The _Serato_ and _Serato_Backup folders are very important components of Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite, storing essential data including analysis information, streaming data, critical logs, and more.. Understanding their structure and contents is vital for effective library management, troubleshooting, and data backup.
Locating the Serato Folder
macOS: Mac > Users > [Your Username] > Music > _Serato_
Windows: C:\Users\[Your Username]\Music\_Serato_
Additionally, Serato creates a _Serato_ folder on the root level of any external drive from which you've added music.
Understanding the _Serato_Backup Folder
When you exit Serato DJ Pro or Lite, the software may prompt you to back up your library. If you agree, a _Serato_Backup folder is created, duplicating your current _Serato_ folder. This backup can be used to restore your library in case of corruption or data loss. Only one backup is maintained at a time, and it is overwritten with each new backup.
Files and Folders in the _Serato_ Folder
IMPORTANT: Some of the listed items below may or may not appear in your _serato_ folder. Some files are only created when using the Serato DJ Pro or Lite versions before 4.0.0. which are labeled as [LEGACY] in the list below.
Auto Import: [LEGACY] Drag tracks or folders here to automatically add them to your Serato library upon the next launch.
Collapsed.pref: [LEGACY] Stores the collapsed or expanded state of your crates. If crate states aren't saving, delete this file while Serato is closed; it will regenerate upon reopening.
Crates: [LEGACY] Used in older versions of Serato; current versions primarily use the Subcrates folder.
database V2: [LEGACY] Contains metadata for all tracks in your library, including file paths, BPM, and more.
DJ.gai: Encrypted file storing anonymous usage data.
DropoutCount.log: Logs audio dropouts, both masked and unmasked, for troubleshooting.
Imported: [LEGACY] Houses tracks moved from the Auto Import folder upon software launch.
Logs: Contains session logs useful for diagnosing issues.
Metadata: Stores metadata for files that can't have metadata written directly, such as video files.
MIDI: Contains user-saved MIDI presets.
Neworder.pref: [LEGACY] Remembers the order of your crates. Delete if crate order isn't saving; it will regenerate upon reopening Serato.
OverviewBuilder.log: Helps identify corrupt files causing crashes during waveform overview building.
Recording: Default save location for recordings made within Serato.
Recording temp: Temporary storage for unsaved recordings.
RelocateLostFiles.log: [LEGACY] Assists in identifying and relocating missing files.
Reports: Stores crash reports for Serato DJ Pro.
ReportsLite: Stores crash reports for Serato DJ Lite.
Smartcrates: Contains smart crate definitions based on rules rather than specific tracks.
Subcrates: Primary storage for crate and subcrate files in current Serato versions.
window.pref: Stores GUI layout preferences, including window size and column arrangements.