How to manipulate audiobooks with m4b-tool (with examples)

m4b-tool is a versatile command-line utility designed for handling audiobook files, specifically those that are in the m4b format. It allows users to merge multiple audio files into a single audiobook file, split audiobooks, and manage chapters efficiently. This tool provides a straightforward way to organize and customize your audiobook listening experience.

Use case 1: Creating an Audiobook from Files in an Input Directory

Code:

m4b-tool merge path/to/input_directory --output-file=path/to/merged.m4b

Motivation:

Imagine you have acquired several chapters or episodes of an audiobook, podcast, or lecture series as individual audio files. You may wish to combine them into a single, cohesive audiobook that you can listen to seamlessly from start to finish. This command simplifies the process of merging these files, allowing you to enjoy a continuous listening experience without manual intervention.

Explanation:

• m4b-tool: This is the main command initiating the use of the m4b-tool utility.
• merge: This argument tells m4b-tool to merge the files located in the given directory.
• path/to/input_directory: Replace this with the actual path to the directory containing the audio files you wish to merge. m4b-tool will process all compatible files within this directory.
• --output-file=path/to/merged.m4b: This option specifies the destination and filename for the merged audiobook. Here, replace path/to/merged.m4b with your desired output file path.

Example Output:

Upon successful execution, you will have a single m4b file named “merged.m4b” in your specified output path. This file will contain all the audio segments from your input directory, arranged in the default sort order of your filesystem, effectively creating a straightforward, unified audiobook.

Use case 2: Creating an Audiobook with Chapters Using Input Files’ Names

Code:

m4b-tool merge path/to/input_directory --output-file=path/to/merged.m4b --use-filenames-as-chapters

Motivation:

Sometimes, you have a series of audio files with descriptive filenames (e.g., “Chapter 1 - Introduction”, “Chapter 2 - The Beginning”, etc.). Keeping these titles as chapter markers in your merged audiobook can be beneficial for navigation and context while listening, especially in audiobooks where chapters serve as natural breaks in the narrative or instructional sequence.

Explanation:

• m4b-tool: Invokes the command-line tool specifically for manipulating audiobook files.
• merge: Instructs the tool to combine audio files from a specified directory into a unified m4b file.
• path/to/input_directory: Direct this to the folder where your audio files are stored. These files will be merged into a single output file.
• --output-file=path/to/merged.m4b: Denotes the output location and filename for the resultant m4b file.
• --use-filenames-as-chapters: This option instructs m4b-tool to generate chapters within the merged file. Each chapter will be named after the corresponding input file’s name, making it easier to navigate through individual segments by their descriptive titles.

Example Output:

The result will be an m4b audiobook where each individual file’s name now serves as a chapter title within the merged file. This allows for enhanced navigation as you listen, enabling you to skip to specific sections with ease, and maintains context through the custom chapter titles.

Conclusion:

m4b-tool simplifies the process of managing audiobook files by providing flexible options for merging and organizing them. Whether you need a seamless listening experience by merging files into a single audiobook or wish to maintain descriptive chapters for better navigation, m4b-tool offers the tools necessary to enhance your audiobook collection effectively. By using the examples provided, users can streamline their audiobook files into a personalized, organized library.