To create a playlist, press Ctrl+N (?-N). You can also choose File?New Playlist or click the + button at the bottom-left of the iTunes window. (If this sounds like too much work already, jump to Make a Genius Playlist in iTunes to see how to make Genius playlists, where iTunes automatically whips together a collection of songs for you.)

All freshly minted playlists start out with the impersonal name “untitled playlist.” Fortunately, iTunes highlights this generic name, ready for editing. Now type in a better name: Cardio Workout, Hits of the Highland Lute, or whatever you want. As you add new song lists, iTunes alphabetizes them in the Playlists area of the Source list.

Once you create and name a spanking-new playlist, you’re ready to add your songs or videos. You can do that three ways, so choose the one you like best.