Serato DJ Lite 1.3.2 User Manual

User Manual
1
Contents
4 Introduction 14 Track Gain Adjust
4 Hardware 14 Analyzing Files
4 System Requirements 15 How to Analyze Files
15 Re-analyze Files
5 Software Installation 15 Analysis Settings
5 Installation (OSX/macOS) 15 Edit Beatgrids
5 Installation (Windows) 16 Lock Beatgrids
16 Lock Tracks
6 Upgrading to Serato DJ Pro 16 Track Analyze on Deck Load
6 Try Serato DJ Pro
6 Buy Serato DJ Pro 17 Main Screen Overview
17 Master Output Level
7 Getting Started 17 Track & Track Overview Display
7 Starting the software 18 Main Waveform Display
8 Software overview 18 Beat Matching Display
10 Show Tooltips 18 Autoplay
10 Watch Tutorials 18 Active Deck Indicator
10 Get Support 19 Practice Mode
10 First Use Tour 19 Practice Mode controls
10 Show Shortcut keys 20 Serato Play
20 Serato Play controls
12 Importing Music 20 Serato Play settings
12 Adding files to the Serato DJ Lite
library 21 Navigating and Managing your Library
12 External Hard Drives 21 Mouse and Keyboard Navigation
13 Showing your iTunes Library 21 Hardware Navgiation
13 How to get Music from CDs into 21 Searching
Serato DJ Lite 22 Library Status Icons
13 Supported File Types 23 Prepare
13 Music Streaming 23 Organizing Your Library
13 About Corrupt Files 23 Serato Software Compatibility
13 Serato Demo Tracks 24 Crates and Subcrates
25 Copying and Managing Files
14 Preparing Your Files 25 Copying and Moving Crates
14 Practice mode overview 25 Editing ID3 Tags
2
Contents
26 Setting up Columns 41 Sync
27 Library Auto Back-up 41 Relative Pitch & Tempo Control
27 Rescan ID3 Tags 41 Average BPM and Changing Tempos
27 Relocate Lost Files
42 DJ-FX
28 Mixing 42 Using the DJ-FX
28 Mixing and Playback 42 Beats Multiplier
28 Finding the Next track
28 Loading it to the Deck 43 Sampler
28 Eject 43 Sampler Overview
29 Playback Controls 43 Loading Music to the Sampler
29 Adjusting a Track’s Tempo 43 Playing Samples
29 Using a Serato DJ Controller
29 Getting the tracks in time 44 Setup
30 Track Gain Adjust 44 DJ Preferences (Control Preferences)
30 Keylock 44 DJ Preferences (On Song Load)
31 Cue Points 45 Audio (USB Buffer Size [Latency])
31 Add / Delete Cue Point 45 Library + Display (Library)
31 Trigger Cue Point 46 Library + Display (Display)
32 Cue Point Keyboard Shortcuts 46 Library + Display (Music Streaming)
32 Temporary Cue 47 Mixer
47 Mixer (General)
33 Looping 47 Mixer (Monitoring)
33 Auto Loops 48 Mixer (Crossfader)
34 Manual Loops 48 Mixer (Mic/Aux)
35 Beatgrids 49 Troubleshooting
35 Downbeat Marker 49 Warning Lights
36 Bar & Beat Markers 49 Audio Dropout Warning
36 Beat Warp Markers 49 Audio Dropouts or Distortion
37 Editing Beatgrids 50 Files Not Saving Information Issues
38 Incorrect Downbeat Marker 50 Hardware Disconnected
39 Adjust Incorrect Beatgrid 51 Corrupt File Diagnoses
39 Slip Incorrect Beatgrid
40 Grid Edit Shortcuts
3
Introduction
Welcome to the Serato DJ Lite software manual.
Serato DJ Lite is an integrated software and hardware system, designed to give music selectors and DJs
new kinds of control.
Using the Serato DJ Lite software allows you to DJ with music on your computer, with accurate control from
a range of Serato supported hardware. Simply connect your Serato DJ Lite Hardware to your computer,
connect to your sound system and you’re in action.
Hardware
This manual offers generic Serato DJ Lite software Information. To see a full list of supported Serato DJ Lite
hardware, go to:
https://serato.com/dj/hardware?license=dj-ready
For specific Serato DJ Lite hardware setup, control or troubleshooting information please see your hardware
manufacturer manual.
Or for more information on how your Serato DJ Lite hardware interacts with Serato DJ Lite, refer to your specific
hardware quickstart guide for more information.
System Requirements
Before installing Serato DJ Lite, please ensure your computer meets the system requirements, which can be
found on the Serato DJ Lite download page.
https://serato.com/dj/lite/downloads
NOTE: These are the minimum requirements to run Serato DJ Lite. For best performance and for
use in professional situations we recommend you use a computer that exceeds the minimum system
reqiurements.
4
Software Installation
Installation (OSX/macOS)
Before installing, we recommend you download the latest Serato DJ Lite version from our website.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE LATEST INSTALLER FOR OSX/MacOS
To install Serato DJ Lite:
1. Browse using Finder to the location where the Serato DJ Lite download was saved.
2. Double click the Serato DJ Lite.pkg file.
3. The software installer will show, click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
4. The software EULA screen will appear - read the License Agreement, then click ‘Continue’, and when the
prompt appears, ‘Agree’ to accept the terms and proceed.
5. Click ‘Continue’ to confirm the destination.
6. Click ‘Install’ to begin the installation.
7. If prompted, enter your user name and password, and choose ‘Install software’.
8. Serato DJ Lite will now perform a standard installation.
9. The installation is now complete. You can now click Close.
Installation (Windows)
Before installing, we recommend you download and install the latest Serato DJ Lite version from our website.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE LATEST INSTALLER FOR WINDOWS
To install Serato DJ Lite:
1. Browse using Windows Explorer, to the location where the Serato DJ Lite download installer was saved.
2. Double-click on the “SeratoDJ Lite.zip” and extract the installer, using the Windows included archive
tool, or your favourite third-party tool.
3. Extract the Serato DJ Lite .exe installer file and double-click it.
4. The software EULA screen will appear - read the License Agreement, then tick the ‘I agree to the
license terms and conditions’ checkbox - and click ‘Install’.
5. If a User Account Control window appears, click ‘Yes’ to proceed.
6. Serato DJ Lite will now perform a standard installation.
7. The installation is now complete. You can now click Close.
NOTE: A shortcut will be also be created on desktop.
5
Upgrading to Serato DJ Pro
While exploring Serato DJ Lite, you may occasionally notice that some features are greyed out, and mousing over
them reveals the following message:
Serato DJ Pro is an upgrade to Serato DJ Lite, and contains many additional features and functions. Your Serato
DJ Lite-compatible hardware is also compatible with Serato DJ Pro, but will require the purchase and activation
of a Serato DJ Pro license.
Within Serato DJ Lite, you will notice the button, clicking on this will open a browser
window that will outline the feature-set and the differences between Serato DJ Pro and Serato DJ Lite.
Try Serato DJ Pro

If you have a supported Serato DJ Lite controller connected, you can try Serato DJ Pro free, for 14 days.
1. Ensure you have your Serato DJ Lite controller connected.
2. Install and open Serato DJ Pro. If the Trial pop-up does not appear on the bottom
right, click on
3. Click the button in the pop-up that appears on the right hand side.
4. The My Serato window will launch and request your email address. (If you have an existing serato.com user
account, please use this login email and password)
5. Click on the button again if prompted.
Your free 14 day Serato DJ Pro trial will now be begin. The remaining days you have left to use the trial, will be
displayed in the bottom right corner, which is shown as:
Buy Serato DJ Pro

You will need to purchase a license to use your supported Serato DJ Lite controller with Serato DJ Pro software.
1. Ensure you have your Serato DJ Lite controller connected.
2. Install and open Serato DJ Pro.
3. Click near the top right of the Serato DJ Pro interface.
4. An online window will launch and request your email address. (If you have an existing serato.com user
account, please use this login email and password.)
5. Click on
6. Follow the on screen instructions to complete your purchase. If you experience any issues with this process,
please contact sales@serato.com.
7. After successfully completing the purchase process, Serato DJ Pro will now be activated, and you can close
the online window.
6
Getting Started
Starting the Software
Connect your Serato DJ Lite hardware to a USB port on your computer, before you open Serato DJ Lite.
Mac OSX/macOS
Serato DJ Lite will be installed to your Applications folder.
Double click the Serato DJ Lite icon in the applications folder to launch. For easy launching you can click
and drag this icon to the dock.
Windows
Serato DJ Lite will be installed in Windows Menu > All Programs > Serato > Serato DJ Lite
To start Serato DJ Lite on Windows simply double click on the shortcut icon on your desktop, or browse
your start menu and click the Serato DJ Lite icon.
NOTE: When Serato DJ Lite launches it will automatically detect your Serato DJ hardware, as long as the
appropriate drivers are installed (where neccessary).
7
Getting Started
Software Overview
The following chart provides an overview of the Serato DJ Lite main screen. Each point is covered in more detail,
later in the manual.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21
22
23
24
25
26
37 27
36
28
35
29
30
34 33 32 31
1 Deck layer Shows currently selected deck layer. Change with deck layer controls if your hardware supports it.
2 Try Serato DJ Pro Loads your default web browser and takes you to a Serato.com page outlining the features gained by upgrading to
Serato DJ Pro.
3 Track display Displays song title and artist information for the track currently loaded to deck.
4 Cue Pont area Click on or press hardware controls to trigger or set up to 4 colored Cue Points
5 Edit Grid Allows you to edit the beat grid of the track loaded to deck
6 FX Click to open the DJ-FX panel.

