VLC Media Player is a versatile and widely-used software that supports an extensive range of multimedia formats. One of its features is the ability to display album artwork or song covers when playing audio files. While this is a convenient feature for many, it can sometimes lead to issues such as incorrect artwork or unwanted visuals. This article provides a detailed guide on how to remove song artwork in VLC Media Player, ensuring a more personalized and streamlined experience.
What is Song Artwork in VLC
Song artwork refers to the visual representation associated with an audio file, such as an album cover or an artist’s image. VLC automatically retrieves this artwork from embedded metadata in the file or online sources. While this feature enhances the listening experience for some users, it can be distracting or irrelevant for others, especially when incorrect artwork is displayed.
Methods to Remove Song Artwork in VLC
Using the Media Information Menu
One of the simplest ways to remove song artwork in VLC is through the Media Information menu. This method allows you to edit the metadata associated with the file directly.
To begin, open VLC Media Player and load the audio file you want to edit. Navigate to the “Tools” menu and select “Media Information.” This will display a detailed view of the file’s metadata. In the metadata section, you will see a preview of the artwork. Right-click on the artwork and choose the option to delete or replace it. Once you have made your changes, save them and restart VLC to ensure that the artwork has been successfully removed.
Clearing the Artwork Cache
Another effective method is to clear VLC’s artwork cache. VLC stores artwork in a temporary cache, which may cause old or incorrect images to reappear. Clearing this cache can resolve persistent artwork issues.
Locate the VLC cache folder on your system. The exact path to this folder varies depending on your operating system, but it is typically found in the user directory or application data folders. Delete the files within the cache folder that pertain to artwork or metadata. Afterward, restart VLC and verify that the artwork has been removed.
Editing Metadata with Third-Party Tools
If VLC does not allow you to remove artwork directly, you can use third-party metadata editors. These tools provide greater flexibility and control over the embedded information in your audio files.
Open the audio file in a metadata editor such as MP3Tag or Audacity. These programs allow you to view and edit metadata, including embedded artwork. Locate the artwork section and delete the image associated with the file. Save the changes and reload the file in VLC to confirm the artwork is no longer displayed.
Preventing Unwanted Artwork in VLC
Disabling Automatic Artwork Retrieval
To prevent VLC from automatically displaying artwork in the future, you can disable this feature in the settings. Open the VLC preferences menu and navigate to the “Interface” or “Privacy & Network Interaction” section. Here, you will find an option to download album art automatically. Uncheck this option to stop VLC from retrieving artwork from online sources. Save your settings and restart VLC to apply the changes.
Cleaning Metadata Before Playback
Another proactive approach is to clean the metadata of your audio files before adding them to your VLC library. Using metadata editors, you can ensure that your files are free of unwanted or incorrect information. This step can prevent VLC from displaying irrelevant artwork during playback.
Removing song artwork in VLC Media Player is a straightforward process that enhances user control over the playback experience. Whether you choose to edit metadata, clear the cache, or disable automatic retrieval, these methods provide effective solutions for managing artwork. By following these steps, you can enjoy a more tailored and distraction-free multimedia experience.
