When creating a large number of releases at once or importing a full catalogue, the best option is to use the Release Import system.
STEP 1: Download the Bulk Import Sheet
To import releases into the LMS, you will first need to enter your metadata into the LabelWorx Bulk Import sheet. This XLS file can be downloaded by going to: Release Management ➜ Release List ➜ click 'Import' in the icon menu ➜ click the 'LabelWorx_Bulk_Import.xlsx' link
STEP 2: Complete the Bulk Import Sheet
Copy and paste the relevant information into each column.
The columns are colour coded, based on their importance to the import process:
- Red: Required – these columns must be completed or the import will not work.
- Yellow: Desired – the import will work without this information, but it will be required for distribution. If you have the information available, it is easier to enter it at this stage.
- White/Blank: Not necessarily required for distribution. Some fields are calculated automatically (such as track time), while others can legitimately be left blank (such as the ISRC code for a new release). If you have the information available, it is better to enter it at this stage.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you follow the instructions in Row 2 carefully, which highlight any specific requirements for the import. Do not edit or delete any columns.
STEP 3: Upload Audio to FTP (Optional)
If you would like to import audio alongside your track metadata, enter the relevant WAV filename (including the “.wav” extension) in the Audio Filename column of your bulk import sheet. The filename must exactly match the corresponding file uploaded to your label group's FTP account.
To upload your audio:
- Upload the corresponding WAV files to the root of your label group's FTP account.
- Check that each filename on the FTP exactly matches the filename entered in the bulk import sheet.
When you run the import in STEP 5, the system will match the audio filenames in the sheet to the filenames on your FTP and pull them into the relevant track in the system.
STEP 4: Upload Artwork to FTP (Optional)
Artwork can also be included in your bulk import by uploading the files to your label group's FTP account.
Each artwork file must be a JPG at a minimum of 1400px × 1400px, with a filename that exactly matches either the Catalog Number (e.g. CAT001.jpg) or EAN/UPC (e.g. 5024285624091.jpg) of the relevant release in your bulk import sheet.
To upload your artwork:
- Create a directory/folder at the root of your label's FTP account named artwork (the folder name must be lowercase).
- Upload your artwork files into the artwork directory/folder.
- Check that each filename on the FTP exactly matches the Catalog Number or EAN/UPC of the relevant release in the bulk import sheet.
When you run the import in STEP 5, the system will use the filenames to match and add the artwork to the relevant releases.
STEP 5: Import the Bulk Import Sheet
Once the bulk import sheet is complete, you can import it into your account:
- Go to: Release Management ➜ Release List ➜ click 'Import' in the icon menu
- Select your bulk import sheet by clicking Choose File.
- Click Import and the system will run tests on the import and display the results.
- Review the Import Summary to check the results are as expected (correct number of releases, no unexpected Record Labels being created, no other warnings, etc). If you spot any issues, it is worth checking your bulk import sheet again before continuing.
- Once everything is correct, click Import again.
The system will then run the import and create the releases in your Release List. Once complete, check the imported releases and add any further details that are required.