SEE DJ-FX FOR MORE INFORMATION
7 Sampler Click to open the Sampler panel.

SEE SAMPLER FOR MORE INFORMATION
8 Load previous Allows you to skip to the beginning of the loaded track, or load the previous track by pressing twice.
9 Play Play currently loaded track, click again to pause. Control + click to reverse play direction.
10 Keylock Enabling Keylock means the song will keep its key when the tempo of the song is changed.
8
Getting Started
Software Overview
11 Virtual deck When a track is loaded to the virtual deck and is playing, the virtual deck will rotate. The outer ring will gradually
change from black to grey to represent of the tracks elapsed state. The platter position indicator will change color
based on the proximity of the nearest Cue point on the track.
12 Track Gain Adjust Allows you to adjust the individual track gain for the currently loaded track. Adjustments made to the track gain
are saved to the file and recalled next time the track is loaded.
13 Track Output level Allows you to monitor the individual deck outputs visually.
meter
14 Sync On / Off Enables or disables Sync
15 Master Gain level Allows you to monitor the master output level visually.
meter
16 Master Gain adjust Allows you to adjust the master output gain. This is separate to the Master level control on your hardware.
17 Help Access ‘Show tooltips’, ‘Show shortcut keys’, ‘Watch tutorials’ and ‘Get Support’ functions.
SEE GETTING STARTED FOR MORE INFORMATION
18 Setup Shows the software Setup screen.
19 Current BPM Shows the tempo of the currently playing track in beats per minute.
20 Audio Dropout Shows a colored warning light that indicates the increased the chance of an audio drop-out occurring.
Warning light
21 Current time Displays the current time.
22 CPU meter Shows current computer CPU processing load.
23 Pitch % and range Displays pitch adjustment as a % and current pitch range.
24 Auto Loop Select Auto loop sizes and enable / disable Auto loop
controls SEE LOOPING FOR MORE INFORMATION
25 Main Waveform Colored Waveform of the currently loaded track to represent frequencies of the sound.
Display
26 Beat Matching Accentuates the beats in the track.

Display SEE BEAT MATCHING DISPLAY FOR MORE INFORMATION
27 Search Searches your Library or Crate for the text entered in this field.
28 Column selector Click to choose columns and fields to be displayed in the library area.
29 Prepare Displays the Prepare panel containing tracks you have pre-selected for your set.
30 Files Displays the Files panel, which enables you to search for tracks on your hard drive.
31 Playhead Shows playhead position on the main waveform display of the track.
32 Eject Eject a track from a loaded virtual deck.
33 Library Displays the songs available in your current library location.
34 Autoplay When Auto Play is enabled, Serato DJ Lite will automatically load and play the next available track from the
currently selected crate, once the currently playing track ends.
35 Crates Displays a list of Crates and Sub-Crates.
36 iTunes Shows tracks loaded into Serato via iTunes.

SEE SHOWING YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY FOR MORE INFORMATION
37 Add Crate Adds a new Crate so that you can organize your files.
SEE CRATES FOR MORE INFORMATION
9
Getting Started
Show Tooltips
Click on the button in the upper right-hand corner of Serato DJ Lite, then to enable
tooltips. Tool tips provide a handy way to learn the various features of Serato DJ Lite.
Move the mouse over a section of the screen to bring up a context sensitive tool tip.
Watch Tutorials
Click on the button in the upper right-hand corner of Serato DJ Lite, then to launch
your default internet browser and watch tutorials, to help you get familiar with Serato DJ Lite.
Get Support
Click on the button in the upper right-hand corner of Serato DJ Lite, then to launch your
default internet browser and navigate to the Serato DJ Lite knowledge base, where you can find helpful
articles and guides on Serato DJ Lite. Alternatively, type in the box, with keywords, to
search the Serato DJ Lite knowledge base for specific, related topics.
Take First Use Tour
Click on the button in the upper right-hand corner of Serato DJ Lite, then to launch
the first use tour in the bottom right-hand corner of Serato DJ Lite. This will run through the basic operation
of Serato DJ Lite. Press the button to progress through the tour.
Show Shortcut keys
These actions can be accessed direclty from the comptuer keyboard
PLAYBACK SHORTCUTS LEFT DECK
Load selected track shift + left arrow

Double track control + shift + left arrow
Eject Virtual Deck shift + alt + left arrow
Play/Pause W
Reverse play direction Q
Set Next Cue Point ,
Set/Jump to Cue Points 1, 2, 3, 4
Delete Cue Points Shift + 1, 2, 3, 4
Jump to temporary Cue Point I
Load next track alt + W
Load previous track alt + Q
Rewind alt + E
Fast Forward alt + R
Pitch bend down T
Pitch bend up Y
Censor U
Keylock F5
10
Getting Started
Show shortcut keys
LOOP SHORTCUTS LEFT DECK
Loop On/Off [
Autoloop On/Off alt + 1, 2, 3, 4
Set/Adjust loop in point O
Set/Adjust loop out point P
SAMPLE PLAYER SHORTCUTS KEY
Play Sample (slot 1-4) Z, X, C, V

Stop Sample (slot 1-4) alt + Z, X, C, V
LIBRARY ACTION KEY
Move Up/Down through tracks up/down arrow

Move Up/Down through crates control + shift + up/down arrow
Shift highlight focus tab
Move cursor to search control + F
Reveal track in Explorer (PC) or Finder (Mac) control + R
Locate last loaded track (press again for other deck) control + L
Select All control + A
Undo Track load control + Z
Delete track/crate control + delete
Send file to trash control + shift + delete
Add track(s) to prepare panel control + P
Zoom main waveform display + or -
Zoom library text size control and + or -
Open track in default media player control + O
(While editing BPM) Double/Halve BPM alt + up/down arrow
Enter Beatgrid Edit Mode alt + spacebar (repeat to toggle between decks)
Exit Serato DJ Lite (escape)
NOTE: If the option ‘Playback Keys Use Shift’ is enabled on the setup screen all playback keys require
either shift or caps lock to be pressed.
The shortcuts described are the keys on a US keyboard. On other keyboards these key positions may be
labelled differently.
For example, [control] on Windows is equivalent to [Command] on Mac OS X. Similarly, [Alt] on Windows
means [Option] on Mac OS X.
NOTE: For some Keyboard Shortcuts such as Load the highlighted song to a deck (shift + left or right
arrows), control can be used as a substitute for shift.
SEE PLAYBACK KEYS USE SHIFT FOR MORE INFORMATION
11
Importing Music
Adding files to the Serato DJ Lite Library
The easiest way to load music from your computer into your library is by using the Files button.
1. Click
on the FILES button to open the files panel. The left side of this window displays various locations on
your computer hard drive (and external drives if you have one). Click on these locations to navigate your
computer and find your music. By default, your music will usually be found in the “Music” inside your
user folder.
2. Once you have located your music, drag the folder or files you want to import onto the “All...” icon. This is
located to the left of your screen at the top of the crates and playlist window.
If you wish to import all of your music, just drag your whole music folder onto this icon. This will import any
compatible file contained in this master folder from your hard drive into the Serato DJ Lite Library.
TIP: You can also import by dragging files and folders directly from Windows Explorer (PC version) or Finder
(Mac version) into the Serato DJ Lite library.
Loading a file to either deck from the files panel will automatically add it to your library.
TIP: Dragging a folder into the crates view will instantly create a crate.
SEE CRATES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Serato DJ Lite doesn’t copy the music into the application, it references the music files where it currently
lives on your hard drive. If you move your music files to a different location, Serato DJ Lite will show these as
missing files in your Library.
SEE RELOCATE LOST FILES FOR MORE INFORMATION
External Hard Drives

Any external hard drive connected to your computer will show in the files panel. You can add files to your library
from an external drive just like you would do when importing from the internal hard drive of your computer.
If the external hard drive is not connected when you run Serato DJ Lite any files added from this drive will
not display in your library.
The library information for files on your external drive is stored on the external drive itself. This means if you
add tracks on an external drive to your library and then plug that external drive into another machine running
Serato DJ Lite, the crates and tracks will automatically be visible in the other machine’s library.
12
Importing Music
Showing your iTunes Library
Serato DJ Lite can import your iTunes™ library allowing you to play your iTunes music and access playlists.
To enable this feature go to the Setup screen, open the Library + Display tab and check the Show iTunes
library box.
NOTE: The iTunes library can be minimized by pressing the small triangle next to the iTunes folder icon
How to get music from CDs into Serato DJ Lite

We suggest you use a 3rd party application to convert your audio CDs into a suitable file type for Serato DJ
Lite. We recommend 320kbps MP3 files for a good balance of audio quality and file size. Serato DJ Lite can
play Audio CDs direct from your computer’s CD ROM or DVD drive, however playback performance can be
impeded by the speed of the drive and computer.
NOTE: We recommend ripping your CDs rather than trying to play from them directly.
Supported File Types

