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Crateforge Docs

Crateforge Documentation

From blazing-fast iTunes-style music management to DJ analysis, similarity-based curation, and AI curation. All in one app.
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What is Crateforge

Section titled “What is Crateforge”

Crateforge is a blazing-fast iTunes-style music management desktop app built with Tauri 2 + React 19 + Vite 6 + Rust. On top of importing/exporting iTunes Library.xml, importing local files, ripping CDs, editing playlists, and local playback, it also covers DJ-oriented analysis (BPM / Key (Camelot) / Energy), similarity-based curation, format conversion, and Smart Playlists — all within this single app.

The previous name was “iTunes Playlist Viewer.” We rebranded to crate (to dig, to gather) + forge (to refine, to assemble) — a name that reflects what it does: analyze, curate, and forge your set.

Key features

Section titled “Key features”

Blazing-fast library

SQLite (WAL) + indexes keep things smooth even with 10,000+ tracks. Lists are virtualized for snappy scrolling.

iTunes XML compatible

Both import and export use the Apple plist format. You can export XML that rekordbox / Serato / Traktor and others can read.

DJ analysis

A pure-Rust DSP analyzes BPM / Key (Camelot) / Energy / loudness and similarity. It suggests harmonic “next moves.”

Local playback

rodio (symphonia) decodes a wide range of formats directly. Supports the Up Next queue, shuffle, and repeat.

Smart Playlists

Playlists whose contents are determined automatically by rules. Up to date every time you open them.

Mobile & remote

Play and control from your phone/TV via the built-in API server. Mobile also supports offline download / browsing / playback.

Format conversion

Convert to MP3 / AAC / Opus / FLAC / ALAC / WAV with ffmpeg. Tags and cover art carry over.

AI curation

A local HTTP API is built in. The Claude Code plugin dj-curator can generate a starting point for your set.

Supported OSes

Section titled “Supported OSes”
  • Windows — .exe / portable .zip / .msi / setup .exe. Supports in-app auto-update (swaps the exe in place).
  • macOS — unsigned .dmg (Apple Silicon native). The first launch requires bypassing Gatekeeper.
  • Linux — .AppImage (single file) and .deb.

In-app auto-update is Windows-only. macOS / Linux are updated manually.

Next steps

Section titled “Next steps”