Step 3 - Format the USB
Step 3 of 5
USB format
This erases the drive completely. It is the one exception to the never-format rule, and it is safe only if this gig's tracks are already on the computer. Confirm the disk name and size before you touch anything, formatting the wrong disk is unrecoverable.
- Right-click the USB drive → Format (or Disk Utility on Mac).
- Format: FAT32, not NTFS. FAT32 is the default because every player reads it and older CDJs refuse exFAT.
- Stick over 32GB, so Windows will not offer FAT32 in that dialog? On a CDJ-3000X, CDJ-1500X, XDJ-AZ, XDJ-AN, OPUS-QUAD or OMNIS-DUO, or a CDJ-3000, XDJ-RX3 or XDJ-XZ on firmware 1.20, 1.11 and 1.23 or later, take exFAT instead: those read it, and it needs nothing downloaded.
- Older deck AND a stick over 32GB is the one combination that needs the free guiformat tool, and that is a download. No connection in the booth, no guiformat: use a stick under 32GB.
- Name: SAVEMYGIG (or anything you like)
- Quick format: OK
- Scheme: Master Boot Record (MBR)
Do not remove the USB during formatting.
Has the USB been successfully formatted?
You have completed every required step. Formatting is irreversible and is not recommended while you are live. Allow about 30 minutes for this process.
You follow these steps at your own risk. Formatting or erasing a drive can permanently destroy data. Full disclaimer.