Recommended Free Tools
rekordbox can sort a playlist by a selected item such as Key or BPM, and its manual says that this operation changes the playlist’s track order. The manual reviewed does not document a combined Key-then-BPM sort, and official sources do not establish that every CDJ displays that order after every export method. The practical distinction is between sorting a browser view, changing a playlist’s order, and how a specific player reads an exported library.
Browser sorting and playlist sorting are different
In rekordbox 7.2.14, the browser lets you sort track information to find tracks; Key and BPM are among the available track information. This changes how tracks are listed in the browser. The manual separately documents a sort operation in the Collection playlist palette, which changes the playlist’s track order. AlphaTheta Corporation’s rekordbox 7.2.14 Operating Instructions (April 9, 2026) describes the result directly: “The track order is changed.”
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Workflow | What it changes | What the manual establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Browser/library sort | The visible listing used to search and browse tracks | Track information, including Key and BPM, can be sorted in the browser. |
| Collection playlist-palette Sort | The playlist’s track order | Select a sort item and direction; the manual says the track order changes. |
| CDJ after USB export | What the player displays from the exported library | rekordbox support documents USB export for CDJ use, but the reviewed sources do not confirm Key/BPM sort persistence for every model and export workflow. |
Sort a playlist by Key or BPM
- In rekordbox’s EXPORT mode, open the Collection playlist palette and select the playlist you want to change.
- Open the playlist menu and choose Sort.
- Choose the sort item, such as Key or BPM, then use the arrow control to set ascending or descending order.
- Inspect the playlist’s displayed order before exporting it.
The manual documents selecting a sort item and direction. It does not document a multi-level priority such as sorting first by Key and then by BPM. If you need a particular sequence within groups, arrange the tracks deliberately and confirm the resulting playlist order rather than assuming a compound sort is available.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Arrange tracks manually when a sorted sequence is not enough
The manual says you can drag a track up or down to change its position, but only when tracks are sorted by track number. Set the playlist to track-number order first, then drag tracks into the sequence you want. Recheck the visible order after arranging it.
#1 Best Overall
- Flagship Performance Controller: Built for serious hobbyists, mobile DJs, and pros who want a future-proofed open-format tool
- Remix on the Fly: Track Separation splits any song into vocals, drums, and instruments for live mashups with no prep
- Club-Standard Workflow: A 4-channel layout with pro FX translates directly to a CDJ and DJM booth setup
- See Your Music: Large jog wheels with multicolor on-jog displays show waveforms, artwork, and the parts you are playing
- Two Platforms, Plus Lighting: Works with rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, with a built-in DMX output to run lights from the controller
What to check before expecting the order on a CDJ
AlphaTheta’s rekordbox 7 FAQ documents exporting tracks and playlists to USB storage for CDJ use. It also says that CDJ-3000X and certain other newer equipment require OneLibrary export to browse exported tracks and playlists; the required process depends on the equipment and library format. See the rekordbox 7 FAQ for the current export guidance.
The reviewed official documentation does not specifically confirm that the Collection playlist-palette Key or BPM sort appears in the final displayed order on a named CDJ after a named export mode. That does not establish that the sort is lost; it means the result should be checked against the player and export workflow you use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Flagship Performance Controller: Built for serious hobbyists, mobile DJs, and pros who want a future-proofed open-format tool
- Remix on the Fly: Track Separation splits any song into vocals, drums, and instruments for live mashups with no prep
- Club-Standard Workflow: A 4-channel layout with pro FX translates directly to a CDJ and DJM booth setup
- See Your Music: Large jog wheels with multicolor on-jog displays show waveforms, artwork, and the parts you are playing
- Two Platforms, Plus Lighting: Works with rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, with a built-in DMX output to run lights from the controller
Rank #4
- LARGE 10.1-INCH TOUCHSCREEN - High-resolution capacitive display allows viewing of up to 13 tracks at once. Features Playlist Bank for rapid access to four playlists and Touch Preview for listening to tracks without loading them
- 4-DECK STANDALONE PLAYBACK - Unlock full creative freedom with the ability to play and control four decks simultaneously from a USB device. Provides a professional club-standard layout for seamless transitions and complex layering
- ULTRA-LOW LATENCY WIRELESS - Integrated SonicLink technology provides a dedicated high-speed wireless connection for compatible headphones. Features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 for flexible connectivity and track management
- STUDIO-QUALITY AUDIO PERFORMANCE - Features a high-performance 115 dB S/N ratio and 0.0018% total harmonic distortion. Delivers pristine, club-ready sound across the entire 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range
- COMPREHENSIVE FX CONTROL - Includes 6 Sound Color FX and 14 Beat FX including Helix and Mobius. Equipped with full-size 206mm jog wheels with Jog Feeling adjust for precise scratching and pitch control
Rank #3
- The All-Rounder to Learn On: A simple, user-friendly layout inherited from pro Pioneer DJ gear makes it easy to start and grow
- No Beatmatching Skills Needed: Smart Fader auto-adjusts volume, bass, and BPM so you can blend genres by moving one fader
- Room to Grow: 2-channel, 2-deck control with 16 Performance Pads for Hot Cues, Pad FX, Beat Jump, and Sampler
- Built for Streaming and Streaming Out: Mix from Apple Music, Tidal, and Beatport, and live-stream or MC from a single device
- Plug In Anywhere: Connects to PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android by USB or Bluetooth with a built-in sound card for speakers
Rank #2
- No Laptop Needed for USB Sets: A standalone 2-channel all-in-one that runs prepared rekordbox sets from USB drives
- Club-Standard Feel: A 10.1-inch touchscreen and CDJ-style layout mirror pro booth gear for an easy transition
- Two Platforms: Hardware Unlock for rekordbox Performance mode and supports Serato DJ Pro computer control
- Full Creative Toolkit: Beat FX, Sound Color FX, and 16 Performance Pads for expressive, dynamic sets
- Gig-Ready: Pro outputs and a familiar workflow make it ideal for home, mobile, and small-venue performances
- Confirm the order in the rekordbox playlist itself, not just in a browser listing.
- Use the export format required by your target CDJ; do not assume all models use the same library workflow.
- After export, inspect the playlist on the target player. For a definitive model-specific answer, consult that CDJ’s current documentation or verify the exact rekordbox version, model, and export method together.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
