Tweak hidden iTunes settings

Recent versions of iTunes have included a couple of hateful additions that can't be annihilated via standard preferences...

07. Nuke the list arrows

defaults write com.apple.iTunes show-store-arrow-links -boolean false

Ah, those 'helpful' arrows that you can click to access the iTunes Store from any item in your library. How we love them! And by 'love', we mean 'hate with a passion'. Use the command above to make them go away.

NO STORE: Scrap iTunes Store links and the Genre column by activating a couple of hidden settings

08. Remove the Genre column

defaults write com.apple.iTunes show-genre-when-browsing -boolean false

Unless you've a well-catalogued collection, the 'Genre' column during browsing is largely useless. Get rid of it by using the above command.

You can also boost iTunes functionality using the following two rules:

09. Load previews before playing

defaults write com.apple.iTunes load-complete-preview-before-playing -boolean true

This is handy when the iTunes Store's being slow - entire previews are downloaded prior to them playing.

10. Add half-star ratings

defaults write com.apple.iTunes allow-half-stars -boolean true

If full stars aren't enough, this command enables you to set half-star ratings by clicking between star positions (or click-dragging) in an iTunes list view.