I have several downloaded mp3 tracks (all Public Domain or CC). I want to create an “album” from these that will automatically play the next track and that will allow each track to be named and played separately, just as a CD would permit. I have labeled each track, aligned end to end, exported as multiple files and as a single project, but while I can get either the tracks identified or the tracks automatically played consecutively, I can’t get both. Would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks.
You could use an application which is made for this purpose.
For example, iTunes (yes, it exists for Windows!). Or Rhythmbox (no idea about Windows version, but works great on Linux).
Unlike the “shiny disc formats”, most “computer formats” don’t support chapters/tracks or different metadata (song titles) for different parts of the file.
Of course the player also has to support it and this is equally unusual.
But you might try MKA.
If you download an MP3 from Amazon or an AAC file from iTunes, you get a separate file for each song and your player software should allow you to play the tracks in sequence, based on the track number metadata.
Foobar 2000 is, in my opinion, easily the most versatile player and certainly the best free one. It will allow playlists to be created and saved which can be edited inside FB2K or with a text editor if you prefer. It will also batch convert formats with complete user control.
FB2K will also allow you to edit file metadata. So you could “create” collections of tracks labelled as albums if you wish.
If you use .m3u format for your playlists they will be recognised by many other players and devices.
You may even conclude that as a player it actually sounds better than most even when playing compressed formats such as mp3.