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# Crates: one app, all your music

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://crates.app/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Beyond the Algorithm: Takeaways from the Athens Music Week Panel](https://crates.app/blog/beyond-the-algorithm-takeaways-from-the-athens-music-week-panel/): Last week, we had the chance to organize and participate in a panel at Athens Music Week titled Beyond the Algorithm – Curators, Collectors & Community.
- [If I hear one more time that “Streaming Saved Music”…](https://crates.app/blog/if-i-hear-one-more-time-that-streaming-saved-music/): I keep hearing it on panels, in interviews, in comment sections:
- [The Definitive Guide to Music Libraries in 2026: Software, Tools, and Workflows for Advanced Listeners](https://crates.app/blog/music-library-software-guide-2026/): Catalog differences between services are now relatively small for mainstream music, but organization, file integration, and data portability remain limited across platforms. This is why many listeners complement streaming with dedicated music library software for their owned files.
- [Ethical Music Streaming Alternatives in 2025](https://crates.app/blog/ethical-music-streaming-alternatives-in-2025/): Listen smarter, support artists fairly, and reclaim your music experience.
- [What Is User-Owned Music, and Why It Matters in 2025](https://crates.app/blog/what-is-user-owned-music-and-why-it-matters-in-2025/): Reclaiming your music, your data, and your listening identity.
- [Rethinking Music Discovery Beyond Algorithms](https://crates.app/blog/rethinking-music-discovery-beyond-algorithms/): Crates approaches music discovery through people, not prediction models. With Gems, listeners share meaningful recommendations grounded in taste, context, and trust – not engagement metrics or opaque algorithms.
- [New Releases, Socials Launch, a Calculator & more](https://crates.app/blog/new-releases-socials-launch-a-calculator-more/): It’s been a while since our last post, but we've got a few exciting things to share!
- [New in Crates: Apple Silicon, features for DJs and lots of improvements!](https://crates.app/blog/new-in-crates-apple-silicon-features-for-djs-and-lots-of-improvements/): Since our last post, we’ve rolled out three new releases packed with fixes, improvements and a handful of new features, requested by you! If you haven’t updated yet, we can't recommend it enough. Let's see what's new.
- [Enhanced Library Browser & more!](https://crates.app/blog/enhanced-library-browser-and-more/): We're thrilled to share Crates Desktop 1.7.0 with you - it’s packed with updates designed to elevate your music collection experience! In this release, we focused on improving the ways you can visually browse your collection, by adding two new cornerstone features:
- [Version 1.6 is out, with new Gems feature!](https://crates.app/blog/version-1-6-is-out-with-new-gems-feature/): We just released a new version with loads of fixes and improvements, plus a long-awaited feature, available for now to Supporters to try and provide feedback.
- [New browser extension, walkthrough video and new version published](https://crates.app/blog/new-browser-extension-walkthrough-video-and-new-version-published/): With a brand new design and extended functionality, you can now use the extension to save & organise music you find online in Crates with one click.
- [New Website, new iOS app & new desktop app release ! 🙌🏽](https://crates.app/blog/new-website-new-ios-app-new-desktop-app-release/): Our new website crates.app is officially up and running! It's still work-in-progress, with a lot of incoming content, but be sure to check the support page with the first set of FAQs and knowledge base, why Crates and join the team - especially if you know anyone that would be interested!

## Knowledge Base
- [Connect Crates for iOS to Crates Desktop from Anywhere Using a VPN](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/connect-crates-for-ios-to-crates-desktop-from-anywhere-using-a-vpn/): Normally, Crates for iOS connects to Crates Desktop when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- [Crates would like to access the microphone](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/crates-would-like-to-access-the-microphone/): The first time Crates plays audio on macOS, you may see a system dialog asking for permission to access your microphone.
- [Why does music streamed from online sources stop while in lock screen?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/why-does-music-streamed-from-online-sources-stop-while-in-lock-screen/): Some online sources in Crates mobile are played through the source’s own web player inside the app.
- [How does anonymous usage analytics work in Crates?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-does-anonymous-usage-analytics-work-in-crates/): When you enable anonymous usage analytics, Crates sends a small set of product usage events that help us understand what people use, where onboarding works, and which areas need improvement.
