Existing comments, ratings or genre tags can be changed by a tagging job. Review the settings with a copied sample first.
A match and a write are separate
Picard identifies music using database information, but applying the result changes file metadata according to your settings. Our suggested first decision is which fields you want to standardize and which should remain your own. Knowing the song does not establish that every proposed release detail or tag suits your organization scheme.
Review clearing and preservation
The documentation says Clear existing tags removes existing metadata in favour of MusicBrainz metadata, including user-added information such as comments or ratings. It also documents an advanced option for preserving named tags. Check the guide that matches your installed version; the current latest documentation can describe a different release channel.
Turning off writes is not a complete lock
The Tag Options page cautions that disabling Write tags to files may still allow moving or renaming according to other settings. Our recommendation is to inspect those operations separately before saving. If your aim is only identification, do not assume one unchecked box prevents every possible filesystem change.
Use a copied sample as a comparison
Try one copied album and inspect its metadata and location afterward. Keep the unchanged reference while learning and reopen the sample in your usual player. Decide whether the new organization helped the task you had in mind. This guide does not inspect a visitor’s collection or guarantee that automatic identification selects the preferred edition.
Go straight to the people who make it.
Picard tag writing, clearing and preservationStable and pre-release packagesSource check: 2026-10-02. General guidance; follow your device’s current instructions.