.MP3, .OGG, .AAC (mac only), .M4A, .ALAC (mac & Windows 10 only), .FLAC, .AIFF, .WAV, .WL.MP3
Fixed and variable bit rate (VBR) files are both supported. Tracks protected by DRM are not compatible with
Serato DJ Lite.
SEE DRM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Music Streaming
Serato DJ Lite supports streaming of audio from within your library, via several streaming providers.
SEE MUSIC STREAMING FOR MORE INFORMATION
About Corrupt Files

This icon means that Serato DJ Lite has detected some corruption in the file. It is possible this file
may not play correctly, and/or make your library unstable. If possible, re-encode the MP3 or remove from
the library. Corrupt files can cause issues, it’s best to remove them as soon as possible. Hover your mouse
mover the status icon for information on what type of corruption was found.
SEE CORRUPT FILE DIAGNOSES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Serato Demo Tracks

The Serato DJ Lite Installer includes 6 Serato Demo Tracks. These files are automatically imported into the Serato
DJ Lite library when launching the software for the first time.
13
Preparing Your Files
Practice mode overview
Practice mode is available when Serato DJ Lite hardware is not connected, and outputs through the current
default audio device. Controls become available in the user interface, and can be modified with the mouse or
keyboard shortcuts.
Load a track in Practice mode by dragging and dropping onto either waveform display area, the track
display area, or by pressing shift + left arrow (or shift + right arrow for deck 2).
Practice mode is a useful tool for preparing crates, auditioning tracks and mixes, and adding Cue Points.
To access the track controls, simply click on the button.
SEE CUE POINTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
SEE LOOPING FOR MORE INFORMATION
SEE PRACTICE MODE CONTROLS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Track Gain Adjust

The Track Gain Adjust allows adjustment of the playback volume for track loaded in Practice mode, as
well as when Serato DJ Lite hardware is connected.
The Gain value adjustment made is saved to the file and will be retained the next time you load that
track. Track Gain Adjust behavior is also the same when your Serato DJ Lite hardware is connected.
SEE TRACK GAIN ADJUST FOR MORE INFORMATION
Analyzing Files
Analyze files prepares the waveform overviews, detects file corruption, and if enabled, calculates BPM
values. Analyzing files in Serato DJ Lite ensures that your songs are ready for you when you need to use
them, and reduces CPU load when DJing. We recommend you analyze songs as they are added to your
library for best performance.
NOTE: When hardware is connected, Set BPM options are in effect. Keep these checked in Practice mode
if you wish to have new tracks analyzed with these values when dragging files to a deck.
NOTE: If you have files you don’t want to analyze, you can Lock tracks.
SEE LOCK TRACKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
14
How to Analyze Files
To analyze your files open Serato DJ Lite with your hardware disconnected. You will see the analyze files
button, click this to automatically analyze ALL the tracks in your library, that have not yet been analyzed.
You can also drag and drop individual folders, crates and files onto the button to analyze small or specific
groups of files at a time.
Re-Analyze Files
Previously analyzed tracks can be re-analyzed by dragging the track, selection of tracks or entire Crate to the
Analyze Files button. To force Serato DJ Lite to re-analyze ALL files in your library, hold control while clicking on
the analyze files button.
NOTE: Re-Analyzing will not analyze any Locked tracks.
Analysis Settings
Set BPM
Check this option to ensure Serato DJ Lite calculates the BPM while analyzing files. Re-analyzing files with
this option checked will overwrite any manual changes made.
NOTE: Locked files will not have a new BPM calculated.
BPM Range
This option sets the upper and lower limits of the BPM range while analyzing files. Selecting the correct range
will help to avoid half or double BPM values being calculated. For example, if you have tracks that are being
analyzed at 140 BPM and you want them analyzed at 70, choose 68-135.
NOTE: If you find tracks with BPM values that are incorrect, check the BPM Range is correct in Practice
mode.
15
Lock Beatgrids
Tracks in your library can be locked to avoid accidentally changing the BPM or Beatgrid information for the file.
This provides a handy visual aid for tracks in your library you feel have correct BPM values. Find a track you
wish to lock, hold control + click in the empty Status column (the first column in the main Library view). A
Blue Lock icon will be displayed in this field. Press control + click again on this icon to unlock the track.
TIP: You can lock several tracks at once. Highlight the track selection you want and then click in the Status
column. Serato DJ Lite will then prompt you if you want to edit all the tags for these tracks.
Lock Tracks
If a track displays a gold lock in the Status column, then the file information for the track itself cannot be
changed. You will not be able to change any of the track’s information permanently in Serato DJ Lite. This
includes BPM, waveforms, cue points, or other metadata information. However, you may be able to adjust
information for the track when in a session, but this information will not be saved (written) to the file’s meta
tags where this information is kept.
The file may be locked because you are using the wrong formatted hard drive (i.e. a NTFS drive formatted
on a Windows PC and trying to use this on a Mac which can only read this information).
Or it could be the file itself is locked. To find out if a track is locked, highlight the track in Serato DJ Lite, and
press control + R to ‘reveal’ the file location on your hard drive.
Then press either command + I (‘Get Info’ for Mac) or alt + enter (‘Properties’ for Windows). Then see if the
track is Read Only, or that you have the permissions to write to the file.
Track Analyze on Deck Load

Loading an un-analyzed track to a deck will follow the Analyze Files rules. Having Set BPM checked in
Practice mode will also set the BPM when you load a track to a virtual deck or sample slot in Serato DJ Lite.
Loading a previously analyzed track to a deck will not detect BPM if the track has none already.
16
Main Screen Overview
Master Output Level
The Master Output Level control sets the final volume level of the main mix at the software output, before it is sent
to the hardware. The output level can be adjusted from -12dB (all the way to the left) to +12dB (all the way to the
right). The green, yellow and red audio meter next to the control displays the audio output level after the Master
Output Level Control is applied.
Control + click the Master Output Level to reset to 12 o’clock (0dB). When audio is at this level all green
segments on the meter are lit. Alt + click the Master Output Level to reset to the +3dB “no headroom” setting.
When audio is at this level all green and yellow segments on the meter are lit.
Audio above the +3dB headroom level (i.e. ‘in the red’) will trigger the Serato DJ Lite limiter to avoid clipping, the
output audio level will not increase further although the meter will continue to show how much audio is over the
limiter threshold by lighting red segments up to +9dB above the 12 o’clock setting. Lit red segments indicate that
the limiter is actively affecting your audio, which can degrade the quality of your sound. Keeping the level out of
the red is recommended at all times.
Track & Track Overview Display
When a track is loaded, the track name, artist, remaining time and current BPM are displayed in the track
title bar. If any of this information is not contained in the file it will not be displayed.
• Track Time: The currently loaded total remaining track time is displayed.
• Current BPM: Shows the current BPM.
• Tempo Range: Displays the current tempo range as deteremined by connected hardware.
• Tempo Adjustment: Shows the current tempo increment ranging from -% to +%.
• Edit Grid: By clicking on Edit Grid, you can open the Beatgrid Editor.
SEE EDITING BEATGRIDS MORE INFORMATION
The Track Overview area provides a complete overview of the waveform of the track and includes a marker
to show the current position within the track. This view is useful for finding transitions within the track. The
waveform is colored according to the spectrum of the sound; red representing low frequency bass sounds,
green representing mid frequency sounds and blue representing high frequency treble sounds. You can
jump to different positions within the track by clicking on the track overview display. Grey lines behind the
overview show the length of the track; a thin grey line every minute, and a thick grey line every 5 minutes. If
you have not analyzed your files the overview will be filled when you load the track onto a virtual deck.
TIP: Analyze files before you play.
SEE ANALYZING FILES FOR MORE INFORMATION
17
Main Waveform Display
This area provides a close-up view of the track, including color-coding to show the frequency of the
sound; red representing low frequency bass sounds, green representing mid frequency sounds and blue
representing high frequency treble sounds.
Click and hold on the waveform to ‘scrub’ or make fine adjustments to your position within the track. The
main waveform is zoomed around the current position in the track. The waveforms scale with the pitch
slider on your Serato DJ hardware to make it easier to see when beats are aligned and in time.
TIP: Use the + and – keys to zoom in and out.
Beat Matching Display
The beat matching display provides a helpful tool for beat matching songs. Serato DJ Lite accentuates the
transients in the track, so that they can be easily matched. When two tracks are matched, the markers will
align.
Auto Play
You will find Auto Play in the bottom left hand corner of the main screen once your compatible hardware is
connected. When Auto Play is enabled, Serato DJ Lite will automatically load and play the next available track from
the currently selected crate, once the currently playing tack ends.
Active Deck Indicator

When using 4 deck Serato DJ Lite hardware, you will notice the 2 visible decks have a green border. This is
referred to as the active deck indicator. This means that all controls on your Serato DJ Lite hardware, and all
Keyboard Shortcuts, will apply to the visible decks, which have the green border.
You can use your Serato DJ Lite hardware to change the active deck, or your keyboard.
Selecting your Active Deck will determine which deck is displayed when you have 4 decks.
TIP: Use the keyboard shortcut ~ (tilde) to toggle between having 1/2 or 3/4 as your active decks.
18
Practice mode
Practice mode can be used to mix two tracks in Serato DJ Lite, and allows you to practice combinations without
compatible hardware connected. Controls become available in the user interface, and can be modified with the
mouse or keyboard shortcuts.
Practice mode controls