- [What are the minimum system requirements to run Crates?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/what-are-the-minimum-system-requirements-to-run-crates/): To run Crates smoothly, your system should meet the following minimum requirements:
- [How to prepare a Curated Playlist](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-prepare-a-curated-playlist/): This guide is for curators who want to prepare a playlist for the Crates Curated series.
- [How to Create and Share a Public Playlist](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-create-and-share-a-public-playlist/): You can create a playlist anywhere in your library, but a Playlists crate is a good place to start.
- [Does Crates need to copy my files to import them?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/does-crates-need-to-copy-my-files-to-import-them/): No.
- [How to Set Up Automatic Cloud Backups](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-set-up-automatic-cloud-backups/): Crates can automatically back up your database and settings to the cloud, so your collection stays safe even if something happens to your device.
- [What are Gems?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/what-are-gems/): Gems are a community music-discovery feature in Crates where users share tunes they believe the community should discover. The internet is full of noise, so Gems are designed to help focus on quality discoveries, not quantity.
- [I like Crates! How can I help?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/help-crates/): First of all: Thank you! Crates is a community-driven project, and the best growth comes from people who genuinely use it and care about it.
- [Tell a Friend – How does the referral program work?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/tell-a-friend-how-the-referral-program-works/): Like Crates? You can help Crates grow and invite your friends, through our Tell a Friend referral program.
- [How to organize your music library with ‘actions’](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-organize-your-music-library-with-actions/): Here's a how to video: 
- [What is a crate and how is it different from a playlist?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/what-is-a-crate-and-how-is-it-different-from-a-playlist/): This is one of the most common questions in Crates — and understanding the difference helps you structure your music intentionally.
- [How do I move part or all of my files library to a new drive or NAS?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-do-i-move-part-or-all-of-my-files-library-to-a-new-drive-or-nas/): Use the per-track Relocate Audio File dialog: right click a tune → Edit → Audiosources panel → click tab of audio file → click the ... menu → Relocate. Then point directly to the new file instead of running a bulk relocation.
- [Update fails to download](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/update-fails-to-download/): There are certain cases where a new update fails to download using the built-in updater and a user may have to download the latest version and install it manually.
- [How can I use the Google Drive connection in Crates?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-can-i-use-the-google-drive-connection-in-crates/): The Google Drive connection lets you store your music files in your own Google Drive and stream them directly in Crates. It is also an important first step toward full cloud sync between your devices using your own storage.
- [How do I test the Crates Beta iOS or Android app?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-do-i-test-the-crates-beta-ios-or-android-app/): If you have been approved as a Crates Beta Tester, follow the steps below for your platform.
- [Does Crates modify or move my audio files?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/does-crates-modify-or-move-my-audio-files/): Short answer: No — Crates will not touch your files - unless you ask it to. 
- [How to install and use the Crates browser extension](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-install-and-use-the-crates-browser-extension/): TL;DR: The Crates browser extension lets you import releases and collections from websites like Bandcamp and Discogs directly into your Crates library. Install it, pair it with your desktop app, and you’re ready to save and import music with one click.
- [How to import your Bandcamp collection](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-import-your-bandcamp-collection/): TL;DR: Install the Crates browser extension, pair it with Crates, open your Bandcamp Collection page, click the extension, and start the import. Your purchases will appear under Online Libraries > Bandcamp.
- [What streaming quality can I expect in Crates?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/what-streaming-quality-can-i-expect-in-crates/): TL;DR: Crates lets you stream for discovery - but for the highest quality and real artist support, we recommend purchasing the music you love and want to keep for the long run.
- [What are the default crates and what are they for?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/what-are-the-default-crates-and-what-are-they-for/): Tunes – a suggested sub-crate for individual tracks.
- [How can I create a separate installation of Crates to experiment without losing my current setup?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-can-i-create-a-separate-installation-of-crates-to-experiment-without-losing-my-current-setup/): If you’d like to try a new build of Crates or just experiment without affecting your main installation, you can create a fresh data set while keeping your existing one safe.
- [How do I organize unsorted albums using a folder structure like “albumartist/release/artist-trackTitle” ?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-do-i-organize-unsorted-albums-using-a-folder-pattern-albumartist-release-artist-tracktitle/): You can use the Move to Collection action to rename files and folders based on release metadata.
- [Why can’t I search YouTube in Crates even though I have YouTube Premium?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/why-cant-i-search-youtube-in-crates-even-though-i-have-youtube-premium/): In short: YouTube’s search API costs quota units, so it’s limited to Crates Supporters and also has a daily limit.
