Hydrogenaudio Knowledgebase - User contributions [en]

Foobar2000:Components

2008-02-16T16:07:22Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Panel components */

{{fb2k}}
This page contains most Foobar2000 v0.9.x components available at time of [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Components_0.9&action=history last update].

==Interface==

===Default User Interface===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default user interface (foo_ui_std)|Default user interface (foo_ui_std)]]. Included in the standard installation package. Allows complex layout customization through [[#elementcomp|UI Elements]] components.

====UI Elements====
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Facets (foo_facets)|Facets (foo_facets)]] Flexible media library viewer based on linked lists.

===Columns UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)|Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)]] Very popular alternate interface for foobar2000 based on a columns and panel layout.

Columns UI introduced components with [[#panelcomp|panel]] capability which extend the user interface.

====Panel components====
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)|Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)]] Panel to display album art.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)|Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)]] Albumart mod to read matroska covers.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)|Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)]] Displays the database in a treeview using customizable sorting methods (by genre, artist, directory, etc.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)|Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)]] Help you remember positions in songs.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Console (foo_uie_console)|Console (foo_uie_console)]] Panel version of console. Displays diagnostic messages. Requires Columns UI 0.1.3 beta 1 or newer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cover Flow (foo_bubble_coverflow)|Cover Flow (foo_bubble_coverflow)]] The plugin can work either as a UI panel or a standalone window (found in the view menu), and a fullscreen mode for both.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)|Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)]] It allows you to create windows that host columns ui panels as floating windows that can be attached to the side of the main foobar2000 window or each other.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)|Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)]] Similar to the default spectrum analyser.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)|Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)]] Displays a treeview of selected disks/folders.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Grouped playlist panel (foo_uie_pvt)|Grouped playlist panel (foo_uie_pvt)]] Preview version of columns playlist with grouping.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)|Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)]] Display lyrics stored in file tags.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Music Browser (foo_browser)|Music Browser (foo_browser)]] Panels for Browsing Library, Similar to iTunes.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)|Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)]] Displays the playlist in a dropdown menu.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)|Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)]] Tree based media library with many available customizations.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Power Panels (foo_uie_powerpanels)|Power Panels (foo_uie_powerpanels)]] Seekbar and volume transparent version panels. Useful for theming.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)|Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)]] Search toolbar that sends results to a playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Single Column Playlist (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)|Single Column Playlist Viewer (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)]] Displays the playlist in a single column with "headers". Useful for creating a narrower and smaller layout.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)|Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)]] Tabs allows you to break Pauli's Exclusion principle by placing multiple panels in the same position at the same time.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)|Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)]] Uses TAGZ to display information about a selected track.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)|Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)]] Improved Track Info panel with the ability to use multiple fonts in the same panel. Also has the ability to display images.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Typefind (foo_typefind)|Typefind (foo_typefind)]] Provides some in-line search facilities.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)|WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)]] Windows script host panel.

===GFX===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)|GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)]] is a skinnable user interface, which doesn't only focus on looking good but tries to be as fast and "lightweight" as possible, too. It uses lua as scripting language. Two skins are included in the archive.

===Panels UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)|Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)]] gives the ability to manage multiple [[#panelcomp|panels]] through titleformating.

==DSP==
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)|4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)]] Effects for headphone users.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)|ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)]] Reproduces surround sound information present in many stereo audio material and more.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)|BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)]] Improves headphone listening of regular hi-fi stereo records.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)|Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)]] Voice cut filter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)|Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)]] Up/down mix to/from 1-6 channels.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Convolve (foo_convolve)|Convolve (foo_convolve)]] Takes impulse response and does a fast convolution of the sound data with that impulse response.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)|Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)]] Allows crossfading between tracks.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)|Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)]] Filters the music to help reduce fatigue caused by listening to music with headphones.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)|Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)]] Dolby Headphone engine DLL.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)|Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)]] Dolby Pro Logic II engine DLL (dll not included).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)|Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)]] Downmix [[AC3]], [[DTS]], etc. to stereo.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)|FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)]] It takes Dolby Surround / Pro Logic I/II encoded stereo music and decodes it into 5.1 sound.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)|Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)]] Skip silence at begin/end of tracks.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)|LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)]] Noise sharpening filter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)|OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)]] Audio enhancement. SHAREWARE.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)|Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)]] Inserts a configurable amount of silence after each track to help external devices like MiniDisc players to sync track changes.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)|Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)]] Mega Nerd's Secret Rabbit Code sample rate converter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)|Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)]] Detect and skip silence.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)|Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)]] Ajust pitch, tempo and rate.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)|SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)]] Sample rate converter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)|Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)]] Take stereo audio and convolve each channel with two impulse responses.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)|Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)]] WYSIWYG Surround panning.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)|Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)]] Emulate tube sound.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)|VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)]] Dynamic compressor which amplifies the quiet parts of music.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)|VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)]] Adds support to Virtual Studio Technology audio interface.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)|Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)]] Allows the use of Winamp DSPs.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XOver (foo_dsp_xover)|XOver (foo_dsp_xover)]] Implements this digital crossover to achieve active multi-amplification.

==Input==
===Music codecs===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)|AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)]] Decodes Dolby Digital lossy audio compression technologies format ([[AC3]]).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)|AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)]] Needed for [[AC3]] in [[Matroska]].
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)|Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)]] Alternative [[WMA]] decoder with tagging support.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)|ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)]] Apple Lossless ([[ALAC]]) decoder (has known stability issues: random crashes during decoding).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DTS Decoder (foo_dts)|DTS Decoder (foo_dts)]] Decodes Digital Theater Systems ([[DTS]]) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)|Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)]] Decodes [[Matroska]] audio container format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)|MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)|Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)]] Adds decoding support for Monkey's Audio files (.[[APE]]) as well as APE Link files (.[[APL]]).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)|OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)]] Decodes both the Lossless ([[OptimFROG|OFR]]) and DualStream (OFS) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)|Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)]] Decodes Shorten ([[SHN]]) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)|SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)]] SPDIF passthrough for [[AC3]] and [[DTS]] files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)|TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)]] Decodes True Audio ([[TTA]]) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)|WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)]].

===Other codecs===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)|ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)]] Plays GameCube ADPCM audio data and some. (DSP, ADP, GCM, HPS, STM, AST, etc.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)|Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)]] [http://asap.sourceforge.net/ ASAP] is a player/converter of Atari 8-bit music for modern computers. It provides high-quality, identical to the popular Atari800 emulator, emulation of the POKEY sound chip and the 6502 processor.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)|DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)]] Plays your favorite module files, and then some. (MOD, S3M, XM, IT, 669, PTM, PSM, MTM, UMX)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)|Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)]] Plays Westwood's audio (AUD), Sierra's sounds (SFX/AUD), Core design's cd audio (cdaudio.WAD), Funcom's music (ISS), Rome Total War's IDX (.IDX/DAT), Timegate's format (RWD), EA's Pathfinder audio (MUS) and Ben Gerard's music (SC68).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Emu Player (foo_gep)|Game Emu Player (foo_gep)]] Plays several emulation formats. (GBS, NSF, SPC, GYM, HES, VGM)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)|Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)]] Plays compressed Edlib (.d00, .d01) files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)|Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)]] Plays audio files found on the original Lunar: Eternal Blue CD (RP*.PCM).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/M1 Decoder (foo_m1)|M1 Decoder (foo_m1)]] Plays arcade/pinball game sound.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)|MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)]] MDX is a MIDI-like format that is designed to be played using the X68000's FM synthesizer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)|NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)]] NSF file is a sound data file containing instructions for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) sound hardware.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/PSF Decoder (foo_psf)|PSF Decoder (foo_psf)]] Plays PlayStation Sound Format (PSF) files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Reverse (foo_input_reverse)|Reverse (foo_input_reverse)]] Play music in reverse.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SID Player 2 (foo_sid)|SID Player 2 (foo_sid)]] Sound chip of Commodore's CBM-II, Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)|S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)]] Sound format for the NEC PC-98 microcomputer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/USF Decoder (foo_input_usf)|USF Decoder (foo_input_usf)]] Decodes sound data ripped directly from a Nintendo 64 video game.

==Output==
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)|ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)]] Adds ASIO output support.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)|Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)]] Allows bit-exact playback bypassing Windows kernel mixer.

==Visualisation==
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Peakmeter (foo uie peakmeter)|Peakmeter for Columns UI (foo_uie_peakmeter)]] Displays the level for each channel in dB.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Peakmeter Spectrum (foo uie vis peakmeter spectrum)|Peakmeter and spectrum analyzer (foo_uie_vis_peakmeter_spectrum)]] Plugin that combines a peakmeter with a spectrum analyzer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
* [[#wmpvis|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP. ''Panel version only''.

==Other==
===General===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Alarm (foo_alarm)|Alarm (foo_alarm)]] Starts playback at the specified period of time.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)|Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)]] Performs binary comparison between two or more tracks and reports differences.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)|Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)]] Channel Usage Visualisation.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Common Services (foo_common)|Common Services (foo_common)]] Common services.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)|Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Converter (foo converter)|Converter (foo converter)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cwbowron's Title formating (foo_cwb_hooks)|Cwbowron's Title Format Hooks (foo_cwb_hooks)]] Adds various global titleformat functions/variables, tagger window, new file tagger, and more.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)|Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)]] Measures decoding speed of audio files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Directory_Monitor_(foo_dirwatch)|Directory Monitor (foo_dirwatch)]] Allows you to specify directories to monitor, and notifies the Media Library of any changes (additions, renames, deletions) that occur.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)|EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)]] Allow to save current playlist in the EXTM3U format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)|Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)]] Watches for added or removed features.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/File Date (foo_filedate)|File Date (foo_filedate)]] Add to file tag date added, accessed, created or modified from context menu entries.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)|File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)]] Checks specified media files for decoding errors.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)|HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)]] Provides 19 media macros.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/iPod Manager (foo_dop)|iPod Manager (foo_dop)]] Experimental iPod plugin for foobar2000 0.9.2+, currently in alpha version.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)|Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)]] Control the LCD panel on a Logitech G15 keyboard.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)|Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)]] Adds a few shortcuts in menu.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Open URL (foo_openurl)|Open URL (foo_openurl)]] Adds a context menu item to open URLs from metadata fields in a web browser.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause On Lock (foo_lock)|Pause On Lock (foo_lock)]] Pauses/unpauses foobar2000 on workstation lock/unlock.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)|Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)]] Pause playing on workstation lock. Optimized for use with Windows XP/2003.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)|Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Preview (foo_preview)|Preview (foo_preview)]] Play only part of each track in the playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Replaygain Override (foo_rg_trn)|Replaygain Override (foo_rg_trn)]] Allows you to automatically switch between replaygain modes based on specified criteria (e.g. use track based RG for shuffle mode, etc.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run (foo_run)|Run (foo_run)]] Able you to run a external program with the foobar syntax.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run Commands (foo_runcmd)|Run Commands (foo_runcmd)]] Search and execute menu commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Scheduler (foo_scheduler)|Scheduler (foo_scheduler)]] Plugin for scheduling actions like play, stop, system shutdown/wake up and many more.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)|Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)]] Add "Send to Device" feature.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)|Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)]] Shell link resolver.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)|Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)]] Hides Foobar2000 from the taskbar, even when the window is normally visible.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Timebomb (foo_timebomb)|Timebomb (foo_timebomb)]] Stop playback / exit program after a specified time.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)|Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)|Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)|Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)]] Designed to create a fake Winamp 1.x window which will act as a wrapper between applications written to use the Winamp API and foobar2000.

===Lyrics===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)|Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)]] Search for lyrics and displays it in external window.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)|LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)]] Search lyrics basing on song's artist title and sometimes album.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)|Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)]] Lyrics viewer for synchronizing and displaying lyrics of the currently playing song.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Sakura Script Lyrics (foo_sstp_lyrics)|Sakura Script Lyrics (foo_sstp_lyrics)]] Plays a SAKURA script lyrics to a SSP client.

===Notifier===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)|AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)]] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Listening To (foo_listeningto)|Listening To (foo_listeningto)]] Sends NowPlaying information to Miranda IM.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)|Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)]] Sends configurable information about the current playing song to Miranda-IM and shows popup windows with this info.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)|MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)]] Set currently playing song's album art as avatar.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)|MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)]] Show the current song as "Now Playing" in MSN and MS Live messenger.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display (foo_osd)|On-Screen Display (foo_osd)]] On screen display of track information and volume bar.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)|On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)]] Same as foo_osd but uses GDI+ for osd drawing.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)|Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)]] Display a moderately sized popup of song information when a new song plays.

===Online database===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)|Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)]] Audioscrobbler will send the name of every song you play on your computer to Last.fm. This effortlessly populates your profile to play radio you like and make personalized recommendations.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)|Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)]] Sends track information to the [http://www.foosic.org/ foosic online database]. You can currently view your top artist, album and track statistics with foosic. Now support FooID fingerprints.

===Online radio===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSLive (foo_input_mslive)|MSLive (foo_input_mslive)]] Support for [[MMS]] and [[RSTP]] broadcast radio protocols.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)|XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)]] Allow you to listen to XM Radio channels over the Internet by using XM Radio Online.

===Playlist tools===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)|Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)]] Generate a playlist from an artist's Last.fm chart. It also allows you to sort a selection in the playlist by the artist's charts.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)|Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)]] CD burning support (requires Nero to be installed on your system.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)|Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)]] Presents a Media Library query in a dynamically-generated playlist (under development).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bin Pack (foo_binpack)|Bin Pack (foo_binpack)]] Creates playlists from a list with a maximum length.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)|Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)]] Add /playlist-activate:"Name" to the foobar command line to activate the named playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)|Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)]] Cuesheet creator.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Database Search (foo_dbsearch)|Database Search (foo_dbsearch)]] Database search.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)|Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)]] Allows you to play your video clips from foobar playlist with default external player.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Delete Current (foo_deletecurrent)|Delete Current (foo_deletecurrent)]] Adds a menu item giving the possibility to delete from computer the current playing track.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)|Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)]] Highlights actual now playing item even when the playlist has been broken.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/History (foo_history)|History (foo_history)]] Very basic song history.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)|Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)]] Skips tracks that are marked via a tag as inactive.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MeowDB (foo_meowdb)|MeowDB (foo_meowdb)]] Takes the Media Library and outputs the results to a form and uploads it to your server using the cURL library.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Navigator (foo_navigator)|Navigator (foo_navigator)]] Advanced history component.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)|Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)]] Simple now playing plugin to output formatted string to plain text file.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)|Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)]] Playback queue viewer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)|Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)]] Synchronize playlist with contents of specific directory.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)|Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)]] All playlists are cleared at startup.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)|Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)]] Playlist manager.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)|Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)]] Appends automatically playlist info ("items / length") to all playlist names.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools (foo_utils)|Playlist Tools (foo_utils)]] Provides various general commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)|Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)]] Provides various general commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue. ''Non-ColumnUI obsolete version, try panel version instead.''
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)|Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)]] Randomized playlist entry.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Rating (foo_rating)|Rating (foo_rating)]] Display an icon in the systray with a tooltip popup from which you can choose a rating between 1 and 5 for the currently playing file.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remove From Queue (foo_removefromqueue)|Remove From Queue (foo_removefromqueue)]] Allows one to remove items from the playback queue with context menu/shortcut key.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)|Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)]] It removes tracks from the playlist once they've been played.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)|Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)]] Displays a context menu that lets you quickly find songs based on their album title or artists name.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Position (foo_trackpos)|Track Position (foo_trackpos)]] Provides a new context menu item "place after current playing", that allows you to place any tracks after the current playing one in the playing playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XSPF (foo_xspf)|XSPF (foo_xspf)]] Adds XSPF support. XSPF is an open, XML based playlist format.

===Playback Statistics===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics (foo playcount)|Playback Statistics (foo playcount)]] '''(Official)''' Collects playback statistics for your Media Library content.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)|Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)]] Stores playback statistics in tags like foo_playcount_mod, with claimed faster response, and uses foo_custominfo db if file is unavailable for writing.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)|Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)]] Stores playback statistics in foo_custominfo database, rather than tags or foobar2000.cfg. This component has now been integrated into foo_playback_custom. Please use that component instead.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)|Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)]] ''(Obsolete)'' Keeps track of the amount of times, the last time, and the first time a track has been played.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)|Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)]] Unofficial playcount modded to supress the update tag popups.