Practice Crossfader: Controls the blend of both decks audio. Hold Shift while clicking and dragging to make
fine adjustments, hold Control (Command) while clicking to reset.
Volume Upfader and Input Gain Level Meter: Volume Upfader controls the volume of the corresponding
deck. Use the LED strip to monitor the audio signal and avoid audio degradation by keeping the LED level out of
the red.
BPM and Pitch Slider box: Shows the tempo of the currently playing track in beats per minute. This figure
reflects changes in tempo slider movement. Using your mouse, click and drag up or down inside the BPM Pitch
Slider box to make the BPM adjustments. To make fine adjusments hold Shift and click and drag. Use Control
(Command) while clicking on the BPM Pitch Slider box to reset the pitch to zero %.
Bend/Nudge +/-: Click to adjust the tempo momentarily, nudging the track forward or backward in time. Control
(Command) and click to make permanent fine tempo adjustments.
19
Serato Play
Serato Play is an expansion pack for Serato DJ Lite that allows you to mix without connecting Serato primary
hardware.
Using keyboard shortcuts or the mouse, the user can adjust EQ, crossfader, and filter to manipulate the mix,
using 1, 2, 3, or 4 virtual decks. Click the button to enable Serato Play.
NOTE: Serato Play must be purchased and activated separately, click here to find out more.
Serato Play controls
EQ: Click and drag on knobs to increase or decrease the level of Low, Mid, or Hi frequency bands. Hold ‘SHIFT’
while clicking and dragging to make fine adjustments.
Hold ‘CONTROL’ (or COMMAND on macOS) while clicking on a knob to reset it to the default position, or click
on the white dot above the knob, which will turn blue to indicate the EQ is not being applied and has been reset.
Filter: Click and drag on this knob to the right to increase the high-pass filter cutoff, or to the left to decrease the
low-pass filter cutoff.
Hold ‘SHIFT’ while clicking and dragging to make fine adjustments.
Hold ‘CONTROL’ (or COMMAND on macOS) while clicking on a knob to reset it to the default position, or click
on the white dot above the knob, which will turn blue to indicate the EQ is not being applied and has been reset.
Crossfader: Click and drag the crossfader to the left or right to blend audio between channels.
Hold ‘SHIFT’ while clicking and dragging to make fine adjustments.
Hold ‘CONTROL’ (or COMMAND on macOS) while clicking on the crossfader to reset it to the default, middle
position.
Serato Play settings

Use Split Headphone Cable: Enable this to allow pre-listening of audio via the use of an audio splitter cable.
Used to Cue songs through your headphones, while monitoring the master output, independently of each other.
Click the button in each deck, once the Split Headphone Cable option has been enabled, to send deck
audio to the headphone output when using a splitter cable.
Use the control to adjust the audio level of the headphone cue output.
Serato Play Hotkeys: Enables Serato Play Hotkeys Mode. This mode allows for control of mixer features and
basic playback functionality using keyboard shortcuts. Click on ‘View Keys’ to display keyboard shortcuts.
Crossfader Assign: Click to Assign the channel output to the left or right side of the crossfader. Unassign the
crossfader per channel by clicking the appropriate button again.
20
Navigating and Managing your Library
The library contains all the music that you have added to Serato DJ Lite. By using browse and search you
can easily narrow down your selection to find the track you want.
TIP: You can change the size of your library text by using the keyboard shortcuts control and + and control
and -.
Mouse and Keyboard Navigation

You can use the cursor keys and mouse to navigate the library. The cursor keys work as up, down, forward
and back.
Hardware Navigation
You can use the hardware controls to navigate the library.
SEE YOUR HARDWARE MANUAL FOR MORE INFORMATION
Searching
Serato DJ Lite includes a search function to help you find tracks quickly and easily. Just enter text into the
search box and Serato DJ Lite will automatically find as you type.
TIP: Use the keyboard shortcut control + F to jump to the search box. This keyboard shortcut will also take
you out of any crate or playlist that you might be in and into your main library, so you can find any track in
your collection. If you then click on a crate or playlist, the search query will be cleared. To select which fields
the search function will look through, click on the left hand side of the search box. The drop down menu
shows which fields are currently being used. Press escape or the X button on the right of the search box to
clear the search.
21
Library Status Icons
Serato DJ Lite has detected some corruption in the file. It is possible this file may not play correctly,
and/or make your library unstable. If possible, re-encode the MP3 or remove from the library.
The track cannot be found and will appear yellow in the library.. Most likely the file has been renamed
or moved location since it was first used in Serato DJ Lite.
SEE RELOCATE LOST FILES FOR MORE INFORMATION
The track has been imported from the iTunes library.

SEE SHOWING YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY
The track has been imported from iTunes but is corrupt.

The file type is unsupported or does not meet the specifications for supported files
SEE SUPPORTED FILE TYPES FOR MORE INFORMATION
The track has been imported from iTunes, but the file cannot be found.
SEE SHOWING YOUR ITUNES LIBRARY
The track is locked.
The track’s BPM and Beatgrid is locked.
SEE LOCK BEATGRIDS FOR MORE INFORMATION
22
Prepare
The prepare window is an area for holding tracks, much like preparing a set by lifting records partially out of
your record bag. Click the button in Serato DJ Lite to open the prepare panel.
Navigate through your library with the keyboard and use the mouse to drag tracks or crates into the prepare
window or onto the prepare window.
These tracks will be removed from the prepare panel once they have been played. If you decided that you
didn’t want to play the track after previewing it, you can use control + Z to eject the track and put it back
into the prepare crate. All tracks in the prepare panel will be discarded when you exit Serato DJ Lite.
TIP: Use the keyboard shortcut control + P to add tracks to the prepare window.
TIP: Select the contents of the Prepare window, drag them onto the new crate button
to save the selection.
Organizing Your Library

Serato DJ Lite can support an unlimited number of tracks, the only limitations are the specifications of your
computer. Having extra memory and a faster CPU can help cope with larger libraries.
A number of features are included to help you to keep your music organized and find tracks quickly and
easily.
Serato Software Compatibility

Serato DJ Lite uses the same library as all other Serato software. If you are an existing Serato software
user all your music, Loops and Cue Points will be available in Serato DJ Lite. If you create a library in Serato
DJ and then install Serato ITCH or Scratch Live the music Loops and Cue Points from Serato DJ will
automatically be available in Serato ITCH and Scratch Live. Any changes made in either program will be
written to the library so if you have existing Loops and Cue Points, be aware of this when moving between
systems.
23
Crates
Serato DJ Lite uses digital crates for quick access to your favorite collections. There is no limit to the
number of crates you can create, and any given track can be placed in multiple crates. The crate area is on
the left hand side of the library.
For example, you could organize your tracks into the following crates, where any one track would be filed in
more than one crate.
• Hip Hop
• French Hip Hop
• UK Hip Hop
• Instrumental Hip Hop
• Old School Hip Hop
• Hip Hop LPs
To make a new crate, click the button. To rename a crate, double click the crate name. You can
change the order of tracks within a crate by dragging them up or down.
Subcrates
You can drag and drop crates into other crates to make subcrates. If you drag a crate to the very left of the
crate panel, it will stay in the top level of the crate structure. If you drag the crate a little to the right, onto the
name of another crate, it will make the crate you are dragging a sub crate of this crate.
Subcrates can be opened and collapsed, allowing you to have a large number of crates whilst making them
easy to browse.
24
Copying and Managing Files
Serato DJ Lite gives you the ability to copy and move files or folders between drives or to a new location on
the same drive.
To copy or move your files and/or folders, open the Files panel and select, drag and drop them in the
desired new location.
Serato DJ Lite will then prompt you with the following options:
Copy: Select this to make a copy of the selected files and folders in the new location. Your Serato library
will now contain entries for both the originals and copies.
Move: Select this to move the selected files and/or folders to the new location. Your Serato library and
crates will now reference the files in their new location.
Cancel: Cancel any changes.
Remove original references from Library: Check this option when using the copy feature to remove the
original references to these files in your Serato library and replace them with the copies in the new location.
The original files will still be kept in their current location, but will no longer referenced in your Serato library.
Copying and Moving Crates

You can also copy or move your Crates and Subcrates to another drive in the same way. Open the Files
panel and select, drag and drop your Crates or Subcrates to the new drive. You will be presented with the
same options as mentioned above.
Editing ID3 Tags