- [Import from CSV – How does it work?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/import-from-csv-how-does-it-work/): Import from CSV – How does it work? What is CSV Import? Crates allows you to import your tunes and playlists from many different music services using a CSV file. This is the easiest way to bring your music collection into Crates, especially if you use platforms that are not directly integrated. How do I export my library as a CSV? We recommend using TuneMyMusic — a third-party service that supports backup and export from Spotify, TIDAL, SoundCloud, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Beatport, and more. Go to TuneMyMusic Backup Choose "Backup to a file" Select your source platform (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, TIDAL, SoundCloud, etc.) Download your library as a CSV file In Crates, go to Library → Import from CSV and upload your file Note: TuneMyMusic is not affiliated with Crates. Basic exports are free, but they may charge a fee for large libraries. What fields are supported in the CSV? Crates will automatically detect and import any CSV that contains the following fields/columns (case-insensitive): Track name (required) Artist name (required) Album Playlist name (the playlist this track belongs to, if any) Type (e.g. Track, Album, Playlist, Favorite) ISRC (International Standard Recording Code, if available) Platform ID columns: One or more columns like Spotify - id, Tidal - id, Soundcloud - id, YouTube Music - id, etc. Other supported platforms include: Apple Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Napster, Beatport, Beatsource, Yandex Music, Pandora, KKBOX, Soundmachine, Boomplay Any CSV that includes at least "Track name", "Artist name", and a platform ID column (e.g. "Spotify - id") will work! How does the import logic work? Tunes and Playlists: Crates imports each track from the CSV, placing it in the appropriate playlist or collection. If the track is marked as a favorite or has no playlist, it goes directly under the selected collection. If the track is part of an album or playlist, Crates will automatically create a new playlist (or update an existing one) under your chosen folder, using the playlist/album name. Supported Types: Tracks and playlists are supported. If a row is marked as "artist" type, it is skipped (importing artists only is not currently supported). Unknown types will be added to your main collection. Platform Compatibility: Crates supports CSVs exported from any service listed in TuneMyMusic, as long as the required fields are present. Can I import any CSV? Yes! You can import any CSV file (even if you didn't use TuneMyMusic) as long as it matches the column structure above—especially "Track name", "Artist name", and at least one *- id column such as "Spotify - id" or "Tidal - id". What happens after import? Tracks and playlists will appear in your Crates library, under the collections and playlist folders you select. For some platforms (like SoundCloud), Crates will attempt to fetch extra track info if you’re connected with that service. If a field is missing (e.g. no ISRC), the import still works - Crates will use whatever data is present. Example of supported CSV columns: Track name Artist name Album Playlist name Type ISRC Spotify - id Tidal - id Soundcloud - id Song Title Artist Album Name Summer Daze v1 Playlist (if exists) 1WaLWK5ZcxZVSPYy7GAdtY 177425385 5102430 Need help? If you have trouble importing your CSV or have questions about the process, please contact support.
- [How to Report Bugs & Issues 👉🏼👾](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-report-bugs-issues/): This guide is primarily for Crates Beta Testers with elevated access (TestFlight, Play Store builds).
- [How to Manually Restore a Backup](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-manually-restore-a-backup/): If something went wrong and you’d like to roll back your Crates library and settings to a previous state, you can manually restore a backup.
- [What does “insufficient funds” mean in Gems?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/what-does-insufficient-funds-mean/): Crates uses CRT tokens to enable access to special social features like posting or revealing a "Gem".
- [Keyboard Media Buttons (play/prev/next) are not working](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/keyboard-media-buttons-not-working/): On macOS, media buttons are supposed to work out of the box. If this is not the case, go to macOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and you will find Crates there. Turn on the toggle and restart Crates (Quit via menu or CMD+Q & launch again). If it's not working again, go to Accessibility Settings, remove Crates using the - on the left bottom side of the panel and either add it manually (and flip the switch on) or restart Crates and it should be added again. For good measure, restart the Crates UI completely every time you make some change to this setting.
- [Understanding Domain Connections and Data Privacy at Crates](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/understanding-domain-connections-and-data-privacy-at-crates/): At Crates, we value transparency and prioritize user privacy. We understand concerns about data usage and external requests made by applications. This article provides detailed explanations about the domains that Crates connects to, the specific purposes for these connections, the data involved, and how you can disable these integrations if you wish.