===Remote control===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)|Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)]] Control all the playback functions from icons in the Taskbar Notification Area (play, pause, next, previous, open)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Appcommand (foo_appcommand)|Appcommand (foo_appcommand)]] Adds the ability to assign multimedia keyboard buttons that sends APPCOMMAND (for example some HP keyboards) as (global) keyboard hotkeys.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)|Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)]] Control your favourite music player using your favourite Symbian-based bluetooth enabled phone.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)|COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)]] Allows controlling foobar2000 through COM Automation
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Control Server (foo_controlserver)|Control Server (foo_controlserver)]] Acts as a server to control Foobar2000. Connect with a telnet client and control it using ASCII commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)|DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)]] Control foobar remotelly with DDE interprocess communication (interface in japanese only).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)|HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)]] It's TCP/IP server that listens on a specified port for incoming requests such as play, stop, etc.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)|Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)]] Control foobar2000 from a joystick/gamepad.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)|Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)]] Control Foobar2k from your PDA (PocketPC based).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)|Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)]] Adds support to Melloware Intelliremote software which claims to work with Creative remote control (Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, Extigy, Audigy ZS and Soundblaster X-Fi.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)|RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)]] Adds support of Creative X-Fi's remote (RM-1800).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)|RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)]] Yet another plugin for remote control. SHAREWARE.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)|Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)]] Create a personal title bar that shows the currently playing song on the top of the screen all the time. It supports custom-made skins.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)|WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)]] Control Foobar from a remote control.

===Tagging===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Custom Info (foo_custominfo)|Custom Info (foo_custominfo)]] Allows you to set info fields for files without modifying them.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Discogs (foo_discogs)|Discogs (foo_discogs)]] Retrieve info and album art from Discogs.com database.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)|Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)]] Freedb.org tagger.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)|Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)]] This plugin fix freedb2 problem - some native characters are broken. This masstagger addon can recovery its. ''Note: russian characters supported only.''
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)|Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)]] Live show tagger.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger (foo_masstag)|Masstagger (foo_masstag)]] Comes with official installer
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)|Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)]] Some addons for masstagger, including code page conversion and chinese conversion.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Quick Tagger (foo_quicktag)| Quick Tagger (foo_quicktag)]] Adds customizable context menu commands for quickly setting tag fields to preconfigured values
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)|Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)]] A replacement of the built-in file info box.

==Links==
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=42730&st=0 List of components] from earlier versions not yet ported to 0.9.x.

* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000 Go back to Main Page]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cover Flow (foo bubble coverflow)

2008-02-16T16:07:15Z

Topdownjimmy: New page: {{stub}} =Description= The plugin can work either as a UI panel or a standalone window (found in the view menu), and a fullscreen mode for both. I'll make it a UI element when the SDK fo...

{{stub}}

=Description=

The plugin can work either as a UI panel or a standalone window (found in the view menu), and a fullscreen mode for both. I'll make it a UI element when the SDK for it is available. For now it is only able to display art stored in external files, not embedded covers.

The plugin uses OpenGL for rendering, and if your hardware support it, Full Scene Antialiasing is used to eliminate jaggies.

You configure the cover source in the configuration panel (right click in the window for the configuration). The default is folder.jpg.

The cover flow display is a view of the active playlist, and works much like the itunes component. Acting on the active playlist affects the Cover flow and vice versa.

=Links=
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=60664 Discussion thread]
* [http://bubbleguuum.free.fr/foo_bubble_coverflow/reflections.JPG Screenshot]
* [http://bubbleguuum.free.fr/foo_bubble_coverflow/foo_bubble_coverflow.dll Download link]

Foobar2000:Components

2007-12-10T16:36:36Z

Topdownjimmy: /* General */ added foo_dirwatch to General components

{{fb2k}}
This page contains most Foobar2000 v0.9.x components available at time of [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Components_0.9&action=history last update].

==Interface==

===Default User Interface===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default user interface (foo_ui_std)|Default user interface (foo_ui_std)]]. Included in the standard installation package. Allows complex layout customization through [[#elementcomp|UI Elements]] components.

====UI Elements====
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Facets (foo_facets)|Facets (foo_facets)]] Flexible media library viewer based on linked lists.

===Columns UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)|Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)]] Very popular alternate interface for foobar2000 based on a columns and panel layout.

Columns UI introduced components with [[#panelcomp|panel]] capability which extend the user interface.

====Panel components====
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)|Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)]] Panel to display album art.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)|Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)]] Albumart mod to read matroska covers.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)|Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)]] Displays the database in a treeview using customizable sorting methods (by genre, artist, directory, etc.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)|Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)]] Help you remember positions in songs.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Console (foo_uie_console)|Console (foo_uie_console)]] Panel version of console. Displays diagnostic messages. Requires Columns UI 0.1.3 beta 1 or newer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)|Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)]] It allows you to create windows that host columns ui panels as floating windows that can be attached to the side of the main foobar2000 window or each other.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)|Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)]] Similar to the default spectrum analyser.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)|Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)]] Displays a treeview of selected disks/folders.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Grouped playlist panel (foo_uie_pvt)|Grouped playlist panel (foo_uie_pvt)]] Preview version of columns playlist with grouping.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)|Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)]] Display lyrics stored in file tags.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Music Browser (foo_browser)|Music Browser (foo_browser)]] Panels for Browsing Library, Similar to iTunes.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)|Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)]] Displays the playlist in a dropdown menu.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)|Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)]] Tree based media library with many available customizations.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Power Panels (foo_uie_powerpanels)|Power Panels (foo_uie_powerpanels)]] Seekbar and volume transparent version panels. Useful for theming.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)|Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)]] Search toolbar that sends results to a playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Single Column Playlist (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)|Single Column Playlist Viewer (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)]] Displays the playlist in a single column with "headers". Useful for creating a narrower and smaller layout.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)|Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)]] Tabs allows you to break Pauli's Exclusion principle by placing multiple panels in the same position at the same time.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)|Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)]] Uses TAGZ to display information about a selected track.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)|Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)]] Improved Track Info panel with the ability to use multiple fonts in the same panel. Also has the ability to display images.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Typefind (foo_typefind)|Typefind (foo_typefind)]] Provides some in-line search facilities.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)|WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)]] Windows script host panel.

===GFX===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)|GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)]] is a skinnable user interface, which doesn't only focus on looking good but tries to be as fast and "lightweight" as possible, too. It uses lua as scripting language. Two skins are included in the archive.

===Panels UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)|Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)]] gives the ability to manage multiple [[#panelcomp|panels]] through titleformating.

==DSP==
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)|4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)]] Effects for headphone users.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)|ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)]] Reproduces surround sound information present in many stereo audio material and more.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)|BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)]] Improves headphone listening of regular hi-fi stereo records.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)|Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)]] Voice cut filter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)|Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)]] Up/down mix to/from 1-6 channels.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Convolve (foo_convolve)|Convolve (foo_convolve)]] Takes impulse response and does a fast convolution of the sound data with that impulse response.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)|Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)]] Allows crossfading between tracks.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)|Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)]] Filters the music to help reduce fatigue caused by listening to music with headphones.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)|Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)]] Dolby Headphone engine DLL.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)|Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)]] Dolby Pro Logic II engine DLL (dll not included).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)|Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)]] Downmix [[AC3]], [[DTS]], etc. to stereo.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)|FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)]] It takes Dolby Surround / Pro Logic I/II encoded stereo music and decodes it into 5.1 sound.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)|Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)]] Skip silence at begin/end of tracks.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)|LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)]] Noise sharpening filter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)|OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)]] Audio enhancement. SHAREWARE.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)|Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)]] Inserts a configurable amount of silence after each track to help external devices like MiniDisc players to sync track changes.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)|Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)]] Mega Nerd's Secret Rabbit Code sample rate converter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)|Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)]] Detect and skip silence.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)|Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)]] Ajust pitch, tempo and rate.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)|SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)]] Sample rate converter.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)|Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)]] Take stereo audio and convolve each channel with two impulse responses.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)|Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)]] WYSIWYG Surround panning.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)|Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)]] Emulate tube sound.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)|VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)]] Dynamic compressor which amplifies the quiet parts of music.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)|VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)]] Adds support to Virtual Studio Technology audio interface.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)|Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)]] Allows the use of Winamp DSPs.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XOver (foo_dsp_xover)|XOver (foo_dsp_xover)]] Implements this digital crossover to achieve active multi-amplification.

==Input==
===Music codecs===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)|AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)]] Decodes Dolby Digital lossy audio compression technologies format ([[AC3]]).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)|AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)]] Needed for [[AC3]] in [[Matroska]].
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)|Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)]] Alternative [[WMA]] decoder with tagging support.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)|ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)]] Apple Lossless ([[ALAC]]) decoder (has known stability issues: random crashes during decoding).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DTS Decoder (foo_dts)|DTS Decoder (foo_dts)]] Decodes Digital Theater Systems ([[DTS]]) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)|Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)]] Decodes [[Matroska]] audio container format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)|MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)|Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)]] Adds decoding support for Monkey's Audio files (.[[APE]]) as well as APE Link files (.[[APL]]).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)|OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)]] Decodes both the Lossless ([[OptimFROG|OFR]]) and DualStream (OFS) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)|Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)]] Decodes Shorten ([[SHN]]) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)|SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)]] SPDIF passthrough for [[AC3]] and [[DTS]] files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)|TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)]] Decodes True Audio ([[TTA]]) audio format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)|WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)]].

===Other codecs===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)|ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)]] Plays GameCube ADPCM audio data and some. (DSP, ADP, GCM, HPS, STM, AST, etc.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)|Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)]] [http://asap.sourceforge.net/ ASAP] is a player/converter of Atari 8-bit music for modern computers. It provides high-quality, identical to the popular Atari800 emulator, emulation of the POKEY sound chip and the 6502 processor.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)|DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)]] Plays your favorite module files, and then some. (MOD, S3M, XM, IT, 669, PTM, PSM, MTM, UMX)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)|Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)]] Plays Westwood's audio (AUD), Sierra's sounds (SFX/AUD), Core design's cd audio (cdaudio.WAD), Funcom's music (ISS), Rome Total War's IDX (.IDX/DAT), Timegate's format (RWD), EA's Pathfinder audio (MUS) and Ben Gerard's music (SC68).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Emu Player (foo_gep)|Game Emu Player (foo_gep)]] Plays several emulation formats. (GBS, NSF, SPC, GYM, HES, VGM)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)|Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)]] Plays compressed Edlib (.d00, .d01) files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)|Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)]] Plays audio files found on the original Lunar: Eternal Blue CD (RP*.PCM).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/M1 Decoder (foo_m1)|M1 Decoder (foo_m1)]] Plays arcade/pinball game sound.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)|MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)]] MDX is a MIDI-like format that is designed to be played using the X68000's FM synthesizer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)|NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)]] NSF file is a sound data file containing instructions for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) sound hardware.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/PSF Decoder (foo_psf)|PSF Decoder (foo_psf)]] Plays PlayStation Sound Format (PSF) files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Reverse (foo_input_reverse)|Reverse (foo_input_reverse)]] Play music in reverse.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SID Player 2 (foo_sid)|SID Player 2 (foo_sid)]] Sound chip of Commodore's CBM-II, Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)|S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)]] Sound format for the NEC PC-98 microcomputer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/USF Decoder (foo_input_usf)|USF Decoder (foo_input_usf)]] Decodes sound data ripped directly from a Nintendo 64 video game.

==Output==
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)|ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)]] Adds ASIO output support.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)|Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)]] Allows bit-exact playback bypassing Windows kernel mixer.

==Visualisation==
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Peakmeter (foo uie peakmeter)|Peakmeter for Columns UI (foo_uie_peakmeter)]] Displays the level for each channel in dB.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
* [[#wmpvis|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP. ''Panel version only''.

==Other==
===General===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Alarm (foo_alarm)|Alarm (foo_alarm)]] Starts playback at the specified period of time.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)|Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)]] Performs binary comparison between two or more tracks and reports differences.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)|Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)]] Channel Usage Visualisation.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Common Services (foo_common)|Common Services (foo_common)]] Common services.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)|Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Converter (foo converter)|Converter (foo converter)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cwbowron's Title formating (foo_cwb_hooks)|Cwbowron's Title Format Hooks (foo_cwb_hooks)]] Adds various global titleformat functions/variables, tagger window, new file tagger, and more.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)|Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)]] Measures decoding speed of audio files.
* [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Directory_Monitor_(foo_dirwatch)|Directory Monitor (foo_dirwatch)]] Allows you to specify directories to monitor, and notifies the Media Library of any changes (additions, renames, deletions) that occur.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)|EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)]] Allow to save current playlist in the EXTM3U format.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)|Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)]] Watches for added or removed features.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/File Date (foo_filedate)|File Date (foo_filedate)]] Add to file tag date added, accessed, created or modified from context menu entries.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)|File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)]] Checks specified media files for decoding errors.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)|HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)]] Provides 19 media macros.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/iPod Manager (foo_dop)|iPod Manager (foo_dop)]] Experimental iPod plugin for foobar2000 0.9.2+, currently in alpha version.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)|Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)]] Control the LCD panel on a Logitech G15 keyboard.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)|Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)]] Adds a few shortcuts in menu.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Open URL (foo_openurl)|Open URL (foo_openurl)]] Adds a context menu item to open URLs from metadata fields in a web browser.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause On Lock (foo_lock)|Pause On Lock (foo_lock)]] Pauses/unpauses foobar2000 on workstation lock/unlock.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)|Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)]] Pause playing on workstation lock. Optimized for use with Windows XP/2003.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)|Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Preview (foo_preview)|Preview (foo_preview)]] Play only part of each track in the playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Replaygain Override (foo_rg_trn)|Replaygain Override (foo_rg_trn)]] Allows you to automatically switch between replaygain modes based on specified criteria (e.g. use track based RG for shuffle mode, etc.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run (foo_run)|Run (foo_run)]] Able you to run a external program with the foobar syntax.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run Commands (foo_runcmd)|Run Commands (foo_runcmd)]] Search and execute menu commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Scheduler (foo_scheduler)|Scheduler (foo_scheduler)]] Plugin for scheduling actions like play, stop, system shutdown/wake up and many more.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)|Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)]] Add "Send to Device" feature.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)|Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)]] Shell link resolver.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)|Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)]] Hides Foobar2000 from the taskbar, even when the window is normally visible.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Timebomb (foo_timebomb)|Timebomb (foo_timebomb)]] Stop playback / exit program after a specified time.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)|Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)|Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)]]
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)|Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)]] Designed to create a fake Winamp 1.x window which will act as a wrapper between applications written to use the Winamp API and foobar2000.

===Lyrics===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)|Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)]] Search for lyrics and displays it in external window.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)|LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)]] Search lyrics basing on song's artist title and sometimes album.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)|Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)]] Lyrics viewer for synchronizing and displaying lyrics of the currently playing song.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Sakura Script Lyrics (foo_sstp_lyrics)|Sakura Script Lyrics (foo_sstp_lyrics)]] Plays a SAKURA script lyrics to a SSP client.

===Notifier===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)|AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)]] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Listening To (foo_listeningto)|Listening To (foo_listeningto)]] Sends NowPlaying information to Miranda IM.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)|Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)]] Sends configurable information about the current playing song to Miranda-IM and shows popup windows with this info.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)|MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)]] Set currently playing song's album art as avatar.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)|MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)]] Show the current song as "Now Playing" in MSN and MS Live messenger.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display (foo_osd)|On-Screen Display (foo_osd)]] On screen display of track information and volume bar.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)|On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)]] Same as foo_osd but uses GDI+ for osd drawing.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)|Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)]] Display a moderately sized popup of song information when a new song plays.

===Online database===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)|Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)]] Audioscrobbler will send the name of every song you play on your computer to Last.fm. This effortlessly populates your profile to play radio you like and make personalized recommendations.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)|Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)]] Sends track information to the [http://www.foosic.org/ foosic online database]. You can currently view your top artist, album and track statistics with foosic. Now support FooID fingerprints.

===Online radio===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSLive (foo_input_mslive)|MSLive (foo_input_mslive)]] Support for [[MMS]] and [[RSTP]] broadcast radio protocols.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)|XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)]] Allow you to listen to XM Radio channels over the Internet by using XM Radio Online.

