By default, Stems analysis occurs when any of the Stems functions are triggered on a virtual deck with a loaded track. Stem analysis in progress, is indicated by the following status bar message:

However, for some performances you may find you want to trigger Stems more quickly, or with the least impact on your computer’s performance, in which case you may want to consider the following two options for preparing tracks for use with Stems, Analyze Stems (on song load) and the Stems crate.

• Using the Analyze Stems (on song load) preference requires more computer processing power, but results in Stem analysis occurring as soon as a track is loaded to deck, rather than when a Stems function is triggered. This is useful for when you want to use Stems more quickly.
• Using the Stems crate allows you to designate tracks for Stems analysis without having to load a track to deck and is useful if your computer is struggling when using Stems.
  This option is highly recommended for users with slower computers, but requires more free storage space, and is best utilized before your performance.

Analyze Stems (on song load)

Turn on the Analyze Stems preference by navigating to Setup > DJ Preferences > On Song Load:

Stems crate

The Stems crate can be found in Serato DJ Pro's crate list, in your library:

Adding tracks to the Stems crate

Drag tracks into the Stems crate from your library, noting the grey Stems library icon, which then turns into a white Stems library icon, to indicate preparation is complete:

NOTE: Preparing Stems can take some time, and depends on the file type, track length & the specifications of your computer.
Please be patient if the icon remains grey for longer than expected.

Removing tracks from the Stems crate

Occasionally, you may wish to reclaim the storage space used up by prepared Stems, by removing tracks from the Stems crate.

Click on the Stems crate, highlight the track in question, and use keyboard shortcut control/command + delete to remove the track from the Stems crate, which also deletes any associated Stems files on disk. The track is still retained in the library, but the prepared Stems library icon disappears:

NOTE: You can also delete the resulting .serato-stems file manually yourself, by highlighting the track in question in the library, and using the keyboard shortcut control/command + r to open Windows Explorer or macOS Finder - and deleting it there.
Users who have placed tracks in the Stems crate, which have been imported from network storage locations, will need to use this manual method.