- [How can I add some music on my Crates desktop and then sync it to the mobile app?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-can-i-add-some-music-on-my-crates-desktop-and-sync-and-convert-it-to-the-mobile-app/): Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do that:
- [I’ve connected my Spotify account, but it doesn’t play. Why?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/ive-connected-my-spotify-account-but-it-doesnt-play-why/): Crates cannot stream music directly from Spotify due to Spotify's restrictions.
- [How to import your iTunes Library](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-import-your-itunes-library/): You can import all your tunes and playlists from your current iTunes or Music.app installation. You will get the option to keep the 'Date Added' as it appears iTunes or keep the date a tune was added to Crates.
- [How to use Smart Crates & Advanced Search? Query Syntax Guide](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-smart-crates-advanced-search/): Crates includes a powerful query syntax that lets you filter and organize your music library using flexible, rule-based filters.
- [How can I automatically retrieve the genres of a tune?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-can-i-automatically-retrieve-the-genres-of-a-tune/): There are two ways to automatically retrieve genre information for a tune:
- [Updater failed with ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR, what should I do?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/updater-failed-with-err_quic_protocol_error-what-should-i-do/): If you encounter the error message above in the  status bar, during the in-app update process, please follow these steps:
- [What are the placeholders supported by Crates?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/pattern-placeholders/): Crates supports a range of placeholders that can be used to dynamically insert values from tunes or releases into a string. These placeholders allow you to customize display information in a consistent and automated manner.
- [What’s the deal with the “wallet” and the balance I see under my account?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/whats-the-deal-with-the-wallet-and-the-balance-i-see-under-my-account/): The wallet and balance shown in your Crates account represent Crates Tokens. These are experimental utility tokens (or credits) that can be used to unlock features such as Gems, our community-driven music discovery feature.
- [I’m getting “Crates Server is not reachable” – what should I do?](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/i-m-getting-crates-server-not-available-what-should-i-do/): Please try these steps to resolve the issue:
- [YouTube video not playing](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/youtube-video-not-playing/): We have had a user that experienced this issue in MacOS.
- [How to reset your Crates installation](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-reset-your-crates-installation/): If you have been playing around with Crates and you want to start over, you can reset all your database and data.
- [How to troubleshoot Crates Server Discovery](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-troubleshoot-crates-server-discovery/): Intro
- [How to import a tune from Bandcamp](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/how-to-import-a-tune-from-bandcamp/): There are several ways to do this - pick the one it suits you:

## Pages
- [Playlists](https://crates.app/playlists/): Curated and community playlists, shared with care by fellow humans.
- [iOS Engineer (Founding Member)](https://crates.app/join/ios-engineer/): Help build the trusted home for music listeners.
- [Tell a Friend](https://crates.app/tell-a-friend/): Want to invite friends and earn rewards? Register for a free Crates account or log in to get your personal referral link and start sharing!
- [Beta Testing Program](https://crates.app/beta-testing-program/): Help shape the future of music collecting and listening.
- [Streaming vs Buying Music Cost Calculator](https://crates.app/streaming-vs-buying-music-cost-calculator/): What if you had used that same budget to purchase and own the music you care about forever, while better supporting the artists?
- [Cookie Policy](https://crates.app/cookie-policy/): This Cookie Policy was last updated on August 27, 2024 and applies to citizens and legal permanent residents of the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
- [Crates Features](https://crates.app/features/): Crates is the ultimate tool to help you enjoy your music collection.
- [Home](https://crates.app/)
- [Contact](https://crates.app/contact/): Contact Forms are boring! Ηit us up on Discord or at hey@crates.app
- [Join the team](https://crates.app/join/): We are a group of friends, passionate about music and tech, on a mission to build what we need most and doesn’t exist: a user-focused, next generation music app that will help us manage our ever-growing music collections and offer a great user experience enjoying, sharing and discovering music - music that matters!
- [Report an issue](https://crates.app/report-an-issue/): For anything else, reach us via the Discord Support Channel or email us at support@crates.app
- [How-To Videos](https://crates.app/support/how-to-videos/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjI8_qhD0Mc
- [Blog](https://crates.app/blog/): Coming Soon!
- [Why Crates?](https://crates.app/why-crates/): Music used to feel personal. Crates is built to make it feel that way again.