===Playlist tools===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)|Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)]] Generate a playlist from an artist's Last.fm chart. It also allows you to sort a selection in the playlist by the artist's charts.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)|Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)]] CD burning support (requires Nero to be installed on your system.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)|Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)]] Presents a Media Library query in a dynamically-generated playlist (under development).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bin Pack (foo_binpack)|Bin Pack (foo_binpack)]] Creates playlists from a list with a maximum length.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)|Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)]] Add /playlist-activate:"Name" to the foobar command line to activate the named playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)|Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)]] Cuesheet creator.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Database Search (foo_dbsearch)|Database Search (foo_dbsearch)]] Database search.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)|Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)]] Allows you to play your video clips from foobar playlist with default external player.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Delete Current (foo_deletecurrent)|Delete Current (foo_deletecurrent)]] Adds a menu item giving the possibility to delete from computer the current playing track.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)|Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)]] Highlights actual now playing item even when the playlist has been broken.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/History (foo_history)|History (foo_history)]] Very basic song history.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)|Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)]] Skips tracks that are marked via a tag as inactive.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MeowDB (foo_meowdb)|MeowDB (foo_meowdb)]] Takes the Media Library and outputs the results to a form and uploads it to your server using the cURL library.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Navigator (foo_navigator)|Navigator (foo_navigator)]] Advanced history component.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)|Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)]] Simple now playing plugin to output formatted string to plain text file.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)|Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)]] ''(Obsolete)'' Keeps track of the amount of times, the last time, and the first time a track has been played.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)|Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)]] Unofficial playcount modded to supress the update tag popups.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)|Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)]] Playback queue viewer.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics (foo playcount)|Playback Statistics (foo playcount)]] Collects playback statistics for your Media Library content.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)|Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)]] Stores playback statistics in tags like foo_playcount_mod, with claimed faster response, and uses foo_custominfo db if file is unavailable for writing.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)|Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)]] Stores playback statistics in foo_custominfo database, rather than tags or foobar2000.cfg. This component has now been integrated into foo_playback_custom. Please use that component instead.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)|Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)]] Synchronize playlist with contents of specific directory.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)|Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)]] All playlists are cleared at startup.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)|Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)]] Playlist manager.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)|Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)]] Appends automatically playlist info ("items / length") to all playlist names.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools (foo_utils)|Playlist Tools (foo_utils)]] Provides various general commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)|Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)]] Provides various general commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue. ''Non-ColumnUI obsolete version, try panel version instead.''
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)|Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)]] Randomized playlist entry.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Rating (foo_rating)|Rating (foo_rating)]] Display an icon in the systray with a tooltip popup from which you can choose a rating between 1 and 5 for the currently playing file.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remove From Queue (foo_removefromqueue)|Remove From Queue (foo_removefromqueue)]] Allows one to remove items from the playback queue with context menu/shortcut key.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)|Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)]] It removes tracks from the playlist once they've been played.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)|Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)]] Displays a context menu that lets you quickly find songs based on their album title or artists name.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Position (foo_trackpos)|Track Position (foo_trackpos)]] Provides a new context menu item "place after current playing", that allows you to place any tracks after the current playing one in the playing playlist.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XSPF (foo_xspf)|XSPF (foo_xspf)]] Adds XSPF support. XSPF is an open, XML based playlist format.

===Remote control===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)|Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)]] Control all the playback functions from icons in the Taskbar Notification Area (play, pause, next, previous, open)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Appcommand (foo_appcommand)|Appcommand (foo_appcommand)]] Adds the ability to assign multimedia keyboard buttons that sends APPCOMMAND (for example some HP keyboards) as (global) keyboard hotkeys.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)|Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)]] Control your favourite music player using your favourite Symbian-based bluetooth enabled phone.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)|COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)]] Allows controlling foobar2000 through COM Automation
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Control Server (foo_controlserver)|Control Server (foo_controlserver)]] Acts as a server to control Foobar2000. Connect with a telnet client and control it using ASCII commands.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)|DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)]] Control foobar remotelly with DDE interprocess communication (interface in japanese only).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)|HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)]] It's TCP/IP server that listens on a specified port for incoming requests such as play, stop, etc.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)|Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)]] Control foobar2000 from a joystick/gamepad.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)|Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)]] Control Foobar2k from your PDA (PocketPC based).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)|Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)]] Adds support to Melloware Intelliremote software which claims to work with Creative remote control (Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, Extigy, Audigy ZS and Soundblaster X-Fi.)
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)|RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)]] Adds support of Creative X-Fi's remote (RM-1800).
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)|RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)]] Yet another plugin for remote control. SHAREWARE.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)|Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)]] Create a personal title bar that shows the currently playing song on the top of the screen all the time. It supports custom-made skins.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)|WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)]] Control Foobar from a remote control.

===Tagging===
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Custom Info (foo_custominfo)|Custom Info (foo_custominfo)]] Allows you to set info fields for files without modifying them.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Discogs (foo_discogs)|Discogs (foo_discogs)]] Retrieve info and album art from Discogs.com database.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)|Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)]] Freedb.org tagger.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)|Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)]] This plugin fix freedb2 problem - some native characters are broken. This masstagger addon can recovery its. ''Note: russian characters supported only.''
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)|Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)]] Live show tagger.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger (foo_masstag)|Masstagger (foo_masstag)]] Comes with official installer
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)|Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)]] Some addons for masstagger, including code page conversion and chinese conversion.
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Quick Tagger (foo_quicktag)| Quick Tagger (foo_quicktag)]] Adds customizable context menu commands for quickly setting tag fields to preconfigured values
* [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)|Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)]] A replacement of the built-in file info box.

==Links==
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=42730&st=0 List of components] from earlier versions not yet ported to 0.9.x.

* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000 Go back to Main Page]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playcounter for foo custominfo (foo custom pc)

2007-06-26T16:18:41Z

Topdownjimmy: New page: {{stub}} =Description= This plugin stores playback statistics (playcounter, firstplayed and lastplayed) with not tag but foo_custominfo database . For settings, look "Preferences - Tools...

{{stub}}

=Description=

This plugin stores playback statistics (playcounter, firstplayed and lastplayed) with not tag but foo_custominfo database .
For settings, look "Preferences - Tools - Playcounter for foo_custominfo".

=Link=
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 Discussion thread]
* [http://kitahei.cocolog-nifty.com/youyou/2007/04/foo_custominfo__6ab8.html Download Site]

Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo playback custom)

2007-06-26T16:18:38Z

Topdownjimmy: New page: {{stub}} =Description= This plugin stores playback statistics (playcounter, firstplayed and lastplayed) with tag likes foo_playcount_mod and faster response than it. And if could not wri...

{{stub}}

=Description=

This plugin stores playback statistics (playcounter, firstplayed and lastplayed) with tag likes foo_playcount_mod and faster response than it.
And if could not write tag, also can write playback statistics with foo_custominfo database.
For settings, look "Preferences - Tools - Playback Statistics Custom".

=Link=
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=55746 Discussion thread]
* [http://kitahei.cocolog-nifty.com/youyou/2007/04/foo_custominfo__6ab8.html Download Site]

Foobar2000:Components

2007-06-26T16:18:36Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Playlist tools */ added new playcounter mods

{{fb2k}}
This page contains most Foobar2000 v0.9.x components available at time of [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Components_0.9&action=history last update].

==Interface==
===Column UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)|Columns UI (foo_ui_columns)]] Very popular alternate interface for foobar2000 based on a columns and panel layout.

Columns UI supports plugins with [[#panelcomp|panel]] capability which extend the user interface.

===GFX===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)|GFX window (foo_ui_gfx)]] is a skinnable user interface, which doesn't only focus on looking good but tries to be as fast and "lightweight" as possible, too. It uses lua as scripting language. Two skins are included in the archive.

===Panels UI===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)|Panels UI (foo_ui_panels)]] gives the ability to manage multiple [[#panelcomp|panels]] through titleformating.

===Standard===
[[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default user interface (foo_ui_std)|Default user interface (foo_ui_std)]]. Included in the standard installation package.

===Panel type components===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)|Album Art Panel (foo_uie_albumart)]] Panel to display album art.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)|Album Art Panel for matroska (foo_uie_albumart_mka)]] Albumart mod to read matroska covers.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)|Album List Panel (foo_uie_albumlist)]] Displays the database in a treeview using customizable sorting methods (by genre, artist, directory, etc.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)|Bookmarks (foo_uie_bookmarks)]] Help you remember positions in songs.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Console (foo_uie_console)|Console (foo_uie_console)]] Panel version of console. Displays diagnostic messages. Requires Columns UI 0.1.3 beta 1 or newer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)|Dockable Panels (foo_dockable_panels)]] It allows you to create windows that host columns ui panels as floating windows that can be attached to the side of the main foobar2000 window or each other.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)|Egoh Spectrum Analyser (foo_uie_vis_egoh)]] Similar to the default spectrum analyser.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)|Explorer Panel (foo_uie_explorer)]] Displays a treeview of selected disks/folders.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)|Lyrics Panel (foo_uie_lyrics_panel)]] Display lyrics stored in file tags.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Music Browser (foo_browser)|Music Browser (foo_browser)]] Panels for Browsing Library, Similar to iTunes.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)|Playlist Dropdown (foo_uie_playlists_dropdown)]] Displays the playlist in a dropdown menu.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)|Playlist Tree (foo_playlist_tree)]] Tree based media library with many available customizations.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation Panel (foo_uie_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_uie_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)|Quicksearch Panel (foo_uie_quicksearch)]] Search toolbar that sends results to a playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components_0.9/Single Column Playlist (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)|Single Column Playlist Viewer (foo_uie_single_column_playlist)]] Displays the playlist in a single column with "headers". Useful for creating a narrower and smaller layout.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)|Tabs (foo_uie_tabs)]] Tabs allows you to break Pauli's Exclusion principle by placing multiple panels in the same position at the same time.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)|Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo)]] Uses TAGZ to display information about a selected track.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)|Track Info Panel Mod (foo_uie_trackinfo_mod)]] Improved Track Info panel with the ability to use multiple fonts in the same panel. Also has the ability to display images.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)|WSH panel (foo_uie_wsh_panel)]] Windows script host panel.

==DSP==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)|4Front Headphones (foo_dsp_headphones9)]] Effects for headphone users.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)|ATSurround Processor (foo_dsp_atsurround)]] Reproduces surround sound information present in many stereo audio material and more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)|BS2D (foo_dsp_bs2p)]] Improves headphone listening of regular hi-fi stereo records.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)|Voice Cut Filter (foo_dsp_centercut)]] Voice cut filter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)|Channel Mixer (foo_channel_mixer)]] Up/down mix to/from 1-6 channels.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Convolve (foo_convolve)|Convolve (foo_convolve)]] Takes impulse response and does a fast convolution of the sound data with that impulse response.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)|Crossfader (foo_dsp_crossfader)]] Allows crossfading between tracks.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)|Crossfeed (foo_dsp_crossfeed)]] Filters the music to help reduce fatigue caused by listening to music with headphones.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)|Dolby Headphone Wrapper (foo_dsp_dolbyhp)]] Dolby Headphone engine DLL.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)|Dolby Pro Logic II wrapper (foo_dsp_pl2)]] Dolby Pro Logic II engine DLL (dll not included).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)|Downmix (foo_dsp_downmix)]] Downmix [[AC3]], [[DTS]], etc. to stereo.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)|FreeSurround (foo_dsp_fsurround)]] It takes Dolby Surround / Pro Logic I/II encoded stereo music and decodes it into 5.1 sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)|Gapless playback (foo_dsp_gapless)]] Skip silence at begin/end of tracks.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)|LPCM - Delta-PCM Converter (foo_dsp_delta)]] Noise sharpening filter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)|OSS/3D (foo_dsp_oss3ddsp)]] Audio enhancement. SHAREWARE.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)|Post-track Silence (foo_dsp_silence)]] Inserts a configurable amount of silence after each track to help external devices like MiniDisc players to sync track changes.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)|Secret Rabit Code Resampler (foo_dsp_src9)]] Mega Nerd's Secret Rabbit Code sample rate converter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)|Skip Silence (foo_dsp_skip_silence)]] Detect and skip silence.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)|Soundtouch (foo_dsp_soundtouch)]] Ajust pitch, tempo and rate.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)|SSRC (foo_dsp_ssrc)]] Sample rate converter.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)|Stereo Convolver (foo_dsp_stereoconv)]] Take stereo audio and convolve each channel with two impulse responses.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)|Surround Pan (foo_dsp_span)]] WYSIWYG Surround panning.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)|Tube Sound (foo_dsp_tube)]] Emulate tube sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)|VLevel (foo_dsp_vlevel)]] Dynamic compressor which amplifies the quiet parts of music.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)|VST Host (foo_dsp_vst)]] Adds support to Virtual Studio Technology audio interface.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)|Winamp DSP Bridge (foo_dsp_winamp)]] Allows the use of Winamp DSPs.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XOver (foo_dsp_xover)|XOver (foo_dsp_xover)]] Implements this digital crossover to achieve active multi-amplification.

==Input==
===Music codecs===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)|AC3 Decoder (foo_ac3)]] Decodes Dolby Digital lossy audio compression technologies format ([[AC3]]).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)|AC3 Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_ac3)]] Needed for [[AC3]] in [[Matroska]].
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)|Acropolis's WMA decoder (foo_input_awma)]] Alternative [[WMA]] decoder with tagging support.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)|ALAC Decoder (foo_input_alac)]] Apple Lossless ([[ALAC]]) decoder (has known stability issues: random crashes during decoding).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DTS Decoder (foo_dts)|DTS Decoder (foo_dts)]] Decodes Digital Theater Systems ([[DTS]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)|Matroska Plugin (foo_input_matroska)]] Decodes [[Matroska]] audio container format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)|MIDI Synthesizer Host (foo_midi)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)|Monkey's Audio Decoder (foo_input_monkey)]] Adds decoding support for Monkey's Audio files (.[[APE]]) as well as APE Link files (.[[APL]]).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)|OptimFROG Lossless Audio Decoder (foo_input_ofr)]] Decodes both the Lossless ([[OptimFROG|OFR]]) and DualStream (OFS) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)|Shorten Decoder (foo_input_shorten)]] Decodes Shorten ([[SHN]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)|SPDIF Passthrough (foo_spdif)]] SPDIF passthrough for [[AC3]] and [[DTS]] files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)|TTA Audio Decoder (unofficial) (foo_input_tta)]] Decodes True Audio ([[TTA]]) audio format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)|WavPack Packet Decoder (foo_packet_decoder_wavpack)]].

===Other codecs===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)|ADPCM Decoder (foo_adpcm)]] Plays GameCube ADPCM audio data and some. (DSP, ADP, GCM, HPS, STM, AST, etc.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)|Another Slight Atari Player (foo_asap)]] [http://asap.sourceforge.net/ ASAP] is a player/converter of Atari 8-bit music for modern computers. It provides high-quality, identical to the popular Atari800 emulator, emulation of the POKEY sound chip and the 6502 processor.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)|DUMB Module Decoder (foo_dumb)]] Plays your favorite module files, and then some. (MOD, S3M, XM, IT, 669, PTM, PSM, MTM, UMX)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)|Game Audio Decoder (foo_game)]] Plays Westwood's audio (AUD), Sierra's sounds (SFX/AUD), Core design's cd audio (cdaudio.WAD), Funcom's music (ISS), Rome Total War's IDX (.IDX/DAT), Timegate's format (RWD), EA's Pathfinder audio (MUS) and Ben Gerard's music (SC68).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Game Emu Player (foo_gep)|Game Emu Player (foo_gep)]] Plays several emulation formats. (GBS, NSF, SPC, GYM, HES, VGM)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)|Ganbatte! (foo_ganbatte)]] Plays compressed Edlib (.d00, .d01) files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)|Lunar 2 PCM Decoder (foo_lunar2)]] Plays audio files found on the original Lunar: Eternal Blue CD (RP*.PCM).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/M1 Decoder (foo_m1)|M1 Decoder (foo_m1)]] Plays arcade/pinball game sound.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)|MDX Decoder (foo_input_mdx)]] MDX is a MIDI-like format that is designed to be played using the X68000's FM synthesizer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)|NSF Decoder (foo_input_nsf)]] NSF file is a sound data file containing instructions for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) sound hardware.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/PSF Decoder (foo_psf)|PSF Decoder (foo_psf)]] Plays PlayStation Sound Format (PSF) files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Reverse (foo_input_reverse)|Reverse (foo_input_reverse)]] Play music in reverse.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/SID Player 2 (foo_sid)|SID Player 2 (foo_sid)]] Sound chip of Commodore's CBM-II, Commodore 64 and Commodore 128 home computers.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)|S98 Decoder (foo_input_s98)]] Sound format for the NEC PC-98 microcomputer.

