This question comes up pretty often, so I thought it would be helpful to share my personal workflow. It would be great if other power-users could let me know if I missed anything important or if they have a preferred workflow for this.
We typically recommend using OneLibrary | Algoriddim Support, as the process is pretty straight forward. However, currently, OneLibrary is read-only on iOS (can’t make changes on iOS and save them to USB). So, for users that need a more bi-directional workflow, I think this could be a better option.
How library syncing works
Syncing happens through two complementary methods. djay stores all of your track metadata and library structure in a single database file called djayMediaLibrary. Some of this data can sync automatically through iCloud; the rest is kept in sync by manually copying the database between devices.
| Data | Sync method |
|---|---|
| Cue points, saved loops, other metadata | iCloud syncing (automatic, bi-directional) |
| My Collection playlists and folders | Manual database copy |
| Queue and History | Manual database copy |
| Audio files | iTunes/Music App (USB sync) |
NOTE: BPM analysis data is not currently synced through iCloud. Tracks will be re-analyzed on each device as needed.
Before you begin
- For best results, store your music on your Mac’s internal drive—not in iCloud Drive or another cloud folder.
- Make sure you’re signed in to the same Apple ID on every device.
- I strongly recommend backing up your djayMediaLibrary file to the cloud or an external drive before you start, and on a regular basis afterward. This protects you from accidentally overwriting the wrong database.
Step 1: Build your library on your Mac
- Add all of your local music files to the Music App (formerly iTunes).
- Open djay and switch to Split library mode | Algoriddim Support, then drag your tracks from the Local Music source into My Collection. For details, see Adding music to your collection.
- Create your playlists and folder structure inside My Collection.
TIP: My Collection lets you build custom playlists, folders, and smart playlists that index tracks from any source in djay—local files, streaming services, djay Music, and external drives.
Step 2: Transfer your music files to your iOS device
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with a USB cable.
- Follow Apple’s instructions to sync your music to the device: Connect your device to your Mac to sync Music content.
WARNING: If you’re subscribed to Apple Music streaming or iTunes Match, it’s recommended that you disable Sync Library in the Music app’s General settings. With it enabled, Apple Music may automatically replace one of your songs with a matching version from its online catalog—so a special DJ edit could be swapped for the standard radio version.
Step 3: Enable iCloud syncing (cue points and loops)
Enable iCloud syncing on both devices so your cue points and saved loops stay in sync automatically. Once it’s on, edits made on one device appear on the other—add a cue on your iPhone, and it shows up on the same track on your Mac.
Step 4: Manually sync your playlists, Queue, and History
iCloud does not sync your My Collection playlists, Queue, or History. To bring those across, copy the djayMediaLibrary database from your “master” device (the one with the up-to-date playlists, e.g. your Mac) to the secondary device.
- Quit djay on both devices before you copy anything.
- Locate the database on each device:
- macOS:
~/Music/djay - iOS: Files app → On My iPhone → djay → User Data
- macOS:
- Copy the djayMediaLibrary file from your master device to the same location on the secondary device.
- When prompted, choose Replace so the existing file is overwritten—do not let it rename the file, as this creates a duplicate that djay will ignore.
- Reopen djay on the secondary device to load your synced playlists, Queue, and History.
WARNING: Always quit djay on both devices first, and double-check you’re copying the database from your master device, not over it. Overwriting the wrong file can replace your current playlists with an older version.
Whenever you change your My Collection playlists on your master device, simply repeat Steps 1-6 to bring the secondary device up to date. If you’re only adding cue points and loops without changing any playlists, iCloud Sync will take care of things automatically.
A note on relinking
When you transfer audio through the Music App as described above, relinking is usually not required—djay should automatically match the tracks in My Collection to your synced Local Music library on the new device.
Relinking is only needed if you move your audio files another way (for example, via a USB drive). In that case, reimport the files into My Collection on the new device to reconnect them to their metadata. See Tracking and relinking files for details. NOTE: the “Relink Missing Files” tool is currently only available on macOS.
I hope that helps!
