Supported files
Audio, artwork, lyrics, and playlist-file support.
Audio formats
Parson indexes these file extensions:
| Format | Extensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | .mp3 | Direct play in normal clients |
| FLAC | .flac | Direct play where supported; otherwise transcoded |
| Ogg Vorbis | .ogg | Client support varies |
| AAC / MPEG-4 audio | .m4a | Includes common AAC and Apple Lossless containers |
| Opus | .opus | Client support varies |
| WAV | .wav | Large, usually direct play |
| AIFF | .aiff | May require transcoding |
| Apple Lossless | .alac | May require transcoding |
Format detection uses the extension and validates the file while reading metadata. FFmpeg is required only when Parson must transcode for a client that cannot play the source directly.
Artwork
Parson reads embedded artwork and external .jpg, .jpeg, .png, and .webp images. It favors likely front-cover names and square, useful images near the album, while rejecting tiny icons and unsuitable wide booklet art. Common names such as cover, folder, front, and album-title images work well. Artwork in a release folder can serve tracks inside CD 1 or Disc 2 subfolders.
You can upload a replacement album cover from the metadata editor. Parson stores generated and uploaded artwork in its data directory, never inside the music folder unless you put it there yourself.
Lyrics
Parson does not read embedded lyric tags or .lrc sidecar files. Lyrics come from LRCLIB and may be synced or plain; see Lyrics.
Playlist files
Parson stores playlists in its database. Importing or exporting .m3u, .m3u8, .pls, or other playlist files is not currently supported. Back up playlists with the Parson data directory.