Crate Hackers Support

Crate Hackers exports crates as M3U playlists, which work with most major DJ platforms.

What this article covers

This article shows you how to export Crate Hackers crates to several DJ platforms using M3U playlists.

You will learn how to export to:

• Rekordbox
• Engine DJ / Denon
• Traktor
• Algoriddim djay
• Any DJ software that accepts M3U playlists

What is an M3U playlist?

An M3U file is a playlist file.

It does not contain the actual music files. It points your DJ software to the songs on your computer.

That means your music files still need to stay in the same location after export.

Before you export

Before exporting any crate, make sure you have:

• Installed the latest Crate Hackers app
• Scanned or synced your music library
• Opened the crate you want to export
• Turned on Track Matcher Options
• Selected the matched files you want included

You can download the latest Crate Hackers app here:

www.cratehackers.com/ch11

Basic export workflow

Most Crate Hackers exports follow the same basic flow:

1. Open the crate in Crate Hackers.
2. Turn on Track Matcher Options.
3. Select the matched tracks you want to export.
4. Choose your export option.
5. Import or open the M3U playlist inside your DJ software.

If your DJ software has a direct export button inside Crate Hackers, use that.

If not, use Download to M3U and import the M3U manually.

Exporting to Rekordbox

Step 1: Export from Crate Hackers

In Crate Hackers, open your crate and select the tracks you want to export.

Then export the crate as an M3U file.

Step 2: Import into Rekordbox

Open Rekordbox.

Go to:

File > Import Playlist

Select the M3U file you exported from Crate Hackers.

Your crate should appear under Playlists.

Exporting to Engine DJ / Denon

Step 1: Export from Crate Hackers

In Crate Hackers, open your crate and select the tracks you want to export.

Then export the crate as an M3U file.

Step 2: Add the M3U to Apple Music

You can add the M3U file to Apple Music in one of two ways:

• Drag the M3U file into the All Playlists section
• Use File > Import inside Apple Music

Step 3: Refresh inside Engine DJ

Open Engine DJ.

Go to:

Apple Music Library

Click:

Refresh Collection

Your crate should appear after the refresh.

Exporting to Traktor

Step 1: Export from Crate Hackers

In Crate Hackers, open your crate and select the tracks you want to export.

Then export the crate as an M3U file.

Step 2: Import into Traktor

Open Traktor.

Go to:

Playlists > Import Playlist

Select the M3U file you exported from Crate Hackers.

Your crate should now be ready to use.

Exporting to Algoriddim djay

Step 1: Export from Crate Hackers

In Crate Hackers, open your crate and select the tracks you want to export.

Then export the crate as an M3U file.

Step 2: Add the M3U to Apple Music

Add the M3U file to Apple Music using one of these options:

• Drag the M3U file into All Playlists
• Use File > Import inside Apple Music

Step 3: Load it in Algoriddim djay

Open Algoriddim djay.

Go to:

Apple Music Library

Your crate should appear there.

Exporting to M3U manually

Use this option if your DJ software accepts M3U playlists or if a direct integration is not working.

In Crate Hackers:

1. Open the crate.
2. Turn on Track Matcher Options.
3. Select the matched files you want included.
4. Click Download to M3U.
5. Choose a folder where you want to save the M3U file.
6. Import or drag the M3U into your DJ software.

This is the fallback method. It is not fancy, but it works. Which is more than we can say for half the “smart” things software tries to do.

Troubleshooting

My exported M3U is empty

This usually means tracks were not selected before export.

Go back to the crate, turn on Track Matcher Options, select your matched files, then export again.

My tracks do not load in my DJ software

An M3U file points to where your music lives on your computer.

If the music files were moved, renamed, disconnected, or deleted after export, your DJ software may not be able to load them.

Check that:

• Your music files still exist
• Your external drive is connected
• The file names have not changed
• The folder path has not changed
• You selected actual local files in Track Matcher

My crate does not show up

If your crate does not show up after importing, try these steps:

• Restart your DJ software
• Refresh your library or collection
• Confirm you imported the correct M3U file
• Try dragging the M3U into the playlist area manually
• Export the M3U again from Crate Hackers

Direct export does not work

If a direct export option fails, use Download to M3U.

M3U export is the safest fallback because most DJ software can read playlist files.

My library has too many path issues

If exports keep breaking because your music is scattered across too many folders, consider cleaning up your library first.

Keeping your music in one reliable folder can reduce broken paths and missing file issues.

You can also use the Folder Flattener inside Crate Hackers to create a cleaner working library.

Quick checklist

Before exporting, make sure you have:

• Opened the crate you want to export
• Turned on Track Matcher Options
• Selected the matched tracks you want included
• Used the correct export option for your DJ software
• Kept your original music files in place
• Connected any external drive that contains your music
• Imported or refreshed the playlist inside your DJ software

The main idea

Crate Hackers exports crates as M3U playlists.

Match your tracks first, select the files you want, export the crate, then import or open the M3U inside your DJ software.

If something breaks, check the file paths first. The M3U needs to know where your music lives.

Need more help?

Crate Hackers changes fast, so some screens or buttons may look slightly different than the examples here. The core workflow should still point you in the right direction.

Watch the latest Crate Hackers guides on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@cratehackers

Join us live every Tuesday night at 8 PM Eastern for the Crate Hackers Hackathon on Twitch and CrateHackathon.com:
https://www.cratehackathon.com

Need help from the team?
Email help@cratehackers.com