Split a long MP3 into tracks

1. Copy the TXT template

Use one line per track: the start time in HH:MM:SS, a space, then the track title. Use at least two start times and put them in increasing order. Replace the sample times with the points where your tracks actually start.

Save as plain UTF-8 text. Use the same base name for both files, for example Mix.mp3 and Mix.tracks.txt. The next start time ends the current track. The last track plays to the end of the MP3.

2. Import the tracks

1. Switch to MP3 and open the playlist where you want the tracks.
2. Open the three-dot menu, tap Add timing file, and select your TXT.
3. Tap Choose MP3 to select the matching local file. For an online file, paste a direct HTTPS or shared Google Drive MP3 link and tap Check MP3.
4. Check the track count, then tap Add tracks. Each chapter appears as a separate playlist entry.

Import a Google Drive folder. Put the matching MP3 and TXT in the same shared folder. Give anyone with the link access and allow downloads. In Playlists → Import Drive folder, paste the folder link. Sonacella creates the playlist automatically and adds chapters for MP3s with matching timing files.

3. Read the track card

Open About track from the track menu. The example below shows a chapter with optional YouTube source details.

Follow the arrows, or select a field to highlight it on the card.Match the numbers. Select a field to highlight its place on the card.

From the TXT to the card

Example line from the template

00:31:29 Easy Midnight Pulse

1Track title 2Starts at 3Recording details (optional) 4Open in YouTube (optional)

The text after the timestamp becomes the title at the top of the card.

1 2 3 4

4. Build the card from a real timing file

The card above shows Easy Midnight Pulse, a chapter in a JazzAyo Lounge mix. Compare the excerpt with the original timing file in Google Docs. This shorter header keeps the full recording title, channel, and artwork. The original also includes a longer description.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0ZZnHp1DM4
YouTube metadata: {"version":1,"videoId":"S0ZZnHp1DM4","title":"Midnight Sax Lounge Jazz 🌙 After Dark Music for Relaxed Nights, Smooth Hours & Easy Vibes","channelTitle":"JazzAyo Lounge","thumbnailUrl":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/S0ZZnHp1DM4/maxresdefault.jpg"}

00:27:51  Relaxed Evening Flow
00:31:29  Easy Midnight Pulse
00:35:31  Calm Sax Passage

1. Identify the video. Put its YouTube watch URL after Source:. Copy the value after v= into videoId. Both IDs must match. Set version to the number 1.
2. Copy the full title. Put the title from the YouTube page in the JSON title field. It appears below the artwork. The name after a timestamp is the chapter title at the top of the card.
3. Choose the thumbnail. Set thumbnailUrl to the video's HTTPS image on i.ytimg.com. Open this example thumbnail. For another video, replace the ID between /vi/ and /maxresdefault.jpg and check that the image opens. If that size is unavailable, omit thumbnailUrl to use Sonacella's standard YouTube thumbnail.
4. Save and import. Put Source: and YouTube metadata: above the timestamps. Keep the JSON on one physical line, use straight double quotes, and escape quotes and line breaks inside values. Save as UTF-8 with the same base name as your MP3. Follow the import steps, then open About track for Easy Midnight Pulse and check Starts at 00:31:29.

Use the download for the whole mix. The excerpt begins partway through it. The TXT contains timings and source details. Playback requires an authorized MP3 of the same version.