connection to function. The open nature also means accuracy relies on community contributions. Overall, freedb has helped simplify music cataloging and continues to provide useful CD metadata for personal music libraries.

Freedb Features

Official Links