(Requires Premium features introduced in Helium 17.3)


This guide provides an overview of the new Discogs-based downloading features in Helium, designed to automate tagging files, managing pictures, and organizing artist information as efficiently as possible.


Tagging Files

Whether you're tagging files from scratch or correcting and completing existing tags, Helium offers multiple ways to automate the process. You can combine the suggested workflows or customize your approach:


Auto-Tag with Discogs

This tool allows you to tag multiple albums simultaneously, using Discogs as the authoritative source for data. The tool processes each album individually, querying the Discogs database, and lets you configure which information to apply to the tags.


For every tagged track, Helium saves the Discogs Release ID and Artist IDs (for all artists on the track) in the tags and your library.


These IDs are essential because they:


  • Enable precise and efficient downloads of album and artist pictures.
  • Improve performance by reducing redundant lookups.
  • Facilitate downloading artist information using the Edit Multiple Artist Information tool.


Learn more about the Auto-Tag with Discogs feature.


Tag Downloader

The Tag Downloader can be used either as a standalone tool or integrated within the Tag Editors and the Splitter.


When used from the Tag Editors or Splitter, you can populate and correct tags on a per-release basis.

You can review and edit matching results before merging them with existing content, allowing for fine-tuning before saving tags to files.

Like the Auto-Tag tool, the Tag Downloader saves Discogs Release and Artist IDs to the tags and updates them in your library.


Learn more about the Tag Downloader.


Recommendation:

Use Discogs-based tools to quickly tag your releases with reliable data. Storing Discogs IDs in your library ensures these can be reused across other tools for enhanced efficiency.


Downloading Pictures

When downloading pictures for a specific release, artist, or via the Picture Managers, Discogs IDs in your library enable faster and more accurate lookups on compatible sources.


Note:

Even if a download source doesn't directly support Discogs IDs, it may support related values (e.g., barcode or catalog number), which further streamlines the process and reduces manual effort.


Downloading Artist Information

You can download artist information for a single artist or multiple artists using the Edit Multiple Artist Information tool.


The editor for adjusting artist information provides a consistent user interface across all tools.


Benefits of Editing Multiple Artists:


  • Download information for several artists simultaneously using Discogs as the source.
  • If artists have Discogs Artist IDs stored, the process becomes seamless, eliminating manual steps.
  • For artists without stored Discogs IDs, you can visually select a match from a list of results. Once a match is selected, the corresponding Discogs ID is linked to the artist in your library.


Learn more about editing multiple artist information.


Suggested Workflow

1. Tag Your Files:

  • Use one of the Tag Editors or the Auto-Tag with Discogs tool to apply accurate tag information.
  • Save Discogs IDs to your tags and library for future use.


2. Add Artist Information:

  • For tagged releases, use the Edit Multiple Artist Information tool to populate your database with artist details.
  • Use the tool’s filters to exclude artists already containing information. Download or manually adjust data for those without complete details.


3. Leverage Discogs for Artist Information:

  • Use stored Discogs Artist IDs for precise and efficient lookups.
  • If IDs are missing, they will be added to your library after a match is selected.


4. Complete Picture Data:

  • Use the Picture Managers to fill in missing pictures for releases and artists.