How to merge tracks in iTunes for iPod playback?

If you still have the CD there is a procedure to join the CD tracks as you import it into iTunes.

Put the CD into your CD drive and when it shows up in the iTunes Import CD window:

• make sure that it is in track order (which it should be as that's the default setting)
• select the first track, the Shift/select the last track. All the tracks should now be highlighted in blue:
• in the screenshot below, tracks 1 & 2 have been joined, tracks 4, 5, 6 & 7 have been joined while tracks 10, 11 & 12 are selected, waiting to be joined (as you can see once the gear wheel (to the right of the Import CD button) is selected:

• click the Join CD Tracks option and the tracks you have selected will show as joined (i.e. tracks 1 & 2 in the screenshot)
• You may need to rename the CD in order to keep it separate from the original import. Either:
  • name the new copy as <same CD Title>2
  • delete the old copy of the CD (not always the wisest move until you are certain the the re-import is successful)

Note:

1. 1. you can only join adjacent tracks
   2. you cannot join tracks unless the CD is in the correct track order, as shown by the arrow at the top of the number column
   3. the option does not show up unless you have selected tracks
   4. if the Join CD Tracks option is not shown, it means that the selection is not valid:

iTunes is not able to join the tracks once the album has been imported, so if you no longer have the CD, or you purchased the album as a digital copy, you will have to use a third-party audio editor, such as Audacity to combine the tracks. However, although Audacity is free to use, it does have a steep learning curve in order to achieve what you want. In addition you will need to add the revised album into your iTunes Library (a procedure that is fairly easy).