Use this guide to download Crate Hackers, log in, scan your music, build your first crate, and export it to your DJ software.

Start simple. You do not need to fix your entire library on day one. That is how people end up staring at folders like they owe them money.

Fast Fix

  1. Download Crate Hackers from cratehackers.com/ch11.
  2. Install the correct Mac or Windows version.
  3. Open Crate Hackers and log in.
  4. Follow the setup prompts.
  5. Choose your DJ software.
  6. Scan your music library.
  7. Open one simple crate.
  8. Click Export.
  9. Choose your DJ software or export as M3U.
  10. Open your DJ software and test the crate.

Step 1: Download Crate Hackers

First, download the desktop app from the Crate Hackers download page.

  1. Go to cratehackers.com/ch11.
  2. Choose the correct version for your computer.
  3. If you use Mac, choose the correct Mac version if prompted.
  4. If you use Windows, download the Windows installer.
  5. Follow the install steps on your computer.

If the download page gives you multiple options, choose the one that matches your computer. Do not guess wildly. That is how computers get dramatic.

Step 2: Install the App

After the download finishes, install Crate Hackers like any other desktop app.

Mac

  1. Open the downloaded file.
  2. Drag Crate Hackers into your Applications folder if prompted.
  3. Open Crate Hackers from your Applications folder.

Windows

  1. Open the downloaded installer.
  2. Follow the steps on screen.
  3. Open Crate Hackers after installation is complete.

If your computer asks for permission to open or install the app, approve the install only if you downloaded it from the official Crate Hackers download page.

Step 3: Log In

Open Crate Hackers and log in using your account details.

Your login details are usually sent by email. Search your inbox for messages from help@cratehackers.com.

If you cannot find your login email, contact us at help@cratehackers.com.

Step 4: Complete the Setup Questions

When you first open Crate Hackers, the app may ask a few setup questions. These help the app understand your DJ software, music library, and workflow.

  1. Choose your DJ software, such as Serato, VirtualDJ, Rekordbox, djay Pro, or another platform.
  2. Follow the setup prompts inside the app.
  3. Choose where your music is stored on your computer or external hard drives.

If you are not sure about a setup question, choose the closest option and keep moving. You can adjust settings later.

Step 5: Scan Your Music Library

Crate Hackers needs to scan your music so it can match your tracks against crates, charts, and recommendations.

  1. Open Crate Hackers.
  2. Go to Library.
  3. Open Music Sources.
  4. Click Add Folder.
  5. Select the folder where your music is stored.
  6. Run the scan.

You can add more folders later. If your music is spread across several drives, add each location so Crate Hackers can find everything.

For best results, keep your main music library clean and organized. If your folders look like a raccoon packed them, use the Folder Flattener later.

Step 6: Build Your First Crate

Do not start with your biggest event. Start with one simple use case.

Good first crate ideas:

  • Wedding warmup
  • Cocktail hour
  • Club opening set
  • Clean pop crate
  • Throwback dance floor crate
  1. Go to Crates.
  2. Open Mixable Crates.
  3. Search for a crate that matches your gig or use case.
  4. Review the tracks.
  5. Check which songs you already have.
  6. Select the tracks you want to use.
  7. Export the crate to your DJ software.

Crate Hackers is built to help you find useful songs faster, not make you scroll through 400 tracks pretending that is preparation.

Step 7: Export to Your DJ Software

Crate Hackers can export crates for common DJ workflows, including Serato, VirtualDJ, Rekordbox, and M3U.

  1. Open the crate you want to use.
  2. Click the Export button.
  3. Choose your DJ software or select M3U.
  4. Follow the export steps shown in the app.
  5. Open your DJ software and confirm the crate imported correctly.

Use M3U if you need a universal playlist file or if your DJ software does not have a direct export option.

Full M3U export guide: Export to M3U File

What If Songs Are Missing?

Missing songs are normal. Crate Hackers shows you which tracks are already in your library and which ones you may need to find.

Depending on the crate and track, you may see options for record pools, cloud sources, streaming options, or purchase links.

Use those links as a starting point. Always confirm the version before adding it to your library. Clean, explicit, short edits, extended edits, and remixes are not the same thing. Your future self would like you to notice that now.

What to Try After Your First Crate

Once your first crate is exported and tested, you can start using the deeper tools.

  • Mixable Crates: Build crates that are easier to move through by BPM, key, and energy.
  • Charts: Review music rankings and song movement.
  • Trending Charts: See what is gaining traction right now.
  • AI Duplicate Killer: Find duplicate tracks and clean up your library.
  • Folder Flattener: Move scattered music files into one cleaner folder structure.
  • Spotify Import: Bring in playlist ideas and match them against your local library.

Best First Workflow

If you are brand new, follow this order:

  1. Log in.
  2. Choose your DJ software.
  3. Scan your music.
  4. Open one simple crate.
  5. Export it.
  6. Open your DJ software and test it.

That is the win. One working crate beats one giant unfinished library cleanup project.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Trying to clean the whole library first: Start by building one working crate.
  • Scanning the wrong folder: Make sure you choose the folder where your actual music files live.
  • Using too many folders at once: Add your main music folder first, then add more later if needed.
  • Skipping the test: Always open your DJ software after exporting and confirm the crate appears correctly.
  • Assuming every version is the same: Clean, explicit, intro, short edit, extended, and remix versions all matter.

When to Use the Cleanup Tools

Crate Hackers includes tools that can help clean up messy libraries, but you do not need to use every tool on day one.

  • Use AI Duplicate Killer when you see duplicate tracks cluttering your library.
  • Use Folder Flattener when your music is scattered across too many folders.
  • Use Music Sources when you need to add or rescan music locations.

Back up your music before deleting, moving, or reorganizing files. Crate Hackers can help clean things up, but your music library is still your responsibility. Treat it like gear you actually care about.

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