Overview

AudioShell is a shell extension which provides access to ID3 and other types of meta tags directly inside the Windows Explorer app.

The software is a shell extension plug-in which delivers meta tag editing features to the venerable Windows Explorer that comes with several versions of Windows. A Windows music file context menu including renaming tools and meta tag editing options is added to the Windows Explorer app when AudioShell is installed.

Columns can be added within Windows Explorer which detail the meta tag information for each track shown in a given folder. This makes it much easier to see what meta tags are poorly-formed before they are exported to the favorite smart phone or MP3 player. Selecting a poorly-formed meta tag for a single track or complete album can be done and then edited quickly.

A thumbnail handler is built in to allow the addition and customization of thumbnail album art. A preview option is also available to see a larger version of the album art.

The application not only understands MP3 files, but also APE, OGG, FLAC, OPUS, M4A, WMA, ASF and WMV files too. Beyond ID3 meta tags, AudioShell also supports Vorbis comment tags, APE tags (v1 and v2) and the newer ID3v2.3 tags as well.

Installation

The software required 6.7 MB of available space to complete the setup package. The installation completed without any difficulties.

There was no adware, toolbars, malware or spyware included with the setup program.

AudioShell requires Windows Vista, 7, 8 or 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit).

Interface

When using Windows Explorer with AudioShell installed, the software highlights “Music Tools” in yellow in the title bar when accessing a music folder.

The interface changes within Windows Explorer to reflect the audio being listed. Track listings can be shown in multiple columns which are scrollable and the album artwork is displayed in the right-hand side.

Once selected, the AudioShell Tag Editor is a complete dialog window with numerous options for making changes to meta tag information for the selected files. There is a tabbed navigation with labels for General, Lyrics, Additional, More Addition, and Sorting. The layout of the tag editor is attractive, dense and feature-packed.

Pros

• Meta tag editor shell plug-in for Windows Explorer
• Edit meta tag information for MP3, APE, OGG, FLAC, OPUS, M4A, WMA, ASF and WMV files
• Edit different types of meta tags like Vorbis comment tags, APE tags (v1 and v2), ID3v1.0 and ID3v2.3
• Thumbnail handler to display album thumbnails
• Replace album artwork with clearer versions
• Renaming files

Cons

• Some users may prefer a stand-alone meta tag editor to an integrated one

Alternatives

MP3Tag is an excellent, standalone tag editor program.

Conclusion

AudioShell is a useful meta tag editor as a shell plug-in for Windows Explorer which avoids the need to install a separate tag editor.