Much of the information associated with each track can be edited from within Serato DJ Lite. Double click
on the field within the main library to edit it. Filename, length, size, bit rate and sampling cannot be edited,
this information is saved in the file itself.
TIP: Use the keyboard shortcut control + E to edit text. Hold down the control key and move with the arrow
keys to change to a different field while staying in edit mode. When you have more than one track selected,
editing tags changes all the tracks in your selection.
NOTE: Tracks that are read-only have a locked icon.
25
Setting up Columns
The track information display area can be customized to display any of the columns listed below.
• Added
• Album
• Artist
• Bit rate
• BPM
• Comment
• Composer
• Filename
• Genre
• Grouping
• Label
• Length
• Location
• Plays
• Remixer
• Sampling Rate
• Size
• Track
• Year
Clicking on the triangle at the top right of the library (under the search function) as well as right clicking
on the header of any library column, will show the list so you can turn fields on and off. You can re-size
columns by grabbing the edge and dragging to the width you want.
You can click on any columns to sort by that column, and you can also assign a secondary sort column.
Holding CTRL (CMD on OSX) on your keyboard, and clicking on the second column will assign the
secondary column. Clicking a second time on a primary or secondary column will change between an
ascending and descending sort.
Holding CTRL + SHIFT while clicking on the secondary column will disable it.
26
Library Auto Back-up
Serato DJ Lite will create a folder on your hard disk called Serato where it stores your library database, crate
information and other information. The Serato folder is located in the My Music folder on Windows and in
the Music folder on Mac. Serato DJ Lite will also create a Serato folder on any external drive that you have
added files from into the library.
When you first exit Serato DJ Lite you will be prompted to backup your library. This creates a copy of the
Serato folder on your system drive and on any connected external drives containing a Serato folder. The
backup folder is called “Serato_Backup.” After the initial backup, you will be prompted to backup again if
the last backup on that drive is older than a week or if no backup exists. Serato DJ Lite will only keep ONE
backup at a time, so each time you backup Serato DJ Lite will overwrite the previous backup.
NOTE: If you have had an early version of Serato ITCH or Scratch Live installed on the computer the library
folder might be called ‘ScratchLIVE’, not ‘_Serato_’. Some users may have both folders.
Rescan ID3 Tags
The Rescan ID3 tags button is found in the Files panel and re-reads file tags for the entire library. Use this
function if you have edited or modified file tags in other software.
TIP: Rescanning the tags is a handy way to identify any files that can’t be found, for example, if the files
have been re-named or moved. These tracks are then shown as red in the library pane, with a question
mark icon in the status column.
Relocate Lost Files
The Relocate Lost Files button is located in the files panel. If you’ve moved the location of files which are
already in your library, they will show up as not found and be displayed in red. Drag and drop a folder from
Finder (Mac) or Explorer (Windows) onto the Relocate Lost Files button to search it, and any sub- folders, for
files currently marked as not found in your library. Doing this will update the database with their new location.
NOTE: Clicking the Relocate Lost Files button will search through all attached drives for missing files but
may take a very long time depending on size of Serato DJ Lite library and complexity of hard drive file
organisation.
27
Mixing
Mixing and Playback
Previously we have covered finding, loading and playing tracks. Once you have a track playing, the next
step is to mix it into another track.
Finding the Next track

First you’ll need to find the next track to mix in. Browse your library to find a suitable track. You can click the
top of a column header to sort your library.
TIP: The library’s BPM column is useful for finding a track with a similar tempo to the current track.
Loading it to the Deck

Load the next track to the desired virtual deck by using the mouse to drag and drop a file from the library,
or use the keyboard shortcuts.
• Shift + left arrow to load onto the left deck (or the active left deck when using 4 decks)
• Shift + right arrow to load onto the right deck (or the active right deck when using 4 decks)
(Alternatively you can use the relevant track-load button(s) on your Serato DJ hardware.)
SEE KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Eject
To eject a track from a loaded virtual deck you can either click the button or use the following
keyboard shortcuts:
• Alt + shift + left arrow to load onto the left deck (or the active left deck when using 4 decks)
• Alt + shift + right arrow to load onto the right deck (or the active right deck when using 4 decks)
28
Mixing
Playback Controls
The playback controls can be clicked above each virtual deck.
Play: Plays track forward. Click again to pause. control + click to reverse play.
Load previous track: Loads the previous track in your active crate
The playback controls can also be used with keyboard shortcuts.

Adjusting a Track’s Tempo

The playback speed of the track is controlled by the Pitch Slider / Dial on the Serato DJ hardware. Moving
the slider or knob will speed up or slow down the track.
You can adjust the pitch range for the pitch range controls using the relative PITCH RANGE buttons on the
Serato DJ hardware.
Using a Serato DJ Controller

If you are using a Serato DJ Lite-compatible controller, the playback speed of the track can be controlled by the
tempo slider/dial on the hardware. Moving the slider or knob will speed up or slow down the track at the tempo
range that is currently set. You can adjust the tempo range using the relative buttons on your Serato DJ Lite-
compatible controller. Available pitch range is hardware dependant, and therefore each pitch range may not be
available across all hardware.
Getting the tracks in time

Moving the pitch adjust will slow the track down or speed the track up. This allows you to take two tracks
that are of different tempos and mix them together in time. The pitched BPM and the pitch % are shown in
the Track Display Area.
The simplest way to adjust the speed to match the other track, is to move the pitch until the BPM value is
the same as the track that is already playing. By repeatedly playing from the temp Cue Point and fine tuning
the pitch slider you can get the tracks playing at exactly the same speed.
NOTE: Serato DJ Lite will play music at a range of speeds with or without key lock.
SEE KEYLOCK FOR MORE INFORMATION
29
Mixing
Track Gain Adjust
Gain can be adjusted for your individual track, which may be loaded to the Virtual Deck or Sampler
Sample Slot. Adjustment ranges from -24dB to +24dB. To set the gain value to 0dB, control + click
on the Track Gain Adjust. Serato DJ Lite will remember adjusted Track Gain value when the track is
next loaded.
When Auto Gain is enabled, the Track Gain Adjust will appear grey.
Again, to set the gain value to 0 dB, control + click the Track Gain Adjust. To return the value to its
original Auto Gain value, alt + click the Track Gain Adjust.

SEE USE AUTO GAIN FOR MORE INFORMATION
We recommend keeping your tracks gain set so that the deck output level is in the yellow segments for the
loudest parts of your track. Keeping the level out of the red is recommended at all times.
TIP: For fine Track Gain Adjustment, hold shift while dragging the control
Keylock
Enabling Keylock means the song will keep its key when the tempo of the song is changed. Key
Lock has scratch detection, so that it automatically turns off when scratching for a natural scratching
sound.
TIP: F5 and F10 will turn Key Lock on and off for the left and right decks respectively.
30
Cue Points
A Cue Point is a marker on the track that, when triggered/clicked, will take you to that position in the song.
Serato DJ Lite has up to 4 Cue Points.
NOTE: Your Cue Points are saved to the file and recalled the next time it is loaded. They are not lost if the
file is moved or renamed.
Cue Point functionality can also be controlled and set using the relevant Cue Point buttons on your Serato
DJ hardware or by clicking in the Cue Point View area of the software.
Add / Delete Cue Point

To create a Cue Point, click on the symbol in an empty Cue slot, press one of the HOT CUE buttons for
that slot/deck on your hardware, or use the keyboard shortcuts control + 1-4 (left deck) and 6-9 (right deck).
The button will light up to show that there is a Cue Point set.
To delete a Cue Point click the symbol in the cue point display area or hold SHIFT and press the HOT
CUE button for the cue point you want to delete on your hardware.
Trigger Cue Point

Once a Cue Point is set, you can jump to it at any time by pressing the relevant HOT CUE button on your
Serato DJ hardware or clicking on the symbol that appears while mousing-over the Cue Point. If
playback is paused, triggering a Cue Point will play from that point for as long as the HOT CUE button is
held down, and will return to the cue point and pause when the button is released.
TIP: If you press the PLAY/PAUSE button on your Serato DJ hardware whilst you are holding down the HOT
CUE button on your Serato DJ hardware, playback will continue when you let both buttons go. This allows
you to cue a track in from pause mode and then continue playback once you know the mix is right.
31
Cue Points
Cue Point Keyboard Shortcuts
You can also jump to Cue Points using keyboard shortcuts:
• 1 through 4 for the Cue Points on the left deck (or the active left deck when using 4 decks).
• 6 through 9 for the Cue Points on the right deck (or the active right deck when using 4 decks).
NOTE: If ‘Playback keys use shift’ option is enabled in the Setup > Playback screen, then you willl
need to hold down shift when pressing the relevant number of keys.
Temporary Cue
The temp cue function allows you to set a temporary cue point (defined by a white marker) in a track that is
not saved to the file. This is useful for finding a point in a track and then being able to easily start again from
this point as you get your mix right. By default, this is set to the beginning of the audio file. While paused
you can use the platter to fine tune the playhead placement to ensure your cue point is set exactly on a
downbeat.
You can set a temporary cue point using keyboard shortcuts.

