TagScanner
Free Windows tag editor and file renamer for organising a local music collection.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows
Is TagScanner free?
Yes, free to use
Switch from TagScanner to
All 5
MusicBrainz PicardOpen source
foobar2000Free
Kid3Open source
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About TagScanner
TagScanner is a long-running Windows program for cleaning up a music library. It edits tags in bulk across most audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, Ogg, Opus, WMA, MP4/M4A, WavPack and DSD files, and handles ID3v1 and v2, APE, Vorbis comments and iTunes-style metadata. Beyond editing, it can rename files and folders from tag data, work the other way round to fill tags from file and folder names, and run text replacements or case fixes across thousands of files at once. It can look up album details and cover art from online sources such as Discogs and MusicBrainz, resize embedded artwork, build playlists and export a collection list to HTML, CSV or a custom template. A small built-in player lets you check tracks while working. It is maintained by a single developer, supported by donations, and comes as an installer or a portable build in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It runs only on Windows, so Mac and Linux users need a different tool.
Best for: Windows users tidying large local music libraries who want bulk renaming and tag fixes in one tool.
Pros and cons
What works
- Handles a very wide range of audio formats and tag types
- Renames files from tags and fills tags from file names
- Pulls album data and covers from Discogs and MusicBrainz
- Portable build available, no install needed
Why people leave
- Windows only
- Interface is dense and takes time to learn
- One-person project funded by donations
TagScanner vs MusicBrainz Picard, foobar2000 and Kid3
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | TagScanner | MusicBrainz Picard | foobar2000 | Kid3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Open source | Free | Open source |
| Verified price | — | — | — | — |
| Free plan | Free app | Free app | Free app | Free app |
| Open source | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Linux, Windows, macOS, Android |
Top TagScanner alternatives
See all 5- 1MusicBrainz Picard68.8
Free and cross-platform, with automatic matching against the MusicBrainz database.
- 2foobar200065.0
Free Windows player with a capable batch tag editor built in, so one app both plays and tags.
- 3Kid364.8
Open-source tag editor that also runs on Mac and Linux, with similar bulk renaming.
- 4
puddletag61.8Spreadsheet-style open-source tagger for Linux users who want the same bulk editing.
- 5
MusicBee49.0Free Windows library manager that auto-tags from online databases and renames files by tag.
Why people left TagScanner
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from TagScanner, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers
Write a review of TagScanner
TagScanner: common questions
What is TagScanner?
TagScanner: Free Windows tag editor and file renamer for organising a local music collection. Best for windows users tidying large local music libraries who want bulk renaming and tag fixes in one tool. Available for Windows.
Is TagScanner free?
Yes, TagScanner is free to use.
Is TagScanner open source?
No, TagScanner is not open source. Open-source alternatives include MusicBrainz Picard, Kid3 and puddletag.
What platforms does TagScanner run on?
TagScanner is available for Windows.
What are the best alternatives to TagScanner?
The highest-ranked TagScanner alternatives right now are MusicBrainz Picard, foobar2000 and Kid3. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
TagScanner vs MusicBrainz Picard: what's the difference?
TagScanner is free to use; MusicBrainz Picard is free and open source. MusicBrainz Picard is open source and TagScanner is not. Only MusicBrainz Picard runs on macOS and Linux.