- [Support](https://crates.app/support/): Join Crates Discord
- [Release notes](https://crates.app/release-notes/)
- [About Us](https://crates.app/about/): We are a group of friends, passionate about music and tech, on a mission to build what we need most and doesn’t exist: a user-focused, next generation music app that will help us manage our ever-growing music collections and offer a great user experience enjoying, sharing and discovering music – music that matters!
- [Terms of Use](https://crates.app/terms-of-use/): In these Terms, the following meanings have been applied:
- [Get Crates](https://crates.app/get/): We welcome all users to try it and provide feedback.
- [Knowledge Base](https://crates.app/knowledge-base/): How Can We Help? Search Getting Started How can I add some music on my Crates desktop and then sync it to the mobile app? How can I automatically retrieve the genres of a tune? How can I use the Google Drive connection in Crates? How do I organize unsorted albums using a folder structure like "albumartist/release/artist-trackTitle" ? How to Create and Share a Public Playlist How to import a tune from Bandcamp How to import your Bandcamp collection How to import your iTunes Library How to install and use the Crates browser extension What are Gems? What are the default crates and what are they for? What are the minimum system requirements to run Crates? What is a crate and how is it different from a playlist? Show Remaining Articles ( 5 ) Collapse Articles FAQs Connect Crates for iOS to Crates Desktop from Anywhere Using a VPN Crates would like to access the microphone Does Crates need to copy my files to import them? How can I add some music on my Crates desktop and then sync it to the mobile app? How can I automatically retrieve the genres of a tune? How can I create a separate installation of Crates to experiment without losing my current setup? How can I use the Google Drive connection in Crates? How do I move part or all of my files library to a new drive or NAS? How does anonymous usage analytics work in Crates? How to Create and Share a Public Playlist How to import your Bandcamp collection How to Report Bugs & Issues 👉🏼👾 How to troubleshoot Crates Server Discovery How to use Smart Crates & Advanced Search? Query Syntax Guide I like Crates! How can I help? I've connected my Spotify account, but it doesn't play. Why? Import from CSV – How does it work? Tell a Friend – How does the referral program work? Understanding Domain Connections and Data Privacy at Crates What are the default crates and what are they for? What are the minimum system requirements to run Crates? What are the placeholders supported by Crates? What does “insufficient funds” mean in Gems? What is a crate and how is it different from a playlist? What streaming quality can I expect in Crates? What's the deal with the "wallet" and the balance I see under my account? Why does music streamed from online sources stop while in lock screen? Show Remaining Articles ( 19 ) Collapse Articles Troubleshoot Crates would like to access the microphone Does Crates modify or move my audio files? How can I create a separate installation of Crates to experiment without losing my current setup? How to Manually Restore a Backup How to Report Bugs & Issues 👉🏼👾 How to reset your Crates installation I'm getting "Crates Server is not reachable" - what should I do? Keyboard Media Buttons (play/prev/next) are not working Update fails to download Updater failed with ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR, what should I do? Why can’t I search YouTube in Crates even though I have YouTube Premium? YouTube video not playing Show Remaining Articles ( 4 ) Collapse Articles Beta & Feedback How do I test the Crates Beta iOS or Android app? How to Report Bugs & Issues 👉🏼👾 How To Connect Crates for iOS to Crates Desktop from Anywhere Using a VPN How to Create and Share a Public Playlist How to organize your music library with 'actions' How to Set Up Automatic Cloud Backups How to use Smart Crates & Advanced Search? Query Syntax Guide Tell a Friend – How does the referral program work? Advanced Connect Crates for iOS to Crates Desktop from Anywhere Using a VPN How does anonymous usage analytics work in Crates? How to Report Bugs & Issues 👉🏼👾 Crates Mobile Connect Crates for iOS to Crates Desktop from Anywhere Using a VPN Why does music streamed from online sources stop while in lock screen?
- [Download Crates](https://crates.app/download/): Crates is currently in Public Beta — and we’d love your feedback!
- [Account](https://crates.app/account/)
- [Login](https://crates.app/login/): E-mail Address Password Only fill in if you are not human Forgot your password? Keep me signed in Continue with Google
- [Privacy policy](https://crates.app/privacy-policy/): We only keep YouTube data for as long as needed to make these features work. In line with YouTube’s rules, any cached statistics or other non-authorized data are deleted or refreshed within 30 days.