Rekordbox Recovery Tool

Chris Shepherd, January 2022

Introduction

This code can convert a tree-like structure of nested subfolders into a Rekordbox-readable .xml database, in a manner that preserves the subfolder structure. This functionality isn't available in Rekordbox itself, where dragging and dropping causes the tree to become flattened into a single playlist. With the RBR tool, organised DJs can avoid repeating the effort of organising their music folders inside Rekordbox.

Running RBR tool

• Download the pre-built executables (Mac and Windows available) from the CI artifacts
• Run the appropriate executable for your OS and follow the instructions
• Open Rekordbox and select "preferences", "advanced settings".
• For the option "xml location", select the .xml file produced by RBR tool.
• Open the "view" option in the sidebar and enable the "xml database" option.
• Your RBR database will now be avaiable as a structure of playlists inside the appropriate folders. Drag and drop into your collection for BPM analysis, exporting etc.

Hacking on RBR tool

• Download this git project
• Create a virtual environment: python3 -m venv .venv
• Activate the virtual environment: source .venv/bin/activate
• Install the contents of requirements.txt (currently just the mutagen package) using pip.
• Create a new git branch.
• Make your changes and push to this repo, if you think your changes would be useful to others.
• Executables for your OS can be built using pyinstaller.
• Deactivate the virtual environment with the deactivate command.

Logging isssues

Please log any issues in the boards of this project.