How to add SoundCloud downloads to Rekordbox, Serato and Traktor

Updated 28 October 2026 · 4 minute read

Free downloads are only useful once they're in your DJ software, analysed and in a playlist. Here's a simple routine that works in Rekordbox, Serato and Traktor.

Start with a tidy folder

Keep all your SoundCloud downloads in one folder, for example Music → Cratedigger, with a subfolder per playlist or artist. Cratedigger does this for you: turn on Put each playlist in its own folder in Settings, and Tidy file names to remove "[Free Download]" tags and stray numbers. Clean names make tracks much easier to find in a crowded library.

All three programs play the file types you'll get: MP3, WAV, AIFF and M4A (AAC).

Rekordbox

  1. Drag your Cratedigger folder (or a playlist subfolder) from Finder or Explorer onto Collection.
  2. To keep a playlist together, create a new playlist and drag the same folder onto it.
  3. Let Rekordbox analyse the tracks for BPM, key and beat grid before you play them.

Serato DJ

  1. Open the Files panel and browse to your Cratedigger folder.
  2. Drag the folder onto the + crate button (or onto All) to add it as a crate.
  3. Click Analyze Files so BPM and waveforms are ready.

Traktor

  1. In Preferences → File Management, add your Cratedigger folder under Music Folders.
  2. Right-click Track Collection and choose Import Music Folders.
  3. Select the new tracks, right-click and choose Analyze (Async).

Drag straight from Cratedigger

You can also drag a finished download straight from Cratedigger's list into your DJ software or into a folder. Double-click a track to preview it first.

Keep the original files where they are

DJ software remembers where each file lives. If you move or rename files after importing, you'll have to relocate them. Decide on your folder setup first, then import.

Find every free download in a playlist

Cratedigger is free for Mac and Windows. No account needed.

Download Cratedigger

More guides