• I = set temp cue point for left deck (or the active left deck when using 4 decks).
• K = set temp cue point for right deck (or the active right deck when using 4 decks).
NOTE: Playback will have to be paused in order for a temporary cue to be set.
Once the temp cue is set, holding the relevant temp cue button on your hardware (usually CUE) whilst
paused will play from the temp cue point. Releasing the button will pause playback and return to the temp
cue position. This is good for stuttering in the start of a track.
If you press the PLAY/PAUSE button on your Serato DJ Lite hardware whilst you are holding down the CUE
button, playback will continue when you let both buttons go. This allows you to cue a track in from pause
mode and then continue playback once you know the mix is right.
The CUE button can also be pressed whilst the track is playing at any point to return to this point and put
the deck in pause. To change the location of the temp cue put the deck in pause with the playhead at a
different location and press the CUE button again. The temp cue point is also useful to repeatedly start from
a preset point in the track. This allows you to easily drop in a few times until you get it right.
32
Looping
In Serato DJ Lite you can set Auto Loops by selecting a range of Loop sizes, or with Manual Loops by
determining In and Out points on the loaded track.
Auto Loops
To activate an Auto Loop, your track will need to have been analysed, and have a ‘BPM’ detected by Serato
DJ Lite. You can then use the controls detailed below:
Auto loops range from 1 bar to 8 bars. You can use the relevant Auto Loop controls on your Serato DJ
hardware or click the loop value you wish to create by choosing from the range of defined lengths. To shift
the range displayed, use the two arrow buttons on the left and right of defined lengths.
By clicking one of the Auto Loop Defined Lengths, a loop start point will be created from the nearest beat to
the playhead (within reason), and set a loop end point in based on the defined length selected. The loop is
snapped to the beats in the song detected by Serato DJ Lite so even if you press the button slightly out of
time Serato DJ Lite will still create a perfect size loop.
Clicking on the same Auto Loop length again while the loop is active will deactivate the loop. Selecting
another Auto Loop length while loop is active will extend the end point of the current loop to the appropriate
new Auto Loop length.To activate Auto Loops using keyboard shortcuts:
• alt + 1 through 4 for the left deck (or the active left deck when using 4 decks).
• alt + 6 through to 9 for the right deck (or the active right deck when using 4 decks).
NOTE: Auto Loops calculate the loop from the track’s BPM value, so it is required that your tracks have
been analyzed with ‘Set Beatgrid/BPM’ checked.
33
Looping
Manual Loops
Loop functionality is controlled and set using the relevant loop buttons/knobs on your Serato DJ Lite
controller, but can also be intiated by keyboard shortcuts.
To make a loop, set the in-point by clicking the IN button on, and the out-point by clicking the OUT button
To turn the loop on or off, click the LOOP/EXIT button.
To adjust the in-point of the loop, press and hold down the IN button and move the platter to expand or
contract the loop start. Release the IN button to keep this change. The same applies to adjusting the out-
point by holding the OUT button and adjusting the platter.
• alt + 1 through 4 for the left deck (or the active left deck when using 4 decks).
• alt + 6 through to 9 for the right deck (or the active right deck when using 4 decks).
NOTE: Auto Loops calculate the loop from the track’s BPM value, so it is required that your tracks have
been analyzed with ‘Set Beatgrid/BPM’ checked.
34
Beatgrids
Tracks without Beatgrids need to be Analyzed before a Beatgrid is created.
SEE ANALYZING FILES FOR MORE INFORMATION
TIP: For new tracks that haven’t been analyzed you can alternatively load a track to a virtual deck and
Serato DJ Lite will add a Beatgrid. The ‘Set Beatgrid’ option will need to have been selected in the Offline
Player.
NOTE: Analyzing tracks may take some time. It is recommended you do this prior to a gig.
A track’s Beatgrid is made up of several parts:
All Bar Markers have a number next to them, which references the bar number, starting at 1 (the Downbeat
Marker). Each bar is then divided into 4 beats, with 3 small white markers to indicate beat divisions within
each bar.
Downbeat Marker
The Downbeat Marker is a red line and is placed on the first transient of the track (this could be a kick drum,
or first bass note at the beginning of the track). The Downbeat Marker will have a 1 above it to indicate it is
Bar 1.
If the BPM is accurate, then the Beatgrid will be set perfectly and you will not need any further adjustment.
If the Beatgrid markers don’t fall on the track’s beats, then you will need to Edit the Beatgrid.
SEE EDITING BEATGRIDS FOR MORE INFORMATION
35
Beatgrids
Bar Markers
Once the Downbeat Marker is created, the Beatgrid will then be created using the BPM value of the track to
lay out a series of Bar Markers throughout the track on each bar start.
Each Bar Marker has a Bar number displayed next to the line, these indicate the start of the track’s bar
number (i.e. the first beat is the start of bar number 1). If the BPM value is correct, then the Beat Markers will
fall on each of the track’s beats.
NOTE: Any bar before the first Downbeat will be shown as negative Bar numbers.
Beat Markers
Between each Bar Marker is a series of small, grey Beat Markers, showing the individual beats in each of
the track’s bar.
NOTE: For some music such as house music, this may fall on each kick drum. For other music, such as hip
hop or funk, these Beat Markers may not fall on top of a physical drum hit.
Beat Warp Markers

If there is a tempo change in a track, you can manually set a new red Beat Warp Marker.
Setting Manual Beat Warp Markers will warp the Beatgrid from this marker. This allows the Beatgrid to
follow the track’s change in tempo. Tracks with Beat Warp Markers are able to be perfectly Synced to
tracks with no tempo changes without the beats dropping out of time.
You can set as many Beat Warp Markers as you need. A track may change tempo multiple times, or the
tempo may fluctuate if the track is from a live recording or ripped from vinyl.
NOTE: Changes in tempo over time are common with live recorded music (such as rock, funk, reggae, etc.)
Changes in tempo are very rare with most electronically created music (such as house, drum & bass, pop,
etc).
36
Beatgrids
Editing Beatgrids
If the Beatgrid markers aren’t falling on top of the track’s beats, you will need to edit the Beatgrid.
You can do this by loading the track to the deck, either in offline player, or while connected to your Serato
DJ hardware, then clicking on “Edit Grid” which appears next to the time elapsed/remaining information for
your track.
If you click on Edit Grid, the Beatgrid Editor will appear and a blue bar will appear above the waveform of the
track. If you are connected to your Serato DJ hardware the Beatgrid will appear instead of the Virtual Deck.
The Beatgrid Editor contains all the tools you will need to create a Beatgrid, or correct an incorrect Beatgrid.
TIP: To check if the Beatgrid has been calculated correctly you can skip forwards into the track to see if
the markers fall on the beats or not (after a breakdown is a good place). It is also a good idea to go to the
track’s outro section and see if the markers are still falling on the beats.
TIP: Press escape at any time to exit the Beatgrid Editor without saving any changes.
37
Beatgrids
Incorrect Downbeat Marker
Incorrect Downbeat marker (pictured)
If the Downbeat Marker is set incorrectly or you want the first beat to be in a different position (i.e. if the
track has a long intro), then you will need to create a new Downbeat Marker.
1. Open the Grid Editor by clicking Grid Edit or using the keyboard shortcut, alt + spacebar.
2. Clear the beatgrid by clicking on the CLEAR button to delete the marker closest to the
playhead. (or shift + delete to clear the entire Beatgrid.)
3. Move the playhead above the desired location for the Downbeat.
4. Click on SET to set the Downbeat Marker or use the “x” key on your keyboard. The
Downbeat Marker will snap to the closest transient.
5. Click SAVE or press Return to exit the Grid Editor and save the change.
Correct Downbeat marker (pictured)
SEE GRID EDIT SHORTCUTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
38
Beatgrids
Adjust Incorrect Beatgrid
Incorrect Beatgrid (pictured)
The Beatgrid may not always be correctly estimated and the markers may not line up exactly with the
track’s beats. If the Beatgrid Bar Markers start falling off the beats over time, then you will need to Adjust
the Beatgrid. Adjusting the Beatgrid will expand or contract the Beatgrid from your last Downbeat or Bar
Marker.
2. Scan into the track to see the Beatgrid going out of time.
3. To expand or contract the Beatgrid, use the small and large Grid Adjust buttons, or press the
left or right arrow on your keyboard.
Correct Beatgrid (pictured)
Slip Incorrect Beatgrid

If your Beatgrid matches the tracks’ tempo, but the track’s Downbeat Beat Marker is incorrect or the groove
or feel is sounding slightly out, you may need to Slip the Beatgrid. This will move (slip) the entire Beatgrid
along without adjusting the calculated BPM.
If the entire Beatgrid is out (i.e. both the Downbeat and Beat Warp Markers), you can Slip the entire Beatgrid
which will move all markers the same amount.
2. Use the small and large Grid Slip buttons to move the Beatgrid, or press control + the left or
right arrow on your keyboard.
39
Beatgrids
Grid Edit Shortcuts
To edit a Beatgrid you will need to open the Beatgrid Editor.
Grid Edit mode (pictured)
NOTE: You may find it easier to make adjustments to the Beatgrid with the track not playing. Use the
following functions with your computer keyboard or mouse:
Action Keyboard Mouse
Open Beatgrid Editor alt/option + spacebar
Exit Beatgrid Editor Esc
Save Beatgrid Changes Enter
Set Beat Warp Marker x alt + double click
Clear Beat Marker delete
Clear all Beatgrid shift + delete
Adjust (Contract/Stretch) Beatgrid arrow keys alt + click & drag a white bar marker
Large Adjust (Contract/ Stretch) Beatgrid shift + arrow keys
Slip Beatgrid control + arrow keys alt + click & drag the red downbeat
marker
Large Slip Beatgrid shift + control + arrow keys
TIP: After deleting all Grid Markers you may want to drag the file back onto the Analyze Files button to re-
analyze the file and create a new Beatgrid, or press X to manually set the Downbeat Marker, creating a new
Beatgrid.
40
Sync
Pressing Sync will match the both the BPM values and transients of your tracks together. If you have dropped
your next track in but it’s not quite in time, by pressing sync you can perform an automatic beat sync.
Beat sync works by snapping the two closest transients together and matching the BPM.
You can click the OFF button to the right of the Sync panel to turn this off. This will cause the pitch to revert to the
tracks absolute pitch as reflected on your hardware pitch slider controls.
When you engage Sync on a deck, that deck becomes the Slave Deck while the deck it has been synced to
becomes the Master Deck. The synced BPM value will be taken from the Master Deck.
Relative Pitch & Pitch Control

