Serato DJ is a very popular and powerful piece of DJ software, adopted by many DJs ranging across all sorts of genres. The software is a powerhouse when it comes to music management and performance.
That being said, with all these super cool Serato DJ tips at hand it can be quite a daunting prospect to really get deep into how Serato DJ works, especially when DJing off the platform for the first time.
Even if you’re not new to the program there are times when knowing the easiest and quickest techniques to access its features and functions will make for an easier session either whilst preparing your tracks or playing a set.
We’ve put together six Serato DJ tips and tricks that will help you, not only be a seasoned experienced DJ, but to become more of a seasoned Serato DJ user, let’s take a look.
Here are the 6 best serato dj tips that will improve your DJ sets:
Serato DJ Tip #1
A simple and useful Serato DJ tip is the undo track load feature.
We’ve all been there loading a track into a deck and realizing it isn’t the track that you want to play or you’ve simply loaded it onto one of the virtual decks by accident, this Serato DJ tip makes it easy to revert back to the previously loaded track.
Simply press CMD + Z (or CONTROL + Z) will undo the action of loading a track and will revert you back to the previous track on the deck exactly at the spot where it was previously playing.
This can also be used as a tasty little performance trick toggling back and forth between tracks.
Serato DJ Tip #2
The next Serato DJ tip works alongside the undo track load function and this is where you can simply clear a deck back to its empty state instead of toggling back to a previously loaded track. By simply holding down SHIFT + ALT + either the LEFT or the RIGHT ARROW key this will clear out the left or right deck, whereas undo track load takes you back to the previous played track, this action will leave you with an empty slot ready for your next track.
Serato DJ Tip #3
This Serato DJ trick is very simple and one that will speed up your workflow when browsing for your tracks. When in one of the play view modes hit SPACE and this will switch view from the mode you are in to the Library mode.
A quick and easy way to maximise your library viewing space whilst in the mix.
Serato DJ Tip #4
Again, this is another Serato DJ tip that will speed up your workflow and one that is just handy to know in general. If you need to get to the default setting on a parameter rapidly there is a quick and easy way to do it.
This can be handy for mixing tricks when using just the software or for when you’re programming and setting up in Serato.
Imagine you’ve just tweaked the filter on a channel so that you’ve cut out all the tops, so all that can be heard is the bottom, sub end of a track, (a trick many DJs use when in the mix) and you’re about to transition to the next section of the mix and want everything to come back in with a bang at that very instant.
Well, instead of dialling it up on the screen which can be a slow and not such a precise way of getting to where you need to get to, simply hold CONTROL or CMD then touch the parameter and it will reset to its default setting.
This is also a super quick Serato DJ tip for getting everything all back to the default positions when you’re setting up. Not an essential for when you’re connected to your hardware but still an easy trick to know and a quick way to get your settings back to default positions across all aspects of the Serato DJ software.
Serato DJ Tip #5
We’ve outlined quite a few Serato tips and tricks and the next one is definitely one that will help keep you moving through the software quickly and easily, and above all it will make for a more streamlined workflow.
In fact, it isn’t anything mind blowing or extraordinary, just a case of learning the shortcut key commands. This one tip alone will have you breezing through the software and its parameters in no time.
The easiest way to access the shortcut key commands is to navigate to the ‘Help’ tab towards the far-right corner of the main view. Once you select from the drop down, ‘show shortcut keys’ once activated a box will appear in the middle of the screen.
This will outline the shortcuts possible and tell you what key or combination of keys is needed for each one.
As mentioned quite a basic Serato DJ tip but once you’ve learned and mastered these essential and handy shortcuts, it will mean you’ll be able to move around the software at ease.
Serato DJ Tip #6
The last Serato DJ tip that we are going to outline is how to take your Serato DJing to the next level, whilst many will just use Serato DJ in its basic state for DJing and mixing, the program also brings with it a wealth of opportunities to deep dive and expand beyond the standard mixing operation.
Once you’ve mastered the basics it is time to open up Serato DJ with the available Expansion Packs, these packs bring new features and functions to the software which will add to your performance capabilities.
There are currently around six expansion pack that can be purchased allowing you to create, save, and play back custom edits of your tracks with the Serato Flip pack to adding video to your sets with in-depth effects and transitions via the Serato Video pack.
You can even add to the standard FX with the Serato FX pack. The packs are a great way to taking your DJing to the next level.
Serato DJ tips and tricks: Final Thoughts
That was a brief run down into getting the most out of Serato DJ. Adopting these Serato DJ tips and tricks into your workflow will make for a more enhanced user experience and mean that your performances will wow any dance floor.
Want more DJ software tips?
Check these out:
10 Rekordbox DJ Tips That Will Blow Your Mind
Top 10 Best Traktor Tips To Improve Your DJ Sets