==Output==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)|ASIO Output (foo_out_asio)]] Adds ASIO output support.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)|Kernel Streaming Output (foo_out_ks)]] Allows bit-exact playback bypassing Windows kernel mixer.

==Visualisation==
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)|ProjectM Visualisation (foo_vis_projectM)]] Based on the ProjectM project, which is a reimplementation of Milkdrop under OpenGL.
# [[#wmpvis|WmpVis (foo_uie_wmpvis)]] Uses the visualizations from WMP. ''Panel version only''.

==Other==
===General===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Alarm (foo_alarm)|Alarm (foo_alarm)]] Starts playback at the specified period of time.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)|Binary Comparator (foo_bitcompare)]] Performs binary comparison between two or more tracks and reports differences.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)|Channel Usage Visualisation (foo_vis_channelusage)]] Channel Usage Visualisation.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Common Services (foo_common)|Common Services (foo_common)]] Common services.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)|Component Versions Viewer (foo_version)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cwbowron's Title formating (foo_cwb_hooks)|Cwbowron's Title Format Hooks (foo_cwb_hooks)]] Adds various global titleformat functions/variables, tagger window, new file tagger, and more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)|Decoding Speed Test (foo_benchmark)]] Measures decoding speed of audio files.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)|EXTM3U Playlist Creater (foo_extm3u)]] Allow to save current playlist in the EXTM3U format.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)|Feature Watcher (foo_whatsnew)]] Watches for added or removed features.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)|File Integrity Verifier (foo_verifier)]] Checks specified media files for decoding errors.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)|HyperIM (foo_2hyperim)]] Provides 19 media macros.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/iPod Manager (foo_dop)|iPod Manager (foo_dop)]] Experimental iPod plugin for foobar2000 0.9.2+, currently in alpha version.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)|Logitech G15 LCD Display (foo_g15lcd)]] Control the LCD panel on a Logitech G15 keyboard.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)|Menu Addons (foo_menu_addons)]] Adds a few shortcuts in menu.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause On Lock (foo_lock)|Pause On Lock (foo_lock)]] Pauses/unpauses foobar2000 on workstation lock/unlock.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)|Pause on Lock (extended) (foo_lock_ex)]] Pause playing on workstation lock. Optimized for use with Windows XP/2003.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)|Playlist Lock Test (foo_locktest)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Preview (foo_preview)|Preview (foo_preview)]] Play only part of each track in the playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run (foo_run)|Run (foo_run)]] Able you to run a external program with the foobar syntax.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Run Commands (foo_runcmd)|Run Commands (foo_runcmd)]] Search and execute menu commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Scheduler (foo_scheduler)|Scheduler (foo_scheduler)]] Plugin for scheduling actions like play, stop, system shutdown/wake up and many more.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)|Send To Device (foo_sendtodevice)]] Add "Send to Device" feature.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)|Shell Link Resolver (foo_lnk)]] Shell link resolver.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)|Taskbar Remover (foo_notaskbar)]] Hides Foobar2000 from the taskbar, even when the window is normally visible.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)|Unpacker for JMA archive (foo_unpack_jma)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)|Unpacker for LHA archive (foo_unpack_lha)]]
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)|Winamp API Emulator (foo_winamp_spam)]] Designed to create a fake Winamp 1.x window which will act as a wrapper between applications written to use the Winamp API and foobar2000.

===Lyrics===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)|Gasazip Lyrics (foo_gasazip)]] Search for lyrics and displays it in external window.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)|LyricsDB (foo_lyricsdb)]] Search lyrics basing on song's artist title and sometimes album.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)|Mini Lyrics (foo_ui_minilyrics)]] Lyrics viewer for synchronizing and displaying lyrics of the currently playing song.

===Notifier===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)|AMIP Wrapper (foo_amipwrapper)]] Complete now-playing plug-in for mIRC, PIRCH, Klient, Bersirc, other IRC and Mail clients, supporting full player control from mIRC, playlist search, clipboard integration, HTTP, dynamic image signatures, etc.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)|Miranda IM Notifier (foo_mim_notify)]] Sends configurable information about the current playing song to Miranda-IM and shows popup windows with this info.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)|MSN avatar changer (foo_uie_albumart_msn)]] Set currently playing song's album art as avatar.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)|MSN Now Playing (alt) (foo_msnalt)]] Show the current song as "Now Playing" in MSN and MS Live messenger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display (foo_osd)|On-Screen Display (foo_osd)]] On screen display of track information and volume bar.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)|On-Screen Display GDI (foo_osd_gdiplus)]] Same as foo_osd but uses GDI+ for osd drawing.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)|Pretty Popup (foo_prettypop)]] Display a moderately sized popup of song information when a new song plays.

===Online database===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)|Audioscrobbler (foo_audioscrobbler)]] Audioscrobbler will send the name of every song you play on your computer to Last.fm. This effortlessly populates your profile to play radio you like and make personalized recommendations.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)|Foosic Music Database (foo_sic)]] Sends track information to the [http://www.foosic.org/ foosic online database]. You can currently view your top artist, album and track statistics with foosic. Now support FooID fingerprints.

===Online radio===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MSLive (foo_input_mslive)|MSLive (foo_input_mslive)]] Support for [[MMS]] and [[RSTP]] broadcast radio protocols.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)|XM Radio Online Player (foo_xm)]] Allow you to listen to XM Radio channels over the Internet by using XM Radio Online.

===Playlist tools===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)|Audioscrobble Charts (foo_scrobblecharts)]] Generate a playlist from an artist's Last.fm chart. It also allows you to sort a selection in the playlist by the artist's charts.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)|Audio CD Writer (foo_burninate)]] CD burning support (requires Nero to be installed on your system.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)|Autoplaylist Manager (foo_autoplaylist)]] Presents a Media Library query in a dynamically-generated playlist (under development).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bin Pack (foo_binpack)|Bin Pack (foo_binpack)]] Creates playlists from a list with a maximum length.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)|Command Playlist (foo_cmd_playlist)]] Add /playlist-activate:"Name" to the foobar command line to activate the named playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)|Cuesheet Creator (foo_cuesheet_creator)]] Cuesheet creator.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Database Search (foo_dbsearch)|Database Search (foo_dbsearch)]] Database search.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)|Default Video Player (foo_default_videoplayer)]] Allows you to play your video clips from foobar playlist with default external player.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)|Highlight Playing (foo_highlightplaying)]] Highlights actual now playing item even when the playlist has been broken.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/History (foo_history)|History (foo_history)]] Very basic song history.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)|Inactive Tracks (foo_skip)]] Skips tracks that are marked via a tag as inactive.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/MeowDB (foo_meowdb)|MeowDB (foo_meowdb)]] Takes the Media Library and outputs the results to a form and uploads it to your server using the cURL library.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Navigator (foo_navigator)|Navigator (foo_navigator)]] Advanced history component.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)|Now Playing Simple (foo_np_simple)]] Simple now playing plugin to output formatted string to plain text file.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count (official) (foo_playcount)|Play Count (official) (foo_playcount)]] Collects statistics about tracks from your Media Library being played; can store in file tags or in foobar2000 config file.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)|Play Count (unofficial) (foo_playcount)]] ''(Obsolete)'' Keeps track of the amount of times, the last time, and the first time a track has been played.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)|Play Count Mod (foo_playcount_mod)]] Unofficial playcount modded to supress the update tag popups.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)|Playback Queue Viewer (foo_pqview)]] Playback queue viewer.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)|Playback Statistics Custom (foo_playback_custom)]] Stores playback statistics in tags like foo_playcount_mod, with claimed faster response, and uses foo_custominfo db if file is unavailable for writing.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)|Playcounter for foo_custominfo (foo_custom_pc)]] Stores playback statistics in foo_custominfo database, rather than tags or foobar2000.cfg.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)|Playlist Bind (foo_playlist_bind)]] Synchronize playlist with contents of specific directory.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)|Playlist Clear (foo_playlistclear)]] All playlists are cleared at startup.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)|Playlist Manager (foo_playlist_manager)]] Playlist manager.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)|Playlist Name Enhenced (foo_playlist_name_enhanced)]] Appends automatically playlist info ("items / length") to all playlist names.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools (foo_utils)|Playlist Tools (foo_utils)]] Provides various general commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)|Playlist Tools for Matroska (foo_utils_mka)]] Provides various general commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)|Queue Manager (foo_queuemanager)]] It provides a window that shows the queue's contents and allows you to delete parts of them or clear the whole queue. ''Non-ColumnUI obsolete version, try panel version instead.''
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)|Randomized Playlist Entry (foo_random)]] Randomized playlist entry.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Rating (foo_rating)|Rating (foo_rating)]] Display an icon in the systray with a tooltip popup from which you can choose a rating between 1 and 5 for the currently playing file.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)|Remove Played (foo_removeplayed)]] It removes tracks from the playlist once they've been played.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)|Track Finder (foo_trackfinder)]] Displays a context menu that lets you quickly find songs based on their album title or artists name.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Track Position (foo_trackpos)|Track Position (foo_trackpos)]] Provides a new context menu item "place after current playing", that allows you to place any tracks after the current playing one in the playing playlist.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/XSPF (foo_xspf)|XSPF (foo_xspf)]] Adds XSPF support. XSPF is an open, XML based playlist format.

===Remote control===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)|Advanced Controls (foo_advancedcontrols)]] Control all the playback functions from icons in the Taskbar Notification Area (play, pause, next, previous, open)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)|Bluetooth Control (foo_bluetooth_ctrl)]] Control your favourite music player using your favourite Symbian-based bluetooth enabled phone.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)|COM Automation Server (foo_comserver2)]] Allows controlling foobar2000 through COM Automation
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Control Server (foo_controlserver)|Control Server (foo_controlserver)]] Acts as a server to control Foobar2000. Connect with a telnet client and control it using ASCII commands.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)|DDE Control (foo_ddecontrol)]] Control foobar remotelly with DDE interprocess communication (interface in japanese only).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Server(foo_httpserver)|HTTP Server(foo_httpserver)]] Foobar HTTP Server Remote Control.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)|HTTP Writer (foo_write_http)]] It's TCP/IP server that listens on a specified port for incoming requests such as play, stop, etc.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)|Joystick Control (foo_joystick_control)]] Control foobar2000 from a joystick/gamepad.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)|Minibar2k (foo_Minibar2k)]] Control Foobar2k from your PDA (PocketPC based).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)|Remote Control (foo_remotecontrol)]] Adds support to Melloware Intelliremote software which claims to work with Creative remote control (Soundblaster Live!, Audigy, Extigy, Audigy ZS and Soundblaster X-Fi.)
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)|RM-1800 (foo_mr1800)]] Adds support of Creative X-Fi's remote (RM-1800).
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)|RM-X Media Edition (foo_rmx)]] Yet another plugin for remote control. SHAREWARE.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)|Titlebar (foo_managedWrapper)]] Create a personal title bar that shows the currently playing song on the top of the screen all the time. It supports custom-made skins.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)|WinLIRC Client (foo_lirc)]] Control Foobar from a remote control.

===Tagging===
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Custom Info (foo_custominfo)|Custom Info (foo_custominfo)]] Allows you to set info fields for files without modifying them.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Discogs (foo_discogs)|Discogs (foo_discogs)]] Retrieve info and album art from Discogs.com database.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)|Freedb Tagger (foo_freedb2)]] Freedb.org tagger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)|Freedb2 Characters Fixer (foo_freedb2_fix)]] This plugin fix freedb2 problem - some native characters are broken. This masstagger addon can recovery its. ''Note: russian characters supported only.''
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)|Live Show Tagger (foo_tradersfriend)]] Live show tagger.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger (foo_masstag)|Masstagger (foo_masstag)]] Comes with official installer
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)|Masstagger Addons (foo_masstag_addons)]] Some addons for masstagger, including code page conversion and chinese conversion.
# [[Foobar2000:Components 0.9/Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)|Special File Info Box (foo_infobox)]] A replacement of the built-in file info box.

==Links==
* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=42730&st=0 List of components] from earlier versions not yet ported to 0.9.x.

* [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000 Go back to Main Page]

Foobar2000:Components/Playback Statistics (foo playcount)

2007-06-22T13:44:38Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Link */ Changed URL of discussion thread -- previously linked to ancient unofficial playcount thread

=Description=
*Collects statistics about tracks from your Media Library being played.
*Statistics can be displayed using '''%last_played%''' and '''%play_count%''', or using a [[Foobar2000:Commandline_Guide#Context_Menu_Items|context menu command]].

=See also=
* [[Foobar2000:Encouraged_Tag_Standards#FIRST_PLAYED_and_LAST_PLAYED|Additional information about standardization]].
* [[Foobar2000:Tips_%26_Tricks#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields|How to standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields]].

=Link=
* [http://www.foobar2000.com/components/index.html Official Website]
* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=46582 Discussion thread]
* [http://www.foobar2000.com/components/foo_playcount.zip Download link]

[[Category:foobar2000 Other Components|Playcount (official)]]

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-06-15T11:21:10Z

Topdownjimmy: /* External Guides */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, [[gapless]] playback, extensive plug-ins support and more.

= Support =

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-Zip archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

= User Interface =

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_std. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.
For more information go to the [[foobar2000:Interface|Interface]] page.

= User Guides =

== General Guides ==
* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Intermediate User Guide|Intermediate User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Advanced User Guide|Advanced User Guide]]

== Specific Guides ==
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Introduction|Introduction to titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Reference|Reference of fields and functions for titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz (Simple Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagscript|Tagscript (Script-like Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|Masstagger]]

== External Guides ==
* [http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/foobar/ TechSpot's "complete guide to Foobar 2000"]
* [http://foobar2000.net/ Guruboolez's French-language guide]
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar/ Bachi-Bouzouk's guide]
* [http://shsc.info/foobar2000#titelanker2 SH/SC New user guide]

=Other pages at the foobar2000 section =

* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]
* [[foobar2000:components|foobar2000 Components]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]

= Important Links =

== Official Site ==

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

== Community ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

== Appearance ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

= Thanks =

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:0.9 Bugs and Suggestions

2005-05-24T03:53:03Z

Topdownjimmy:

'''Rules'''

* Be sure to read through all previously acknowledged and suggested items before posting
* Categorize bugs and suggestions as best as possible by the features they relate to
* Be explicit (to help avoid redundancy) yet succinct

= Acknowledged Bugs =

== Will be addressed ==

== Won't be addressed (not a bug) ==

----

= Acknowledged Suggestions =

== Will be addressed ==

== Won't be addressed ==

----

= Submitted Bugs =

= Submitted Suggestions =

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-05-24T03:22:57Z

Topdownjimmy: /* External Guides and Manuals */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, [[gapless]] playback, extensive plug-ins support and more.

= Support =

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-Zip archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

= User Interface =

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_std. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.
For more information go to the [[foobar2000:Interface|Interface]] page.

= User Guides =

== General Guides ==
* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Intermediate User Guide|Intermediate User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Advanced User Guide|Advanced User Guide]]

== Specific Guides ==
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Introduction|Introduction to titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Titleformat Reference|Reference of fields and functions for titleformat scripts]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz (Simple Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagscript|Tagscript (Script-like Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|Masstagger]]

== External Guides ==
* [http://foobar2000.net/ Guruboolez's French-language guide]
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar/ Bachi-Bouzouk's guide]
* [http://shsc.info/foobar2000#titelanker2 SH/SC New user guide]

=Other pages at the foobar2000 section =

* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]
* [[foobar2000:components|foobar2000 Components]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]

= Important Links =

== Official Site ==

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

== Community ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

== Appearance ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

= Thanks =

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-05-21T23:44:11Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Other Guides and Manuals */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, [[gapless]] playback, extensive plug-ins support and more.

= Support =

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-Zip archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

= User Interface =

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_std. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.
For more information go to the [[foobar2000:Interface|Interface]] page.