Pitch slider/dial adjustments on hardware of a deck in Sync will alter the tempo for all tracks in Sync.
When a deck is in sync, altering the pitch will affect the pitch of all synced decks.
This is known as relative pitch.
Disengaging sync on a deck causes the pitch to return to its absolute pitch level as represented on the
hardware slider.
Average BPM and Changing Tempos

Analyzing a file will only calculate the average BPM and there is a chance the track’s actual tempo may
differ from the displayed BPM value. This will be the case for tracks with varying tempos (ie. some types
of music such as rock, reggae, funk, jazz or live recordings), or the BPM may vary over time (in the case of
vinyl recordings, old live recordings to tape, or poorly encoded music).
41
DJ-FX
The DJ-FX panel gives you control of the Multi-FX Unit (which is available per deck), with effects powered by
iZotope™.
The DJ-FX panel button appears in the top left area of the main screen, click to open this
panel.
This will only be available when supported Serato DJ Lite hardware is connected.
Using the DJ-FX

Click the ‘Effect Select’ drop down box to select an effect for the effect slot.
Click the ‘On’ button below the effect select box to turn the effects on or off. Click and drag the knobs or buttons
to adjust effect parameters. These parameters affect sound differently, depending on what effect you have
selected.
Serato DJ Lite FX allows you to select up to three effects per FX bank, and adjust a parameter, the FX
Depth.
TIP: You can quickly reset a parameter knob to it’s default value by control + clicking the knob.
For most effects the FX Depth knob will usually operate in the same way; having the knob all the way to the left will
apply no effect (full dry) and having the knob all the way to the right is the maximum amount you can apply the effect
(full wet).
Beats Multiplier
The Effect Beats Multiplier is used to adjust the effect time. The effect time is set using the tracks BPM
value, but by applying the Beats Multiplier you can increase or decrease the effect timing.
To ensure your tracks have a BPM Value:

SEE SET AUTO BPM FOR MORE INFORMATION
42
Sampler
The Sampler allows you to play up to four sources of audio, in addition to the tracks playing on the Virtual
Decks. Any audio file in your Serato DJ Lite library can be loaded to any one of the four slots,
allowing playback of short samples, audio loops, sound effects, or full length tracks.
Click on the button to open the Sampler panel.
NOTE: The Sampler is only operational when Serato DJ Lite hardware is connected, and it is not able to be
used in Practice mode.
Sampler Overview
The Sampler slots show the four slots, their playing status, and the Sampler Master Volume and Sample
Master Mute toggle.
Loading Music to the Sampler

To load a track to the Sampler, drag and drop the desired file from your library into one of the sample slots.
TIP: You can load tracks to the Sampler with the keyboard shortcuts: control + alt + z, x, c, v for sample
slots 1, 2, 3, 4 (respectively).
Select and drag four tracks from your library onto the first sample player slot to simultaneously load four
tracks across all four slots.
To eject a sample slot, simply mouse-over a slot and click the button.
Playing Samples
You can trigger your samples from either your Serato DJ hardware, mouse or keyboard.
• To use your Serato DJ hardware ensure you have activated the Sampler Performance pad mode.
PLEASE SEE YOUR HARDWARE MANUAL FOR MORE INFORMATION
• To use your mouse, simply drag and drop a file to one of the sample slots and click on the
play symbol.
• Use the Keyboard Shortcuts Z (slot 1), X (slot 2), C (slot 3), V (slot 4) to trigger each sample.
NOTE: If you have ‘Playback Keys Use Shift’ turned on in the Playback tab of the Setup screen, you will
need to press SHIFT + the respective sample slot shortcut key (above).
43
Setup
The setup screen allows you to customize elements of Serato DJ Lite to how you want them to work.
You can check for software updates by clicking the CHECK FOR UPDATES button in the bottom left
corner of the Setup screen. You can also change the language that Serato DJ Lite uses by using the
LANGUAGE drop down menu in the bottom right hand corner of the Setup screen.
Click the tabs to switch between groups of options; DJ Preferences, Audio, Library + Display, Mixer. Some
options will only be available depending on the Serato DJ hardware connected.
DJ Preferences (Control Preferences)

Playback Keys Use Shift
Enable this to prevent your keyboard from accidentally triggering the keyboard shortcuts (play, pause,
bend, pitch +/-, rewind, fast forward, censor and jump to Cue Points). If you do not have shift down or
caps lock on pressing a key will take you to the track whose first letter matches that key (if columns sorted
alphabetically).
Enable Hot Cues
When this option is enabled you can set cue points to empty cue points lots using the 1-0 keys without
needing to press the control key.
Use Auto Gain
As part of the overview building process, Serato DJ Lite automatically calculates an auto gain value for each
track. This value represents the gain adjustment required to match the perceived loudness of the track to
a reference level. If the Use Auto Gain option is checked, each time a track containing auto gain data is
loaded to a deck, the track gain knob will be set to a value that matches the level of audio in the track to the
reference value selected from the drop down list to the right.
The drop down list allows you to select from 89dB (quieter) to 98dB (louder), however 92dB (default setting)
is the recommend value.
DJ Preferences (On Song Load)

Instant Doubles
Instant Doubles allows you to quickly match the playhead position of the same file on both decks.
When enabled, load a track to one virtual deck (or sample slot) that is already loaded on the other virtual
deck (it must be the same file), the playhead will jump to the position of the track playing. This also copies
the Keylock state, Sync state and Looping settings.
If you are using 4 deck hardware, using the keyboard shortcuts to load the same file, will instant double the
file loaded to corresponding active deck.
Enable Auto-cue
When loading a track to the virtual deck the corresponding channel fader Cue (PFL) on your hardware will
automatically turn on, all other currently enabled cues will be turned off.
Turn Off FX
When loading a track to a virtual deck, the corresponding bank of FX will be turned off.
44
Setup
Audio (USB Buffer Size [Latency])
Serato DJ Lite processes audio data in small chunks. When smaller chunks are used, the movement of
the platter is translated into audio more often, which results in a lower overall system latency. However, this
requires more processing power and therefore a higher CPU load, so lower buffer size settings require a
more powerful computer to produce uninterrupted audio.
Lowering the latency will result in tighter hardware-software response, for quicker scratching etc but will
increase the load on your computer and may result in audio dropouts on lower spec computers. We
recommend having the USB buffer size set to 5ms to begin with, and then adjusted to preference.
Library + Display (Library)

Show iTunes Library
Enable the Show iTunes library option to show your iTunes library and playlists in the Serato DJ Lite library.
You can collapse your iTunes playlists by clicking on the icon.
Disable Show iTunes library to remove iTunes playlists and iTunes songs from your Serato DJ library.
To add your iTunes music to your Serato DJ library permanently, drag and drop tracks from the iTunes playlists
onto the word “All” (on the far left hand side of the Serato DJ screen), or into individual Serato DJ crates.
Any files moved to “All”, an existing crate, or a new crate will now remain in Serato DJ even when “read
iTunes library” option is unchecked. Once a file has been permanently added to Serato DJ , the iTunes logo
will disappear.
We recommend un-checking this option after you have added your music into the Serato DJ library.
NOTE:
• If your iTunes library contains a large number of tracks it may take some time for Serato DJ to read it.
• Any changes made in Serato DJ to the file information of tracks in your iTunes library will not appear in
iTunes until after you play the track in iTunes.
• Serato DJ cannot play files that have been protected by Digital Rights Management systems, such as those
previously sold through the Apple iTunes Music Store. iTunes Plus files are DRM-free.
• iTunes is available for Mac and PC. To get more information, visit www.apple.com.
Library Text Size

Adjust this slider to increase and decrease the font size for the main library and crates area. You can also
use the keyboard shortcuts control + and control – to increase and decrease the font size.
45
Setup
Library + Display (Display)
Hi-Res Screen Display
Enabling this feature allows Serato DJ Lite to scale the user interface for Retina, UHD and other higher
resolution displays.
NOTE: The Hi-Res Screen Display option may have a performance impact and requires a restart of Serato DJ
Lite to take effect.
Send Anonymous Usage Data to Serato
Help Serato improve products and support by automatically sending information about Serato DJ Lite and
how you use it. Data is completely anonymous and will not affect performance. You can opt out by de-
selecting this check box.
Library + Display (Music Streaming)

