#Resource For **MP3 files**, you’ll want to edit **ID3 tags** (metadata) to ensure they sort correctly in **VLC on iPhone**. Here are the best tools and methods: --- ### **1. [Kid3](https://kid3.kde.org/) (Free, Powerful Batch Editing)** - **Best for:** Batch-editing multiple MP3 files at once. - **How to use:** 1. Download and install **Kid3** (macOS version available). 2. Drag & drop your MP3 files. 3. Edit **ID3v2 tags** (Title, Artist, Album, Track Number, Year, etc.). 4. Click **Save** → Transfer files to iPhone. - **Why?** Supports bulk editing and preserves high-quality tags. --- ### **2. [Mp3tag](https://www.mp3tag.de/en/) (Windows, but Works on Mac via Wine)** - **Best for:** Advanced users who need precise control. - **How to use:** 1. Install **Mp3tag** (requires [Wine](https://www.winehq.org/) on Mac). 2. Load MP3 files → Edit tags (supports **cover art** too). 3. Save → Sync to iPhone. - **Why?** The most powerful free tag editor (originally for Windows but runs on Mac). --- ### **3. [Metadatics](https://www.markvapps.com/metadatics) (Paid, macOS Native)** ⏳ 2025-07-07 - **Best for:** macOS users who want a polished, native app. - **How to use:** 1. Download **Metadatics** ($9.99, but trial available). 2. Edit **ID3 tags**, including **sorting fields** (e.g., "Sort Artist"). 3. Export → Sync to iPhone. - **Why?** Clean UI, supports batch editing, and handles advanced tags. --- ### **4. [MusicBrainz Picard](https://picard.musicbrainz.org/) (Free, Auto-Tagging)** - **Best for:** Automatically fixing metadata using online databases. - **How to use:** 1. Install **Picard**. 2. Drag files → Click **"Lookup"** to fetch correct tags. 3. Save → Sync to iPhone. - **Why?** Great for fixing mislabeled MP3s in bulk. --- ### **5. [Foobar2000 + Wine](https://www.foobar2000.org/) (Advanced Users)** - **Best for:** Power users who want scripting/advanced tagging. - **How to use:** 1. Install **Foobar2000** via Wine. 2. Use its built-in tag editor for fine-grained control. - **Why?** Extremely customizable but requires setup. --- ### **How to Ensure VLC Sorts MP3s Correctly** 1. **Edit these critical tags:** - **Title** (e.g., "Song Name") - **Artist** (e.g., "Artist Name") - **Album** (e.g., "Album Name") - **Track Number** (e.g., "1/10") - **Year** (e.g., "2024") - **Sort Tags** (e.g., "Sort Artist" = "Beatles, The" for proper alphabetizing). 2. **In VLC for iOS:** - Go to **"Audio" tab** → Tap **"Sort by"** (Title/Artist/Album). - Disable **"Group by Album Artist"** in settings if unwanted. 3. **File Naming Tip:** - Rename files like: `Artist - Song.mp3` or `TrackNo - Song.mp3` (VLC uses filenames if metadata is missing). --- ### **Best Choice?** - **For batch editing:** Kid3 or Mp3tag (if using Wine). - **For automatic fixes:** MusicBrainz Picard. - **For a native Mac app:** Metadatics (paid). Would you like help with a specific tagging issue (e.g., compilations, multiple discs)?