= User Guides =

== General Guides ==
* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Intermediate User Guide|Intermediate User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Advanced User Guide|Advanced User Guide]]

== Specific Guides ==
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz (Simple Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagscript|Tagscript (Script-like Syntax)]]
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|Masstagger]]

== External Guides and Manuals ==
* [http://foobar2000.net/ Guruboolez's French-language guide]
* [http://eolindel.free.fr/foobar/index2.html Bachi-Bouzouk's guide]

=Other pages at the foobar2000 section =

* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]
* [[foobar2000:components|foobar2000 Components]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]

= Important Links =

== Official Site ==

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

== Community ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

== Appearance ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

= Thanks =

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-05-15T18:02:02Z

Topdownjimmy: /* User Guides */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, [[gapless]] playback, extensive plug-ins support and more.

= Support =

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-Zip archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

= User Interface =

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_std. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.
For more information go to the [[foobar2000:Interface|Interface]] page.

= User Guides =

* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Intermediate User Guide|Intermediate User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Advanced User Guide|Advanced User Guide]]

* [[foobar2000:Preferences|The Preferences Dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|TAGZ]]
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|Masstagger]]

* [http://foobar2000.net/ French-language guide; external]

=Other pages at the foobar2000 section =

* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]
* [[foobar2000:components|foobar2000 Components]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]

= Important Links =

== Official Site ==

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

== Community ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

== Appearance ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

= Thanks =

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-05-15T17:57:17Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Other pages at the foobar2000 section */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, [[gapless]] playback, extensive plug-ins support and more.

= Support =

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-Zip archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

= User Interface =

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_std. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.
For more information go to the [[foobar2000:Interface|Interface]] page.

= User Guides =

* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Novice User Guide|Novice User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Advanced User Guide|Advanced User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Illustrated guide to the preferences dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz Tutorial]]
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|picmixer's unofficial masstager guide]]
* [http://foobar2000.net/ French-language guide; external]

=Other pages at the foobar2000 section =

* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|foobar2000 Tips & Tricks]]
* [[foobar2000:components|foobar2000 Components]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]

= Important Links =

== Official Site ==

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

== Community ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

== Appearance ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

= Thanks =

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-05-15T17:56:26Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Other pages at the foobar2000 section */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, [[gapless]] playback, extensive plug-ins support and more.

= Support =

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:
* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-Zip archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

foobar2000 has been coded exclusively for the Windows platform with an English interface. The author does not intend to provide alternate language versions nor alternate platform versions. However, several people have had success running foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using [http://www.winehq.org/ Wine], although the Columns UI plugin is known to be problematic.

= User Interface =

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_std. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.
For more information go to the [[foobar2000:Interface|Interface]] page.

= User Guides =

* [[foobar2000:Newbie User Guide|Newbie User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Novice User Guide|Novice User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Advanced User Guide|Advanced User Guide]]
* [[foobar2000:Preferences|Illustrated guide to the preferences dialog]]
* [[foobar2000:Tagz|Tagz Tutorial]]
* [[foobar2000:Masstaggers User Guide|picmixer's unofficial masstager guide]]
* [http://foobar2000.net/ French-language guide; external]

=Other pages at the foobar2000 section =

* [[foobar2000:Tips & Tricks|Tips & Tricks for foobar2000]]
* Find components for foobar2000 at the [[foobar2000:components|components page]]
* [[foobar2000:FAQ|foobar2000 FAQ]]
* [[foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards|foobar2000 Encouraged Tag Standards]]

= Important Links =

== Official Site ==

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

== Community ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

== Appearance ==

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

= Thanks =

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-05-15T17:47:51Z

Topdownjimmy: /* PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME */ broken link

== General Tag Construction ==

* Avoid the use of underscores. Spaces are easier to type, more legible, and as easily useable in Tagz. Spaces are also preferable to no spaces.
* Use an easily understood English field name.
* Prefix album-related information with "ALBUM ", ie. "ALBUM ARTIST", "ALBUM SUBTITLE".
* Avoid use of non-alphabetical characters. For serial fields (for a bad example, FIELD1, FIELD2, etc.), merely enter them in the order that you wish them to be read in.

== Overview of Current Recommendations ==

FIELD NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': These two tags use underscores instead of spaces - reason for this was to make it consistent with the already existing PLAY_COUNTER-tag. Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Tips_%26_Tricks#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Encouraged_Tag_Standards#FIRST_PLAYED_and_LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]

=== ALBUM ARTIST ===
''Basics'':
*the tag-fieldname used for declaring and describing albums/split-EPs or split-singles which contain various artists is "ALBUM ARTIST" (seperated with space, not underscore)
*tag should only exist if an album contains various artists. It should NOT be created when an album does not contain various artists.
*the tag can contain the overall artist of an album(like i.e. "the foo-bar collective"), multiple artists(i.e. with split-EPs) or if an album does not have a clear overall artist (for example with compilations) just "Various Artists". Simply said: you're free to enter whatever you like as long as it describes the overall album-wide artist(s).
*every track in a V.A.-album has to contain this tag with the same value
*the track-specific artist should be entered into the ARTIST-tag
*the TITLE-tag should only contain the track-title

''Reasons for this standard'':
*it solves all issues regarding albums which contain multiple artists with just one tag
*it is already in widespread use
*sortable and searchable with low effort
*keeping the ARTIST-tag trackspecific allows to find tracks in V.A.-albums as well when searching for a certain artist (DB-friendly)
*keeping the TITLE-tag title-specific allows sorting and searching of V.A.-albums by title (DB-friendly)
*allows meaningful determination and display of V.A.-Albums with a minimum amount of code
*avoids resource-hungry and unsafe "guessing" of V.A.-albums via the filepath
*easy to remember and type in manually
*does not disrupt existing systems when the ARTIST- and TITLE-tag are already trackspecific (easy transition)
*can coexist with additional directory-based sorting and marking
*can be used for split-EPs and split-singles as well

''Code snippets'':

// check if an album is V.A.
$if(%album artist%,$puts(album_is_va,1))

// For sorting by artist in an album-context replace %artist% - %album% with:
$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - %album%

// singlemode display without %album artist%-support
[%artist% - ][%album% - ][%title%]
// singlemode display with %album artist%-support
// note: if your display supports both, albummode and singlemode, then you
// may want to use the above version instead in singlemode - depends on taste
[$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - ][%album% - ]$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

// How to easily integrate %album artist% into an albummode-display:
// in the albummode-column, replace %artist% with:
$if2(%album artist%,[%artist%])
// in the title-column, replace %title% with:
$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

=== FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for this standard'':
* the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/sv8/time.html APE-dateformat] (derived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* field name is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

The above code-snippets can be used for FIRST_PLAYED as well (just replace last_played with first_played).

== Obsolete and Deprecated Tag Standards ==

=== PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME ===

Deprecated tags produced by old versions of foo_playcount. Default format DDMMYY for PLAY_DATE and HHMMSS (24hr) for PLAY_TIME. See [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Encouraged_Tag_Standards#FIRST_PLAYED_and_LAST_PLAYED LAST_PLAYED].

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-05-15T17:44:58Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Overview of Current Recommendations */ fixed broken link

== General Tag Construction ==

* Avoid the use of underscores. Spaces are easier to type, more legible, and as easily useable in Tagz. Spaces are also preferable to no spaces.
* Use an easily understood English field name.
* Prefix album-related information with "ALBUM ", ie. "ALBUM ARTIST", "ALBUM SUBTITLE".
* Avoid use of non-alphabetical characters. For serial fields (for a bad example, FIELD1, FIELD2, etc.), merely enter them in the order that you wish them to be read in.

== Overview of Current Recommendations ==

FIELD NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': These two tags use underscores instead of spaces - reason for this was to make it consistent with the already existing PLAY_COUNTER-tag. Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Tips_%26_Tricks#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Encouraged_Tag_Standards#FIRST_PLAYED_and_LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]

=== ALBUM ARTIST ===
''Basics'':
*the tag-fieldname used for declaring and describing albums/split-EPs or split-singles which contain various artists is "ALBUM ARTIST" (seperated with space, not underscore)
*tag should only exist if an album contains various artists. It should NOT be created when an album does not contain various artists.
*the tag can contain the overall artist of an album(like i.e. "the foo-bar collective"), multiple artists(i.e. with split-EPs) or if an album does not have a clear overall artist (for example with compilations) just "Various Artists". Simply said: you're free to enter whatever you like as long as it describes the overall album-wide artist(s).
*every track in a V.A.-album has to contain this tag with the same value
*the track-specific artist should be entered into the ARTIST-tag
*the TITLE-tag should only contain the track-title

''Reasons for this standard'':
*it solves all issues regarding albums which contain multiple artists with just one tag
*it is already in widespread use
*sortable and searchable with low effort
*keeping the ARTIST-tag trackspecific allows to find tracks in V.A.-albums as well when searching for a certain artist (DB-friendly)
*keeping the TITLE-tag title-specific allows sorting and searching of V.A.-albums by title (DB-friendly)
*allows meaningful determination and display of V.A.-Albums with a minimum amount of code
*avoids resource-hungry and unsafe "guessing" of V.A.-albums via the filepath
*easy to remember and type in manually
*does not disrupt existing systems when the ARTIST- and TITLE-tag are already trackspecific (easy transition)
*can coexist with additional directory-based sorting and marking
*can be used for split-EPs and split-singles as well

''Code snippets'':

// check if an album is V.A.
$if(%album artist%,$puts(album_is_va,1))

// For sorting by artist in an album-context replace %artist% - %album% with:
$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - %album%

// singlemode display without %album artist%-support
[%artist% - ][%album% - ][%title%]
// singlemode display with %album artist%-support
// note: if your display supports both, albummode and singlemode, then you
// may want to use the above version instead in singlemode - depends on taste
[$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - ][%album% - ]$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

// How to easily integrate %album artist% into an albummode-display:
// in the albummode-column, replace %artist% with:
$if2(%album artist%,[%artist%])
// in the title-column, replace %title% with:
$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

=== FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for this standard'':
* the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/sv8/time.html APE-dateformat] (derived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* field name is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

The above code-snippets can be used for FIRST_PLAYED as well (just replace last_played with first_played).

== Obsolete and Deprecated Tag Standards ==

=== PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME ===

Deprecated tags produced by old versions of foo_playcount. Default format DDMMYY for PLAY_DATE and HHMMSS (24hr) for PLAY_TIME. See [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED LAST_PLAYED].

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-05-15T17:35:42Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Overview of Current Recommendations */ updated links to masstagger standardization scripts

== General Tag Construction ==

* Avoid the use of underscores. Spaces are easier to type, more legible, and as easily useable in Tagz. Spaces are also preferable to no spaces.
* Use an easily understood English field name.
* Prefix album-related information with "ALBUM ", ie. "ALBUM ARTIST", "ALBUM SUBTITLE".
* Avoid use of non-alphabetical characters. For serial fields (for a bad example, FIELD1, FIELD2, etc.), merely enter them in the order that you wish them to be read in.

== Overview of Current Recommendations ==

FIELD NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': These two tags use underscores instead of spaces - reason for this was to make it consistent with the already existing PLAY_COUNTER-tag. Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000:Tips_%26_Tricks#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields]

=== ALBUM ARTIST ===
''Basics'':
*the tag-fieldname used for declaring and describing albums/split-EPs or split-singles which contain various artists is "ALBUM ARTIST" (seperated with space, not underscore)
*tag should only exist if an album contains various artists. It should NOT be created when an album does not contain various artists.
*the tag can contain the overall artist of an album(like i.e. "the foo-bar collective"), multiple artists(i.e. with split-EPs) or if an album does not have a clear overall artist (for example with compilations) just "Various Artists". Simply said: you're free to enter whatever you like as long as it describes the overall album-wide artist(s).
*every track in a V.A.-album has to contain this tag with the same value
*the track-specific artist should be entered into the ARTIST-tag
*the TITLE-tag should only contain the track-title

''Reasons for this standard'':
*it solves all issues regarding albums which contain multiple artists with just one tag
*it is already in widespread use
*sortable and searchable with low effort
*keeping the ARTIST-tag trackspecific allows to find tracks in V.A.-albums as well when searching for a certain artist (DB-friendly)
*keeping the TITLE-tag title-specific allows sorting and searching of V.A.-albums by title (DB-friendly)
*allows meaningful determination and display of V.A.-Albums with a minimum amount of code
*avoids resource-hungry and unsafe "guessing" of V.A.-albums via the filepath
*easy to remember and type in manually
*does not disrupt existing systems when the ARTIST- and TITLE-tag are already trackspecific (easy transition)
*can coexist with additional directory-based sorting and marking
*can be used for split-EPs and split-singles as well

''Code snippets'':

// check if an album is V.A.
$if(%album artist%,$puts(album_is_va,1))

// For sorting by artist in an album-context replace %artist% - %album% with:
$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - %album%

// singlemode display without %album artist%-support
[%artist% - ][%album% - ][%title%]
// singlemode display with %album artist%-support
// note: if your display supports both, albummode and singlemode, then you
// may want to use the above version instead in singlemode - depends on taste
[$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - ][%album% - ]$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

// How to easily integrate %album artist% into an albummode-display:
// in the albummode-column, replace %artist% with:
$if2(%album artist%,[%artist%])
// in the title-column, replace %title% with:
$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

=== FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for this standard'':
* the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/sv8/time.html APE-dateformat] (derived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* field name is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

The above code-snippets can be used for FIRST_PLAYED as well (just replace last_played with first_played).

== Obsolete and Deprecated Tag Standards ==

=== PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME ===

Deprecated tags produced by old versions of foo_playcount. Default format DDMMYY for PLAY_DATE and HHMMSS (24hr) for PLAY_TIME. See [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED LAST_PLAYED].

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-05-15T17:33:18Z

Topdownjimmy: /* FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED */ re-introduced underscore standard in code snippets

== General Tag Construction ==

* Avoid the use of underscores. Spaces are easier to type, more legible, and as easily useable in Tagz. Spaces are also preferable to no spaces.
* Use an easily understood English field name.
* Prefix album-related information with "ALBUM ", ie. "ALBUM ARTIST", "ALBUM SUBTITLE".
* Avoid use of non-alphabetical characters. For serial fields (for a bad example, FIELD1, FIELD2, etc.), merely enter them in the order that you wish them to be read in.

== Overview of Current Recommendations ==

FIELD NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': These two tags use underscores instead of spaces - reason for this was to make it consistent with the already existing PLAY_COUNTER-tag. Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#FIRST_PLAYED_and_LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]

=== ALBUM ARTIST ===
''Basics'':
*the tag-fieldname used for declaring and describing albums/split-EPs or split-singles which contain various artists is "ALBUM ARTIST" (seperated with space, not underscore)
*tag should only exist if an album contains various artists. It should NOT be created when an album does not contain various artists.
*the tag can contain the overall artist of an album(like i.e. "the foo-bar collective"), multiple artists(i.e. with split-EPs) or if an album does not have a clear overall artist (for example with compilations) just "Various Artists". Simply said: you're free to enter whatever you like as long as it describes the overall album-wide artist(s).
*every track in a V.A.-album has to contain this tag with the same value
*the track-specific artist should be entered into the ARTIST-tag
*the TITLE-tag should only contain the track-title

''Reasons for this standard'':
*it solves all issues regarding albums which contain multiple artists with just one tag
*it is already in widespread use
*sortable and searchable with low effort
*keeping the ARTIST-tag trackspecific allows to find tracks in V.A.-albums as well when searching for a certain artist (DB-friendly)
*keeping the TITLE-tag title-specific allows sorting and searching of V.A.-albums by title (DB-friendly)
*allows meaningful determination and display of V.A.-Albums with a minimum amount of code
*avoids resource-hungry and unsafe "guessing" of V.A.-albums via the filepath
*easy to remember and type in manually
*does not disrupt existing systems when the ARTIST- and TITLE-tag are already trackspecific (easy transition)
*can coexist with additional directory-based sorting and marking
*can be used for split-EPs and split-singles as well

''Code snippets'':

// check if an album is V.A.
$if(%album artist%,$puts(album_is_va,1))

// For sorting by artist in an album-context replace %artist% - %album% with:
$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - %album%

// singlemode display without %album artist%-support
[%artist% - ][%album% - ][%title%]
// singlemode display with %album artist%-support
// note: if your display supports both, albummode and singlemode, then you
// may want to use the above version instead in singlemode - depends on taste
[$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - ][%album% - ]$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

// How to easily integrate %album artist% into an albummode-display:
// in the albummode-column, replace %artist% with:
$if2(%album artist%,[%artist%])
// in the title-column, replace %title% with:
$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

=== FIRST_PLAYED and LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for this standard'':
* the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/sv8/time.html APE-dateformat] (derived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* field name is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

The above code-snippets can be used for FIRST_PLAYED as well (just replace last_played with first_played).

