The process of reconnecting DJ software database entries to audio files that have been moved or renamed.
Relinking is the operation performed in DJ software to restore the connection between a library database entry and its audio file when the file's path has changed, typically because the file was moved to a different folder, renamed, or migrated to a new drive. Until the link is restored, the software marks the track as missing and cannot play it, though all stored metadata, cue points, loops, and beatgrid data are retained in the database.
Why it matters
A broken file link does not erase prep work; the database still holds every cue point and beatgrid correction. Relinking rather than re-importing the file is therefore essential for preserving that work, and understanding the distinction prevents DJs from accidentally starting prep over from scratch after a routine file reorganization.
In practice
In Rekordbox, right-click a missing track and choose "Relocate" to point it at the new file path, or use "Auto Relocate" from the Track menu (or the right-click context menu) to let the software search a selected folder and relink every missing file it can match. In Serato, right-click a missing track (shown in red) and select "Locate Missing File," then browse to the new location. You can also drag a folder from Finder or Explorer onto the "Relocate Lost Files" button in the Files panel to batch-search that folder. Always reorganize files outside DJ software first, then relink, rather than moving files while the software is open.
