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Rekordbox basics

Bonk works alongside Rekordbox — not instead of it. These are the two common ways to get your collection in and changes back out.

Before you start

  • Close Rekordbox while importing or exporting large libraries
  • Back up your music folder and Rekordbox library first
  • Bonk supports Rekordbox 6 and 7

Option A — Import from XML

Best for a first try or when you want a read-only snapshot before connecting live.

  1. In Rekordbox, export your collection as XML (File → Export collection in XML format)
  2. In Bonk, choose Import and select that XML file
  3. Bonk matches tracks to files on disk using the paths in the XML

Missing tracks usually mean the file moved since export — fix paths in Finder/Explorer or re-export after updating locations in Rekordbox.

Option B — Connect your Rekordbox library

Best for ongoing sync: playlists, cues, and metadata stay aligned with your live collection.

  1. In Bonk, open Rekordbox library from the import menu
  2. Point Bonk at your Rekordbox data folder when prompted (Bonk detects the default location on most setups)
  3. Let the first import finish — large libraries can take a few minutes

After editing in Bonk, use Export to Rekordbox to write changes back. Rekordbox picks them up on the next launch.

Playlists and cues

Playlists you edit in Bonk export with your metadata changes. Hot cues and memory cues sync when you use the Rekordbox library connection; XML import brings playlist structure but may not include every cue type.

Quick Tag (folder workflow)

If you only need to tag files in one folder — without touching the full Rekordbox DB — use Quick Tag inside Bonk. Changes write to the audio files directly. Use this when you want fast edits that don’t depend on a full library sync.

Tip: Export XML from Rekordbox before your first Bonk export so you have a rollback snapshot if anything looks off.