== Obsolete and Deprecated Tag Standards ==

=== PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME ===

Deprecated tags produced by old versions of foo_playcount. Default format DDMMYY for PLAY_DATE and HHMMSS (24hr) for PLAY_TIME. See [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED LAST_PLAYED].

Foobar2000 Talk:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-05-15T11:32:56Z

Topdownjimmy:

Well, guess there's nothing we can do about it now, as this "standard" has been implemented into the new play_count component. What was the point of establishing these standards again?
--[[User:Topdownjimmy|Topdownjimmy]] 06:32, 15 May 2005 (CDT)

<hr />

Underscores removed from LAST PLAYED field name. If you do not agree with this move, please discuss here in the talk page.
[[User:Canar|Canar]] 05:41, 8 May 2005 (CDT)

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-03-19T04:32:11Z

Topdownjimmy: reorganized new trackinfo section

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

The database identifies files by path, filename, modification date and filesize. If any of these properties are changed by a program other than foobar itself, foobar will reload the metadata from the file the next time it is played.

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = DD~MM~YY, PLAY_TIME = HH~MM~SS (where ~ is any one single-character separator) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=275872 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

===== Indicate Audioscrobbler submission =====

[http://www.audioscrobbler.com/ Audioscrobbler] is a service that, using the [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#39 foo_scrobbler] component, keeps a record of the songs you listen to and provides various statistical reports. A track is submitted when either 50% or 4 minutes have elapsed, and this is what the string tests for. Actual submission to Audioscrobbler can only be verified by foobar's console.

$if(%_isplaying%,
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,240,'*',
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,$div(%_time_total_seconds%,2),'*',)))

=== Components ===

==== Track Info Panel (foo_uie_trackinfo) ====

Post your custom [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 Track Info] strings here. Please include a screenshot.

===== beto's trackinfo string =====

supports tech info from:
*mp3 (lame profiles and versions). you need cz's modified input std component
*vorbis (aotuv and xiph.org releases)
*FLAC
*Monkey's
*Wavpack
*Last Played tag (external database only)

you may modify it at will...

screenshot here -> http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988&view=findpost&p=283458

// Tagname color
$puts(color1,9C6B4C)

// Section name color
$puts(color2,000000)
// Tag color
$puts(color3,000080)

// Last played
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%__last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%__last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%__last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%__last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%__last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%__last_played%,18,19))

// Core code
//$get(color1)Mode: $get(color3)%_trackinfo_mode%$char(10)$char(10)
// Song info
$get(color2)Song Info$char(10)
$if(%artist%,$get(color1)Artist: $iflonger(%artist%,22,$get(color3)$cut(%artist%,22)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%artist%$char(10)))
$if(%album%,$get(color1)Album: $iflonger(%album%,21,$get(color3)$cut(%album%,21)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%album%$char(10)))
$if(%album_subtitle%,$get(color1)Album subtitle: $iflonger(%album_subtitle%,14,$get(color3)$cut(%album_subtitle%,14)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%album_subtitle%$char(10)))
$if(%subalbum%,$get(color1)Subalbum: $iflonger(%subalbum%,20,$get(color3)$cut(%subalbum%,20)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%subalbum%$char(10)))
$if(%title%,$get(color1)Title: $iflonger(%title%,23,$get(color3)$cut(%title%,23)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%title%$char(10)))
$if(%subtitle%,$get(color1)Subtitle: $iflonger(%subtitle%,20,$get(color3)$cut(%subtitle%,22)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%subtitle%$char(10)))
$char(10)
//Last played
$get(color2)Last Played$char(10)
$get(color1)$if(%__last_played%,Date: $get(color3)$get(last_played_day)/$get(last_played_month)/$get(last_played_year)
$char(10)$get(color1)Time: $get(color3)$get(last_played_hour):$get(last_played_min)$char(10)
$get(color3)$ifgreater(%__play_counter%,1,$get(color1)Played: $get(color3)%__play_counter% times$char(10),$get(color1)Played: $get(color3)%__play_counter% time$char(10)),
$get(color3)This song was never played$char(10))
$char(10)
//Tech information
$get(color2)Tech Info$char(10)
$get(color1)Codec: $get(color3)%__codec%$char(10)
$if($stricmp($codec(),FLAC),$get(color1)Vendor: $get(color3)$cut(%__FLAC_vendor%,23)$char(10))
$if($stricmp($codec(),Monkey''s Audio),$get(color1)v/c: $get(color3)%__version%/%__compression%$char(10))
$if($stricmp($codec(),WavPack),$get(color1)v/c: $get(color3)%__version%/%__compression%$char(10))
$if($and($stricmp($codec(),MP3),%__lame_version%),$get(color1)Version: $get(color3)%__lame_version%$char(10))
$if($and($stricmp($codec(),MP3),%__lame_profile%),$get(color1)Profile: $get(color3)$upper(%__lame_profile%)$char(10))
$if($stricmp($codec(),Vorbis),$if($stricmp($left(%__vorbis_vendor%,2),AO),$get(color1)Vendor: $get(color3)$cut(%__vorbis_vendor%,12)$char(10),
$if($stricmp($left(%__vorbis_vendor%,4),Xiph),$get(color1)Vendor: $get(color3)$cut(%__vorbis_vendor%,20)$char(10),$get(color1)Vendor: $get(color3)%__vorbis_vendor%$char(10))))
$get(color1)Bitrate: $get(color3)%__bitrate%Kbps$char(10)
$get(color1)Compression level: $get(color3)$muldiv(%__bitrate%,100,1411)'%'$char(10)
$get(color1)Samplerate: $get(color3)%__samplerate% Hz$char(10)
$if($strcmp(%__channels%,2),$if(%__mp3_stereo_mode%,$get(color1)Stereo mode: $get(color3)%__mp3_stereo_mode%$char(10),$get(color1)Stereo mode: $get(color3)stereo$char(10)),$get(color1)Stereo mode: $get(color3)mono$char(10))
$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,$get(color1)Track Gain: $get(color3)%__replaygain_track_gain%$char(10),$get(color1)Track Gain: $get(color3)No track gain$char(10))
$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,$get(color1)Album Gain: $get(color3)%__replaygain_album_gain%$char(10),$get(color1)Album Gain: $get(color3)No album gain$char(10))
//$get(color1)Path: $get(color3)%_path%$char(10)
//$if(%rippedby%,$get(color1)Ripper: $iflonger(%rippedby%,20,$get(color3)$cut(%rippedby%,20)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%rippedby%$char(10)))
//$if(%encodedby%,$get(color1)Encoder: $iflonger(%encodedby%,20,$get(color3)$cut(%encodedby%,20)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%encodedby%$char(10)))
$if(%comment%,$get(color1)Comment: $iflonger(%comment%,21,$get(color3)$cut(%comment%,21)'...'$char(10),$get(color3)%comment%$char(10)))
----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

'''Q: Album list shows dead entries after a restart, even though I used "Remove dead entries" before. Why is that?'''

A: The files are probably still contained in one of your playlists or in the history (only if you are using an older version of foo_history). Use "Playlist/Remove dead entries" from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

'''Q: How will PREGAP entries in Cue Sheets be taken into account, i. e. how will they be played as appropriately lengthed silence?'''

A: I don't know, but I'm banned from Hydrogenaudio forums, because they don't like my email providers. I don't want to pay for a cute email adress just to ask this one question, so sorry for misusing this wiki. Please replace this lamentation by a real answer. Or please could on of the adepts please forward this question to the foobar2000 forum. I am wondering, but I'm allowed to search this forum, so this Faq could be deleted, in particular because I think this isn't really a Faq. Alternatively hints are welcome, which free email-providers are accepted by hydrogenaudio forums. I think this ''is'' a Faq.

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Guides ====

* [http://foobar2000.net/ French-language guide]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-03-08T12:49:29Z

Topdownjimmy: /* FAQ */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

The database identifies files by path, filename, modification date and filesize. If any of these properties are changed by a program other than foobar itself, foobar will reload the metadata from the file the next time it is played.

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = DD~MM~YY, PLAY_TIME = HH~MM~SS (where ~ is any one single-character separator) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=275872 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

===== Indicate Audioscrobbler submission =====

[http://www.audioscrobbler.com/ Audioscrobbler] is a service that, using the [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#39 foo_scrobbler] component, keeps a record of the songs you listen to and provides various statistical reports. A track is submitted when either 50% or 4 minutes have elapsed, and this is what the string tests for. Actual submission to Audioscrobbler can only be verified by foobar's console.

$if(%_isplaying%,
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,240,'*',
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,$div(%_time_total_seconds%,2),'*',)))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

'''Q: Album list shows dead entries after a restart, even though I used "Remove dead entries" before. Why is that?'''

A: The files are probably still contained in one of your playlists or in the history (only if you are using an older version of foo_history). Use "Playlist/Remove dead entries" from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

'''Q: How will PREGAP entries in Cue Sheets be taken into account, i. e. how will they be played as appropriately lengthed silence?'''

A: I don't know, but I'm banned from Hydrogenaudio forums, because they don't like my email providers. I don't want to pay for a cute email adress just to ask this one question, so sorry for misusing this wiki. Please replace this lamentation by a real answer. Or please could on of the adepts please forward this question to the foobar2000 forum. I am wondering, but I'm allowed to search this forum, so this Faq could be deleted, in particular because I think this isn't really a Faq. Alternatively hints are welcome, which free email-providers are accepted by hydrogenaudio forums. I think this ''is'' a Faq.

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Guides ====

* [http://foobar2000.net/ French-language guide]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-03-07T19:25:43Z

Topdownjimmy: /* The Database & Tag Writing */ briefly began db/tag section

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

The database identifies files by path, filename, modification date and filesize. If any of these properties are changed by a program other than foobar itself, foobar will reload the metadata from the file the next time it is played.

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = DD~MM~YY, PLAY_TIME = HH~MM~SS (where ~ is any one single-character separator) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=275872 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

===== Indicate Audioscrobbler submission =====

[http://www.audioscrobbler.com/ Audioscrobbler] is a service that, using the [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#39 foo_scrobbler] component, keeps a record of the songs you listen to and provides various statistical reports. A track is submitted when either 50% or 4 minutes have elapsed, and this is what the string tests for. Actual submission to Audioscrobbler can only be verified by foobar's console.

$if(%_isplaying%,
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,240,'*',
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,$div(%_time_total_seconds%,2),'*',)))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

'''Q: Album list shows dead entries after a restart, even though I used "Remove dead entries" before. Why is that?'''

A: The files are probably still contained in one of your playlists or in the history (only if you are using an older version of foo_history). Use "Playlist/Remove dead entries" from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

'''Q: How will PREGAP entries in Cue Sheets be taken into account, i. e. how will they be played as appropriately lengthed silence?'''

A: I don't know, but I'm banned from Hydrogenaudio forums, because they don't like my email providers. I don't want to pay for a cute email adress just to ask this one question, so sorry for misusing this wiki. Please replace this lamentation by a real answer. Or please could on of the adepts please forward this question to the foobar2000 forum. I am wondering, but I'm allowed to search this forum, so this Faq could be deleted, in particular because I think this isn't really a Faq. Alternatively hints are welcome, which free email-providers are accepted by hydrogenaudio forums. I think this ''is'' a Faq.

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Guides ====

* [http://foobar2000.net/ French-language guide]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-03-07T15:13:41Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Important Links */ added french-language guide

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = DD~MM~YY, PLAY_TIME = HH~MM~SS (where ~ is any one single-character separator) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=275872 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

===== Indicate Audioscrobbler submission =====

[http://www.audioscrobbler.com/ Audioscrobbler] is a service that, using the [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#39 foo_scrobbler] component, keeps a record of the songs you listen to and provides various statistical reports. A track is submitted when either 50% or 4 minutes have elapsed, and this is what the string tests for. Actual submission to Audioscrobbler can only be verified by foobar's console.

$if(%_isplaying%,
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,240,'*',
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,$div(%_time_total_seconds%,2),'*',)))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

'''Q: Album list shows dead entries after a restart, even though I used "Remove dead entries" before. Why is that?'''

A: The files are probably still contained in one of your playlists or in the history (only if you are using an older version of foo_history). Use "Playlist/Remove dead entries" from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

'''Q: How will PREGAP entries in Cue Sheets be taken into account, i. e. how will they be played as appropriately lengthed silence?'''

A: I don't know, but I'm banned from Hydrogenaudio forums, because they don't like my email providers. I don't want to pay for a cute email adress just to ask this one question, so sorry for misusing this wiki. Please replace this lamentation by a real answer. Or please could on of the adepts please forward this question to the foobar2000 forum. I am wondering, but I'm allowed to search this forum, so this Faq could be deleted, in particular because I think this isn't really a Faq. Alternatively hints are welcome, which free email-providers are accepted by hydrogenaudio forums. I think this ''is'' a Faq.

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Guides ====

* [http://foobar2000.net/ French-language guide]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-03-07T13:36:20Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Handy Strings */ added scrobcheck

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) -
%title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = DD~MM~YY, PLAY_TIME = HH~MM~SS (where ~ is any one single-character separator) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=275872 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

===== Indicate Audioscrobbler submission =====

[http://www.audioscrobbler.com/ Audioscrobbler] is a service that, using the [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/general.php#39 foo_scrobbler] component, keeps a record of the songs you listen to and provides various statistical reports. A track is submitted when either 50% or 4 minutes have elapsed, and this is what the string tests for. Actual submission to Audioscrobbler can only be verified by foobar's console.

$if(%_isplaying%,
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,240,'*',
$ifgreater(%_time_elapsed_seconds%,$div(%_time_total_seconds%,2),'*',)))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

'''Q: Album list shows dead entries after a restart, even though I used "Remove dead entries" before. Why is that?'''

A: The files are probably still contained in one of your playlists or in the history (only if you are using an older version of foo_history). Use "Playlist/Remove dead entries" from the main menu on all your playlists, or remove the dead entries manually. As long as the files are on a playlist, they will be in the database and thus will show up in album list.

'''Q: How will PREGAP entries in Cue Sheets be taken into account, i. e. how will they be played as appropriately lengthed silence?'''

A: I don't know, but I'm banned from Hydrogenaudio forums, because they don't like my email providers. I don't want to pay for a cute email adress just to ask this one question, so sorry for misusing this wiki. Please replace this lamentation by a real answer. Or please could on of the adepts please forward this question to the foobar2000 forum. I am wondering, but I'm allowed to search this forum, so this Faq could be deleted, in particular because I think this isn't really a Faq. Alternatively hints are welcome, which free email-providers are accepted by hydrogenaudio forums. I think this ''is'' a Faq.

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-26T14:15:02Z

Topdownjimmy: removed tentative status from LAST_PLAYED standard

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = DD~MM~YY, PLAY_TIME = HH~MM~SS (where ~ is any one single-character separator) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=275872 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-26T14:13:53Z

Topdownjimmy: added new last_played script link

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = DD~MM~YY, PLAY_TIME = HH~MM~SS (where ~ is any one single-character separator) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=275872 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

ReplayGain

2005-02-23T15:59:32Z

Topdownjimmy: removed SPAM

Talk:ReplayGain

2005-02-23T15:59:01Z

Topdownjimmy: removed SPAM

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-23T15:57:41Z

Topdownjimmy: removed all the effing spam

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

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=== Advanced Use ===

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=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

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=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-22T17:22:20Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Encouraged Tag Standards */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

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=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Field name is ALBUM ARTIST, with ''no underscore''. Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-22T15:22:14Z

Topdownjimmy: added "album artist" to encouraged tag standards

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best for reasonably computer-literate users to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as their user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box. ****QUIT OUT OF FB2K***, start it back up, go back to the "Database" section, THEN click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of Album Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meant to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For more details, check the [[Replaygain]] wiki page.

