1. Why Formatting is Important

Explain why formatting a USB stick is crucial for DJing:

• Ensures compatibility with CDJs or DJ software.
• Optimizes performance for music file access.
• Prevents issues like unreadable drives during gigs.

2. Preparing Your USB Drive

• Choose a Reliable USB Drive: Select a drive with at least 32GB for adequate storage and faster read speeds (USB 3.0 or higher recommended).
• Backup Your Files: Formatting erases all data, so save anything important beforehand.

3. Formatting Basics

• File System: Use a format compatible with your DJ gear:
  • FAT32: Works on most DJ gear but limits file sizes to 4GB.
  • exFAT: Supports larger files but is currently only read by the newest DJ gear
• Partition Scheme: When using a Mac system use MBR (Master Boot Record) for broader compatibility.

4. Formatting on Different Systems

• Windows:
  1. Plug in your USB and open File Explorer.
  2. Right-click the USB drive and select Format.
  3. Choose FAT32 or exFAT as the file system.
  4. Click Start to begin formatting.
• macOS:
  1. Open Disk Utility and select your USB drive.
  2. Click Erase and choose exFAT or FAT32.
  3. Select Master Boot Record as the scheme.
  4. Confirm to format the drive.
  • Disk Utility

5. Done!

• You can now use your USB to save your music for use with your favorite DJ software or equipment!