Show Streaming Services
Serato DJ Lite can read and display your Streaming library. Enable this option, then choose and log-in to a
compatible streaming service to manage your playlists and DJ with streaming tracks.
46
Setup
Mixer
Depending on your Serato DJ hardware, some options in the Mixer section of the Setup Screen may not be
available for adjustment. This is because those options are adjusted using your Serato DJ hardware instead.
SEE YOUR HARDWARE QUICKSTART GUIDE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mixer (General)
Output
Allows you to set the audio output to Mono or Stereo.
Mixer (Monitoring)
Cue Mix and Master Cue
Mix between hearing the cue or the master in your headphones. Click the Master Cue button to override
this setting and hear only the Master Output through the Cue.
Cue Volume
Depending on your Serato DJ hardware, this setting may not be available and instead adjusted from the
hardware. Hardware without this functionality will have the Cue Volume in the software set to a default
volume of 10%. Increase the setting on this knob to give the gain of the headphones an extra boost up to
12dB. To prevent hearing damage, be careful not to set this level too high.
NOTE: Adding cue volume can reduce audio quality so is only recommended if you are encountering
problems with your headphone level.
Split Cue
Enabling Split Cue sums the Cue Bus and Master/Mix to mono, and splits them across the Cue output so
you hear Cue in the left ear and Master in the right ear. Hardware dependent.
47
Setup
Mixer (Crossfader)
Adjusts the crossfader curve. Turn the dial to the left for a slow gradual fade or to the right for a fast, tighter
cut. This adjustment will affect both types of curve, Linear and Power:
Linear: When Linear is selected and the crossfader curve is set to slow, the two tracks blend smoothly as
the crossfader moves across. Both tracks are at half volume when the crossfader is in the middle, so for
two distinct tracks there will be a dip in volume.
When the crossfader curve is set to fast, both channels are at full volume for nearly the whole crossfader
range, and are cut off sharply when the crossfader reaches each side. The Linear curve with a fast setting is
most useful for scratching or turntablism.
Power: When Power is select and the crossfader curve is set to slow, there will be an obvious dip in volume
around the middle of the crossfader, where the audio from the track already playing fades smoothly out
before audio from the incoming track fades in. When the crossfader curve is set to fast, although the two
tracks still blend smoothly as the crossfader moves across its range, the incoming track will be heard in the
mix almost straight away as you move the crossfader toward the side its channel is assigned to.
Reverse: Reverses the direction of the crossfader control. If channels assigned to the left side are in
“Group A”, and the right side is “Group B”, then moving the crossfader from left to right fades from Group B
to Group A.
Disable: Disables the crossfader, which can be useful if you only use the channel upfaders and wish to
avoid making any mistakes by nudging the crossfader.
NOTE: Fader options may not be available for all Serato DJ hardware.
Mixer (Mic/Aux)
Adjusts the volume of the Mic/Aux input if your hardware supports software volume adjustment.
48
Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing any issues with Serato DJ Lite, try some of the following suggestions below.
If you require further assistance, visit support.serato.com for articles and guides or alternatively, visit www.
serato.com/forum where you can receive help from the DJ Community. You can also click GET SUPPORT
in the HELP panel.
Warning Lights
Serato DJ Lite displays warning lights in the top right hand corner of the main screen, which can indicate a
possible issue.
Audio Dropout Warning

A small light will show when the chance of an audio dropout has increased.
To reduce the chance of a audio dropout happening, please try the following:
• Increase the USB audio buffer size (in the setup screen)
• Try closing other applications running at the same time as Serato DJ Lite.
• Try turning off background tasks, for example, wireless networking and bluetooth
• Try some of the computer optimization tips at support.serato.com
If the problem persists, please contact technical support, via support.serato.com.
Audio Dropouts or Distortion

The following suggestions may help you if you are experiencing poor performance with Serato DJ Lite:
• Check for updates using the check for updates button in the setup screen or by visiting: www.serato.com
• Remove any corrupt files found in your library
SEE CORRUPT FILES FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Close all other open programs.
• Disable wireless networking devices.
• Disable Bluetooth devices.
• Disable antivirus software.
• Disable screen savers.
• Disable sleep mode.
• Increase the USB buffer size and apply the changes.
SEE USB BUFFER SIZE FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Connect Serato DJ hardware directly to a USB port on your computer, not via a USB hub.
• Try all USB ports, some work better than others.
• Disconnect other USB devices.
• Run your laptop connected to a power supply.
49
Troubleshooting
Files Not Saving Information Issues
• Ensure that you have read and write capabilities for that file.
• Ensure that you have read and write capabilities for the folder that contains the files.
• If the file is stored on an external drive, ensure that your external drive is formatted correctly for read and
write capabilities (Mac OS Journaled for Mac, NTFS for Windows, FAT32 for both Mac and Windows.)
• Try re-encoding the file, or converting the file to a different format using a converting tool e.g. iTunes.
• Ensure that you are logged in as admin and/or you have read and write capabilities to the files on the
computer you are using.
Hardware Disconnected
• Ensure you have the hardware drivers installed from the hardware manufacturers website or
installation CD.
• Connect the Serato DJ hardware directly to a USB port on your computer, not via a USB hub.
• Try all USB ports, some work better than others.
• Disconnect other USB devices.
Corrupt File Diagnoses

If you find a file displaying the corrupt icon, you can hover your mouse mover the corrupt icon for
information on what type of corruption was found. The information will displayed in the Status Bar at the
very bottom of the library.
Corrupt file: This MP3 contains invalid frames
This MP3 contains frames which do not conform strictly to the official MP3 specification. Serato DJ Lite can
not be certain that this file will play back 100% accurately.
Corrupt file: This file contains corrupt frames that may result in audible glitches
This file contains two or more contiguous corrupt frames. Since corrupt frames are replaced with silence,
this could result in what might sound like an audio glitch.
50
Troubleshooting
Corrupt File Diagnoses
Corrupt file: This file has been split. You should check the beginning for audio glitches
The first MPEG audio frame in this file refers to audio that should be present before it but is not. This is
usually the result of incorrect MP3 editing. Since a corrupt frame is replaced with silence and most songs
start with silence, the resulting silence might not be noticeable. All the same, listen to the beginning of the
song, just to be sure.
Corrupt file: This MP3 contains frames with corrupt data
Decoding of an MPEG audio frame failed. This means that the frame contained invalid data. As usual with
corrupt frames, this frame will be played as silence.
Corrupt file: This MP3 lost synchronization between the frame index and the frames
Serato DJ Lite is reading an old overview of an MP3 that has been edited in a third party editing program.
Re-building the overviews for the affected files usually corrects this error.
Corrupt file: This MP3 is completely invalid and is not playable
Self explanatory. Possible causes are disk bad sectors, file system corruption, wrong file types, wrong file
extensions, etc
Corrupt file: This file contains invalid audio data
Serato DJ Lite encountered invalid data while looking for audio in this file. This message alerts you to the
fact that the file you’re trying to play contains corrupt data. This may, or may not, affect playback.
Corrupt file: This MP3 contains no valid frames
No audio could be found in this file, which means it is completely unplayable as far as Serato DJ Lite is
concerned. Please make sure this really is an audio file
Unsupported file: This MP3 contains multiple layers
While scanning this file, Serato DJ Lite found frames belonging to multiple MPEG layers. Serato DJ Lite does
not support MP3s containing frames from multiple layers – some frames may output as silence.
51

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User Manual

To install Serato DJ Lite:

To install Serato DJ Lite:

Try Serato DJ Pro

5. Click on the button again if prompted.

Buy Serato DJ Pro

6 FX Click to open the DJ-FX panel.

7 Sampler Click to open the Sampler panel.

14 Sync On / Off Enables or disables Sync

18 Setup Shows the software Setup screen.

21 Current time Displays the current time.

22 CPU meter Shows current computer CPU processing load.

26 Beat Matching Accentuates the beats in the track.

32 Eject Eject a track from a loaded virtual deck.

33 Library Displays the songs available in your current library location.

35 Crates Displays a list of Crates and Sub-Crates.

36 iTunes Shows tracks loaded into Serato via iTunes.

PLAYBACK SHORTCUTS LEFT DECK

Load selected track shift + left arrow

SAMPLE PLAYER SHORTCUTS KEY

Play Sample (slot 1-4) Z, X, C, V

Move Up/Down through tracks up/down arrow

Exit Serato DJ Lite (escape)

SEE PLAYBACK KEYS USE SHIFT FOR MORE INFORMATION

External Hard Drives

How to get music from CDs into Serato DJ Lite

Supported File Types

About Corrupt Files

Serato Demo Tracks

Track Gain Adjust

Track Analyze on Deck Load

Track & Track Overview Display

SEE EDITING BEATGRIDS MORE INFORMATION

Beat Matching Display

Active Deck Indicator

Practice mode controls

Serato Play controls

Serato Play settings

Mouse and Keyboard Navigation

The track has been imported from the iTunes library.

The track has been imported from iTunes but is corrupt.

Organizing Your Library

Serato Software Compatibility

Copying and Moving Crates

Editing ID3 Tags

Rescan ID3 Tags

Relocate Lost Files

Finding the Next track

Loading it to the Deck

SEE KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS FOR MORE INFORMATION

The playback controls can also be used with keyboard shortcuts.

Adjusting a Track’s Tempo

Using a Serato DJ Controller

Getting the tracks in time

Add / Delete Cue Point

Trigger Cue Point

You can set a temporary cue point using keyboard shortcuts.

Beat Warp Markers

Incorrect Downbeat marker (pictured)

Correct Downbeat marker (pictured)