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* ALBUM ARTIST [e.g., Various Artists, The Foobar Collective] (none) ''Notes'': Tag should exist if and only if an album is by multiple artists, and be contained in every track. Track-specific artists should be entered in the ARTIST tag, never in the TITLE tag. [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#ALBUM_ARTIST (more about this standard)]
* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]
----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-02-22T15:14:47Z

Topdownjimmy:

=== ALBUM ARTIST ===
''Basics'':
*the tag-fieldname used for declaring and describing albums/split-EPs or split-singles which contain various artists is "ALBUM ARTIST" (seperated with space, not underscore)
*tag should only exist if an album contains various artists. It should NOT be created when an album does not contain various artists.
*the tag can contain the overall artist of an album(like i.e. "the foo-bar collective"), multiple artists(i.e. with split-EPs) or if an album does not have a clear overall artist (for example with compilations) just "Various Artists". Simply said: you're free to enter whatever you like as long as it describes the overall album-wide artist(s).
*every track in a V.A.-album has to contain this tag with the same value
*the track-specific artist should be entered into the ARTIST-tag
*the TITLE-tag should only contain the track-title

''Reasons for this standard'':
*it solves all issues regarding albums which contain multiple artists with just one tag
*it is already in widespread use
*sortable and searchable with low effort
*keeping the ARTIST-tag trackspecific allows to find tracks in V.A.-albums as well when searching for a certain artist (DB-friendly)
*keeping the TITLE-tag title-specific allows sorting and searching of V.A.-albums by title (DB-friendly)
*allows meaningful determination and display of V.A.-Albums with a minimum amount of code
*avoids resource-hungry and unsafe "guessing" of V.A.-albums via the filepath
*easy to remember and type in manually
*does not disrupt existing systems when the ARTIST- and TITLE-tag are already trackspecific (easy transition)
*can coexist with additional directory-based sorting and marking
*can be used for split-EPs and split-singles as well

''Code snippets'':

// check if an album is V.A.
$if(%album artist%,$puts(album_is_va,1))

// For sorting by artist in an album-context replace %artist% - %album% with:
$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - %album%

// singlemode display without %album artist%-support
[%artist% - ][%album% - ][%title%]
// singlemode display with %album artist%-support
// note: if your display supports both, albummode and singlemode, then you
// may want to use the above version instead in singlemode - depends on taste
[$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - ][%album% - ]$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

// How to easily integrate %album artist% into an albummode-display:
// in the albummode-column, replace %artist% with:
$if2(%album artist%,[%artist%])
// in the title-column, replace %title% with:
$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

=== LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for this standard'':
* the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/sv8/time.html APE-dateformat] (derived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* tag-fieldname is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

=== PLAY_DATE ===

Obsolete artifact of foo_playcount. Default format was DDMMYY. See [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED LAST_PLAYED].

=== PLAY_TIME ===

Obsolete artifact of foo_playcount. Default format was HHMMSS (24hr). See [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED LAST_PLAYED].

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-02-22T15:14:15Z

Topdownjimmy: added detailed "album artist" section; alphabetized

=== ALBUM ARTIST ===
''Basics'':
*the tag-fieldname used for declaring and describing albums/split-EPs or split-singles which contain various artists is "ALBUM ARTIST" (seperated with space, not underscore)
*tag should only exist if an album contains various artists. It should NOT be created when an album does not contain various artists.
*the tag can contain the overall artist of an album(like i.e. "the foo-bar collective"), multiple artists(i.e. with split-EPs) or if an album does not have a clear overall artist (for example with compilations) just "Various Artists". Simply said: you're free to enter whatever you like as long as it describes the overall album-wide artist(s).
*every track in a V.A.-album has to contain this tag with the same value
*the track-specific artist should be entered into the ARTIST-tag
*the TITLE-tag should only contain the track-title

''Reasons for this standard'':
*it solves all issues regarding albums which contain multiple artists with just one tag
*it is already in widespread use
*sortable and searchable with low effort
*keeping the ARTIST-tag trackspecific allows to find tracks in V.A.-albums as well when searching for a certain artist (DB-friendly)
*keeping the TITLE-tag title-specific allows sorting and searching of V.A.-albums by title (DB-friendly)
*allows meaningful determination and display of V.A.-Albums with a minimum amount of code
*avoids resource-hungry and unsafe "guessing" of V.A.-albums via the filepath
*easy to remember and type in manually
*does not disrupt existing systems when the ARTIST- and TITLE-tag are already trackspecific (easy transition)
*can coexist with additional directory-based sorting and marking
*can be used for split-EPs and split-singles as well

''Code snippets'':

// check if an album is V.A.
$if(%album artist%,$puts(album_is_va,1))

// For sorting by artist in an album-context replace %artist% - %album% with:
$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - %album%

// singlemode display without %album artist%-support
[%artist% - ][%album% - ][%title%]
// singlemode display with %album artist%-support
// note: if your display supports both, albummode and singlemode, then you
// may want to use the above version instead in singlemode - depends on taste
[$if2(%album artist%,%artist%) - ][%album% - ]$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

// How to easily integrate %album artist% into an albummode-display:
// in the albummode-column, replace %artist% with:
$if2(%album artist%,[%artist%])
// in the title-column, replace %title% with:
$if(%album artist%,[%artist% - ])[%title%]

=== LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for this standard'':
* the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/sv8/time.html APE-dateformat] (derived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* tag-fieldname is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

=== PLAY_DATE ===

Obsolete artifact of foo_playcount. Default format was DDMMYY. See LAST_PLAYED.

=== PLAY_TIME ===

Obsolete artifact of foo_playcount. Default format was HHMMSS (24hr). See LAST_PLAYED.

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T01:51:59Z

Topdownjimmy: added empty "track info panel strings" section

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== Track Info Panel Strings ===

Post your custom Track Info strings here. Please include a screenshot.

----

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T01:39:58Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Basic Color Codes */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T00:31:49Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24hr) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T00:31:04Z

Topdownjimmy:

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

LAST_PLAYED has been developed as a standard to replace the widely variable PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME usages. Use these Masstagger scripts to convert your specific format to this new standard. More info about LAST_PLAYED available [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED here].

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''''VERY CAREFUL''''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) (this is foo_playcount's default format) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (more about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T00:23:26Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''very careful''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) ...download script from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T00:20:24Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''very careful''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp is in the format...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) ...download script at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T00:19:47Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''very careful''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

If your current time/datestamp format is...

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) ...download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) ...download script at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-17T00:18:41Z

Topdownjimmy: reformatted and added string for last_played

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

'''''!!!NOTE!!!''''': Be '''very careful''' when applying any of the scripts below. Be sure to test the script on one file before running it on your whole library.

* PLAY_DATE = DDMMYY, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) Download scripts from [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread post].

* PLAY_DATE = YYYYMMDD, PLAY_TIME = HHMMSS (24) Download script at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274343 this thread post].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-16T23:48:40Z

Topdownjimmy: added link to lyx's masstagger last_played scripts

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

The '''Album List''' extension (foo_albumlist) comes as a part of the default Foobar package. This extension allows you to sort your music a variety of ways, each displaying it in a hierarchical tree format. While Album List comes by default and can be used without the '''Columns UI''', the '''Album List Panel''' extension (foo_uie_albumlist) improves on it in many ways.

===== Usage of Album List =====

The Album list sorts music through a variety of sort strings. To get the music to display, you must enable the database by going to '''preferences/database.''' By default, Albumlist comes with a handful of "views," which when selected show different layouts of your collection. All of these views are fully customizable with TAGZ, and additional views can be added or removed in the preferences. When making a new view using TAGZ, keep in mind that each branch is represented by a single pipe ("|") character. It is important to note that the TAGZ string will be split up by these pipes, meaning that '''each section must be valid TAGZ code by itself.''' For example:

$if(%album artist%,%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%|%album%|$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is not valid code.''' As far as Albumlist is concerned, this string would be interpreted as such:

$if(%album artist%,%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%artist%
%album%
$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

Assuming that the intended behavior was for %album artist% to have a different string than the regular artist, you will have to put an $if() statement in every section:

$if(%album artist%,%album%,%artist%)|$if(%album artist%,$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%,%album%)|$if($not(%album artist%),$num(%tracknumber%,2) - %title%)

'''This is valid code.'''

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

For converting between default PLAY_DATE/PLAY_TIME (DDMMYY/HHMMSS(24)) and LAST_PLAYED standard, download the Masstagger scripts at [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31592&view=findpost&p=274326 this thread].

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-02-16T20:50:08Z

Topdownjimmy:

=== LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for deciding on this format'':
* the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/musepack/klemm/www.personal.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/sv8/time.html APE-dateformat] (derived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* tag-fieldname is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

=== PLAY_DATE ===

Obsolete artifact of foo_playcount. Default format was DDMMYY. See LAST_PLAYED.

=== PLAY_TIME ===

Obsolete artifact of foo_playcount. Default format was HHMMSS (24hr). See LAST_PLAYED.

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-16T20:29:57Z

Topdownjimmy:

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Volume Slider in Sidebar/Toolbar ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-02-16T20:11:36Z

Topdownjimmy:

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-16T19:52:38Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Encouraged Tag Standards */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

==== How do I put a volume slider in the toolbar? ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Encouraged_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Encouraged Tag Standards

2005-02-16T19:52:11Z

Topdownjimmy:

=== LAST_PLAYED ===
''Basics'':
* the tag-fieldname used for storing info when a song was played the last time is "LAST_PLAYED"
* tag contains date and time in the following format at the beginning: "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS" (with 24hours-format)
* additional info may be appended after the above info

''Reasons for deciding on this format'':
* the APE-dateformat (derrived from ISO) is internationally neutral
* sortable
* easily readable and recognizable
* format can be verified with TAGZ
* can be included in formatting-strings without reformatting it (pro for amateur tagz-coders)
* choosing a new fieldname avoids confusion with the existing ambigious play_date tag
* tag-fieldname is easy to understand/recognize/remember and short enough to type in manually

''Code snippets'':

// verify tag-format (we check the pos. of the first dash and ":")
// using $len for verification is strongly unrecommended!
$if(
$and($strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,-),5),$strcmp($strstr(%last_played%,:),14))
,$puts(last_played_is_valid,1)
)

// disassemble the timestamp for later reformatting or calcuations
$puts(last_played_year,$substr(%last_played%,1,4))
$puts(last_played_month,$substr(%last_played%,6,7))
$puts(last_played_day,$substr(%last_played%,9,10))
$puts(last_played_hour,$substr(%last_played%,12,13))
$puts(last_played_min,$substr(%last_played%,15,16))
$puts(last_played_sec,$substr(%last_played%,18,19))

// display only the date of last_played (without reformatting)
$left(%last_played%,10)

// display only the time of last_played (without reformatting)
// the use of $right is strongly unrecommended!
$substr(%last_played%,12,19)

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-16T19:49:02Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Practiced Tag Standards */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

==== How do I put a volume slider in the toolbar? ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

----

=== Encouraged Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Practiced_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-16T19:46:10Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Practiced Tag Standards */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

----

=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

----

=== Advanced Use ===

----

=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

==== How do I put a volume slider in the toolbar? ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

----

=== Practiced Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000_Practiced_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

----

=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial

Foobar2000:Foobar2000

2005-02-16T19:36:56Z

Topdownjimmy: /* Practiced Tag Standards */

[http://www.foobar2000.org/ '''foobar2000'''] is a free music player for Windows. It features multiple playlists, a music database, streaming, [[ReplayGain]] support, extensive plug-ins support and more.

=== A note to potential editors ===

The Newbie Guide is intended to provide no more than a very basic competence in fb2k. Therefore, it should be relatively broad, readable in one sitting, and contain only the most essential information for getting started. Any documentation beyond this purpose belongs in the Intermediate or Advanced Use sections. Similarly, small issues that demand a significant amount of detail are better suited for the FAQ section.

Remember that if any reader feels that the Newbie Guide is beneath them, they may always move beyond it, but a Newbie Guide that is bogged down by too much information will be no less intimidating than the looming behemoth we call our forum.

----

=== Supported... ===

==== Playback Formats ====

* [[MP3]], [[Ogg Vorbis]], [[MP2]], [[AAC]], [[WAV]], [[AIFF]], [[Musepack]], [[VOC]], [[SND]]

Supported through plug-ins:

* [[TTA]], [[FLAC]], [[Monkey's Audio]], [[WavPack]], [[Speex]], [[Mod]], [[SPC]], [[TFMX]], [[Shorten]], [[OptimFROG]], [[LPAC]], [[WMA]], [[AC3]], [[PSF]], [[NSF]], [[XID]], [[XA]], [[Matroska]]

In addition, foobar2000 can also play music directly from compressed RAR, ZIP and 7-ZIP archives without requiring the user to extract the files prior to playing.

==== Languages ====

* English

==== Platforms ====

* Windows

No known plans exists to port it to other platforms, but attempts have been made, with varying degrees of success, to run foobar2000 on x86 Linux systems by using Wine.

----

=== User Interface ===

====Standard====

By default foobar2000 uses the standard interface, foo_ui_standard. This interface is based around a tabbed list of playlists. Playlists are then formatted according to the title formatting strings entered by the user. These allow access to tag data, as well as information about the state of the program in the playlist display.

====Columns UI====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 foo_ui_columns] is an extension of the ideas used in the standard interface. It takes the open area of the playlist and divides it into one or more columns that have individual formatting strings. Recent versions of Columns UI have also added support for UI Extension panels which appear in Columns UI's sidebar or in the toolbar.

Because of the useful extensions to the Standard UI, Columns UI is rapidly becoming popular and continues to be under rapid development.

----

=== Newbie Guide ===

==== Introduction ====

Always remember that the best way to become comfortable with foobar is to read [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 the forums] regularly and to play around with foobar itself. 90% of what you learn will come from the forums and experimentation.

The heart of foobar lies in its components, which supplement foobar's functionality. If you are having trouble with a component, the first step is to consult that component's documentation, preferences, and forum thread. Any question you have as a beginner has probably already been asked and answered in the forums a half dozen times. Please search the forums thoroughly for an answer before posting your question. If you must post a question, try to avoid creating a new topic. An appropriate topic most likely already exists, so post your question as a reply in that topic.

==== Using Columns UI ====

It is best to start with [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI] as your user interface; the TAGZ formatting needed is very basic and the panel extensions will make foobar much more user-friendly, resembling mp3 players you're more accustomed to.

Bookmark these sites before using Columns UI:

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: ''very'' large, but the first post contains links to important related sites and panel extensions

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:faqs Columns UI FAQ]: a short FAQ, including installation instructions

[[Image:Columnsui.png|thumb|The Columns UI interface]]

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/wiki/doku.php?id=columns_ui:documentation Columns UI documentation]: it is ''crucial'' that you familiarize yourself with this over time

The Columns UI interface consists of:
* ''Playlist View'': The Playlist View is the large area that displays the songs in your current playlist. Other playlists appear as tabs at the top of the Playlist View. Each row in the Playlist View is divided into one or more columns that may be individually formatted using TAGZ strings.
* ''Toolbar'': The Toolbar is the area above the Playlist View and can display playback buttons, the menu, playlist search, and other toolbar components.
* ''Sidebar'': The Sidebar resides to the left of the Playlist View and can display panel extensions as well as toolbar components. The Sidebar is enabled by checking both "Enable Sidebar" and "Show Sidebar" in the "Columns UI" subgroup of the "Components" menu.

===== Panel Extensions =====

Panel extensions add album art, track info, and other useful components to the Columns UI Sidebar. Installing panels to Columns UI is simple; just copy the .dll into your foobar2000\components folder and restart foobar. To display an installed panel or toolbar in the Sidebar, right-click on any gray area of the Sidebar for a list of items you can add.

[[Image:Sidebaradd.png|thumb|Adding panels to the sidebar]]

Links to supported panels are given in the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread] of the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 foobar2000 forums].

Some popular panels include (in no particular order):

*[http://music.everywebhost.com/download/foo_uie_albumlist.7z foo_uie_albumlist] ''Albumlist Panel'' Sorts music into a hierarchical tree, allowing you to easily browse and select different branches of your collection.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 foo_uie_tabs] ''Tabbed Panel Stack'' Allows multiple panels to be stacked in a tabbed interface.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29383 foo_uie_albumart] ''Album Art Panel'' Displays album art from images in a specified folder.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 foo_uie_trackinfo] ''Track Info Panel'' Displays information about the currently playing or selected track. Can be customised using TAGZ strings.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume] ''Volume Control Toolbar'' Volume control extension for Columns UI. Provides a slider to control volume.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475 foo_playlistfind] ''Playlist Find Panel'' Finds tracks in current playlist matching input text.

*[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=8609 foo_history] ''History Plugin/Panel'' Displays and provides browser-style navigation through recently played songs.

To see what some people have done with Columns UI and panel extensions, check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]. If you see something you like, try to do it yourself. If you get stumped, you might find an answer in the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Tips_.26_Tricks Tips & Tricks] section below.

==== Basic TAGZ ====

TAGZ is the language used to define how information about a track is displayed. Although you can do some very complex things using TAGZ, you should have a basic understanding of it now because you'll be encountering it a lot whether you want to or not. The text displayed in each column of the playlist in Columns UI is defined by a string of TAGZ code, located in "Foobar 2000 > Preferences > Display > Columns UI > (Columns tab)." TAGZ strings and functions are thoroughly documented in the titleformat_help.html file located in your foobar2000 directory. Bookmark this file and familiarize yourself with it as much as possible. It might look very strange at first, but once you see some TAGZ strings "in action" it will begin to make sense, and you will refer to it constantly.

[[Image:Columnstagz.png|thumb|Columns UI preferences]]

Looking in the Columns UI preferences, you will see that the TAGZ code used for the "Artist" column is:

[%artist%]

%artist% retrieves the contents of the ARTIST field stored in the file's tag. The brackets [ ] around %artist% mean that the ARTIST field should only be shown if it exists. If there is no ARTIST field, nothing will be displayed; without the brackets, a question mark would be displayed.

Not to be confused with TAGZ, a file's "tag" contains what is known as "metadata." Information about the file, such as artist, album, tracknumber, etc., are stored within the file in the form of tag fields. Much of the foobar environment is ''vitally'' dependent on accurate tags, so keep yours in order.

Some common tag fields are:

[[Image:fileinfo.png|thumb|The File Info window]]

*ARTIST
*ALBUM ARTIST (for "Various Artists," etc.)
*ALBUM
*TRACKNUMBER
*TITLE (track title)
*DATE
*GENRE
*COMMENT

To view and edit the tag fields contained within a particular file, right-click on that file in the playlist and click "Properties."

Data in the "Technical info" pane on the right can be retrieved using a double underscore: %__bitrate%.

Looking again in Columns UI preferences, the TAGZ string used for the "Title" column is:

$if2(%title%,%_filename%)

$if2(x,y) is a TAGZ ''function'' that takes two parameters and produces one result. Using titleformat_help.html, try to figure out what this TAGZ string will produce, and why it was written this way. You might also want to try creating columns that contain your own TAGZ strings. As always, titleformat_help.html is your best friend.

[[Image:Trackinfo.png|thumb|Track Info's real-time display]]

The [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29363 trackinfo] panel can be VERY helpful in teaching you how TAGZ strings behave. This panel updates in real-time as you edit its TAGZ-based configuration. It is recommended that you install and display this panel, using it as a "scratch pad" to help you become familiar with TAGZ.

As you become more proficient, you might want to download some [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ ready-made Columns UI configs] to see some more complex TAGZ strings in action. Import the .fcs file from the "Other" tab in the Columns UI preferences (be sure to export your current config first to back it up in case you're not happy with the one you import). Study how these strings do what they do and change them around to see how the display is affected.

==== Masstagger ====

The Masstagger component is very handy when you need to perform relatively complex tag operations on a group of files.

To perform tag operations on a group of files using Masstagger, highlight those files in the playlist, right-click on them, and choose "Masstagger > Edit tags." The "Actions to perform" pane in the Masstagger window displays the actions that will be performed on the list of "Files to process" when the "Run" button is clicked. To add an action to perform, click the "Add" button.

[[Image:Masstagger.png|thumb|The Masstagger window]]

A simple action to perform is to set some field to a given value. For example, to set the GENRE field for all selected files to "Rock," choose "Set value..." from the "Select action type" window. In the "Field name" drop down list, choose "GENRE," and in the "Field value" box, type "Rock" (without quotes). When you click "OK," the action will be listed in the "Actions to perform" pane. Click "Run" to perform these actions on the selected files.

Before clicking "OK," you may choose to save this group of actions (this "script") for easy retrieval later. Just type in a name for the script in the "Scripts" section below (in this case, something like "Set GENRE to 'Rock'"), and click "Save." Later, to retrieve the saved script, select it from the drop-down menu and click "Load."

Realistically, this would be more easily achieved by selecting the files to be processed in the playlist, right-clicking them and choosing "Properties," then editing the GENRE field in the "File Info" window. There are many more tag actions you can perform with Masstager, including guessing tags from filenames, and formatting tag fields based on other tag fields. These operations depend on an understanding of the TAGZ language. For a more in-depth explanation of some of the possibilities of the Masstagger, see picmixer's '[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=12302 FB2K's Masstagger, an unofficial Beginners Guide]'.

==== The Database ====

[[Image:Albumlist.png|thumb|The Album list window]]

The Database keeps track of all the info for all the files you play in foobar. The Database is crucial for such things as the albumlist panel (included with Columns UI), the [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#Extended_Playlist_Generator Extended Playlist Generator] (included in the special installer), and other components. The Database uses information from your files' tags, so ''make sure your tags are in order''.

To enable the Database, check the "Database enabled" box in the "Database" section of Preferences. If you would like to add an entire directory of music to the Database, enter the directory in the "Restrict directories to:" box and click the "scan" button. Keeping this directory in the box will prevent files in other directories from being added in the future, however, so uncheck it if you will be adding files from other locations as well. Files are added to the Database whenever they are added to a playlist.

You can view the contents of the Database using the Album list component. Click "Components > Album list."

==== Extended Playlist Generator ====

The Extended Playlist Generator can automatically create playlists from the contents of a playlist or [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000&action=submit#The_Database the Database] based on criteria that you specify. To access the EPG, click "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Configure Playlist Query..."

[[Image:Epg.png|thumb|The Extended Playlist Generator]]

For starters, try entering the name of an artist you know is in your database in the "Query:" box. Click "Run." The results will appear below. To create a playlist with these results, enter a name for the playlist in the "Playlist Name:" box and click the "Create Playlist" button. To save a query, click the "Save" button. It will be saved in the presets under the "Playlist Name" you specified. Once saved, a query can be recalled and its playlist regenerated by clicking "Components > Extended Playlist Generator > Generate Playlist..." in the menu toolbar.

Click the "Help" button in the EPG for help formatting queries. EPG uses both the TAGZ language and its own query language of conditionals such as GREATER and HAS. Try this simple query:

%date% GREATER 1979

This query will return all songs whose DATE tag is greater than 1979. Save this query as "The '80s, '90s, and today!" Queries that use tag fields like this require that the tag fields exist in the first place. Another reason to keep your tags ship-shape!

==== Third-Party Components ====

There is a slew of third-party components that can fill many of your foobar needs. Installing these and using them is as simple as installing and using Columns UI's panel extensions: just download the .dll, copy it into your foobar2000\components folder, and restart foobar.

Check out the [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] forum thread and [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ the official third-party components site] for a list of available components.

==== Things to remember... ====

Look around. Play with stuff. Experiment. Right-click on something you've never right-clicked on before. Browse the preferences window. Read the forums. Study titleformat_help.html. Have fun. Don't forget to listen to music.

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=== Intermediate Use ===

==== Basic Color Codes ====

Click on the "Colour" tab within the "Columns" tab of the Columns UI preferences. It is empty. If you want to customize the colors used in a column, you would put the color codes here and check the "Use custom colour spec" box above.

Beneath the text box you will see a six-character hex code with a block character on either side of it:

0080FF

This is what a color code looks like. To get a color code for a specific color, click on the "..." button, which will pop-up a palette and return the color you choose in the same gray box, ready to be copied and pasted.

The way you format colors is given by clicking the "Tools" button, then by clicking "String help." Concentrate on the first four items, which are required in every color code string:

text|selected text|background|selected background

For example, if I wanted my "Artist" column to display red text on white background when not selected, and yellow text on blue background when selected, I would use this format:

(red color code)|(yellow color code)|(white color code)|(blue color code)

The proper color code would then be:

0000FF|00FFFF|FFFFFF|FF0000

[[Image:Color.png|Custom color sample]]

Note that unlike most other applications, Foobar uses a hexadecimal '''BGR''' color scheme, which means that if you use any alternate color pickers you will need to switch the first and last two characters. (Example: FF0080 (magenta) in Photoshop should be changed to 8000FF in Foobar)

The block character may instead be represented by $char(3), as in:

$char(3)0000FF$char(3)

You may also represent color codes as RGB values using this format:

$rgb(255,128,0)

These alternate codes are useful when the block character is unavailable or becomes problematic (as it does in Firefox).

==== Advanced TAGZ ====

==== Album List & Album List Panel ====

==== ReplayGain ====

Replaygain calculates the average volume of either a track (track gain) or an album (album gain) and uses this information to properly adjust the volume of tracks, that are mastered at different volume levels, during playback. This will make sure that you will have a similar volume levels on all of your tracks or albums without loosing any dynamic range of your music. In the case of ALbum Gain, it will even make sure that more quiet tracks of an album will sound more quiet and tracks that where meat to be louder, louder. As you can probably already tell, Album Gain would probably be the best way to make use of Replaygain. For a more in depth explanation on how Replaygain works, check [http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/ http://replaygain.hydrogenaudio.org/]

Setting it up is realtively easy. Simply select all the tracks you want to Replaygain in your playlist and you will be presented with several options:

* ''Scan per file track gain'' This will scan the selection and will add Replaygain values file by file, meaning that the difference in loudness of files coming from the same album is not preserved. This would be the recommended way of scanning tracks of wich you don't own the entire Album. (If you only have a few files of an Album, but they come from the same source (rip), I would also recommend using Album gain.

* ''Scan selection as album'' Not that hard to guess, using this option, you will have to select all the tracks that belong to one album and scan them. The difference in loudness between quiet and loud tracks will be left intact.

* ''Scan selection as multiple albums using album field'' In case all your files are properly tagged this would probably be the easiest way to initially set up Replaygain. It will scan all selected files and properly gain them album by album using the album info found in the file tag.

Replaygaining your files will not alter them in any way. It stores all the information it needs into the file tags or Foobars database and the actual file is not changed what so ever. The whole process is obviously fully reversible by simply removing the Replaygain info from the file. (Or simply disabling Replaygain during playback). Check your playback preferences, for all playback options considering Replaygain

Replaygain can also be used when creating mix cd's with Foobars diskwriter. Simply enable it in the diskwriter preferences to make sure you get nicely balanced compilations without annoyingly large differences in volume levels.

Note that Replaygain will in a lot of cases also prevent your files from clipping, since it usually lowers the playback volume of very loudly mastered tracks. Whereas this is not the main intention of Replaygain ( volume levelling is), this comes as a nice side effect to some people. You even have the option to scale down tracks that still clip after applying Replaygain using the peak info (again, check your preferences for this option).

Last but not least, I will mention the two preamps in the Playback preferences. Except if you know exactly what you are doing, it is not recommended to raise the output of the preamps above the default 0.0dB in any way. However you can use these to slightly compensate for the difference between replaygained and unreplaigained Tracks. Simply estimate your average Replaygain level and lower the preamp for files without Replaygain info by that value. I found -8dB to work quite well for me. This obviously should not be used to compensate for not properly Replaygaining your tracks, but definetaly will protect your ears and your equipment when coming across tracks that miss Replaygain info.

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=31140 An interesting discussion] of Replaygain, mastering, clipping etc.

==== Diskwriter ====

==== The Database & Tag Writing ====

==== Default UI Strings ====

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=== Advanced Use ===

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=== Tips & Tricks ===

==== Placing Panels Above the Playlist ====

To place panels above the playlist, check "List all toolbars" in the "Other" tab of the Columns UI preferences. When checked, right-clicking on the toolbar will give you the option of placing panels on the toolbar. If a panel appears "squashed," it is because it needs to have a minimum height set in its preferences. If the panel extension has no minimum height setting, you may place it in a [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28869 panel stack], and set a minimum height via the panel stack options.

==== Two Tabbed Panel Stacks in One Sidebar/Toolbar ====

''While holding shift'': Right-click on sidebar/toolbar, click "Layout > Tabbed Panel Stack"

==== Handy Strings ====

===== Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields =====

===== "The Band" becomes "Band, The" =====

$if($strcmp($left(%artist%,4),The ),$right(%artist%,$sub($len(%artist%),4))', 'The,%artist%)

===== Pad tracknumber with leading zeros ("1" becomes "01") =====

$num(%tracknumber%,2)

===== Alternating Stripes in the playlist (Like iTunes) =====

Go to Preferences/Display/Columns UI/Globals/Colour Tab, enter this under the background section of your color string (text|selected text|'''background'''|selected background|...)

$ifgreater($mod(%_playlist_number%,2),0,F2E8DF,FFFFFF)

Replace the last two colors with your own.

===== Indicate Replaygain tags =====

This is if you want to show which kind of Replaygain you have. This string will show an "A" if album gain has been applied, a "T" if Track gain is applied, and a red "X" if there is no replaygain data in the file.

$if(%__replaygain_album_gain%,A,$if(%__replaygain_track_gain%,T,0000FF|000X))

=== FAQ ===

A rather extensive FAQ is available at the [http://shsc.info/foobar2000 SH/SC Wiki].

==== How do I put a volume slider in the toolbar? ====

[http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28665 foo_uie_volume]

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=== Practiced Tag Standards ===

FIELD_NAME [format] (component)

* (''tentative'') LAST_PLAYED [2005-03-22 19:00:00...] ([http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20719 foo_playcount]) ''Notes'': Any amount or type of data may be placed after the time. Compliant TAGZ code shall use $substr() instead of $right() when extracting substrings from this field. ''See also'': [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Foobar2000#Standardize_my_PLAY_DATE_and_PLAY_TIME_fields Standardize my PLAY_DATE and PLAY_TIME fields] [http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Practiced_Tag_Standards#LAST_PLAYED (about this standard)]

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=== Important Links ===

==== Official Site ====

* [http://www.foobar2000.org foobar2000.org: Homepage]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/download.html foobar2000.org: Download]

* [http://www.foobar2000.org/requirements.html foobar2000.org: Requirements]

==== Community ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showforum=28 Official foobar2000 forum]

* [http://www.fforum.ru/index.php?showforum=59 Russian-language forum]

* [http://www.foobar.prv.pl/ Polish-language forum]

==== Appearance ====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30988 Foobar Gallery]: screenshot thread

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/fb2k/index.php Default UI formatting strings]: cut-n-paste ready

* [http://foobar.nub4life.net/columns/ Columns UI configs]: .fcs file format

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30281 foo_ui_gfx (alpha)]: skin support for foobar

==== Components / Plugins ====

===== General =====

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=21105 Most Sought-After Plugins] (forum thread)

* [http://pelit.koillismaa.fi/plugins/ Official third-party components site]

* [http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=28647 Columns UI thread]: first post contains links to many Columns UI panel extensions

* [http://foobar2000.free.fr/ A comprehensive guide to foobar2000 components] (French)

===== Specific Components =====

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/html/foobar.html case's Page]: special installer, diskwriter components, etc.

* [http://www.saunalahti.fi/cse/kode54/index.php kode's Page]: file-formats, archive-support, OSD, shuffle (temporary mirror since the primary host is down)

* [http://www.stud.uni-karlsruhe.de/~uzbs/fb2k/html/ foosion's Page]: dbsearch, cut n' paste, history, etc.

* [http://members.chello.pl/d.sieradzki/foobar/ Messer's page]: freedb-masstagger, streaming with save-function, etc.

* [http://music.everywebhost.com/ Musicmusic's Page]: textwriter, quicktag, custom sort, ui_columns, panels

=== Thanks ===

picmixer: ReplayGain tutorial