Loading our libraries into Kontakt for quick loading!
Mastering Your Kontakt Workflow: Adding Non-Player Libraries in Versions 5 thru 8.
Native Instruments’ Kontakt is a go-to for producers and composers, but integrating non-player libraries—those not pre-packaged for Kontakt—can feel like a puzzle. Luckily, Owen from Triumph Audio has you covered with two straightforward tutorials: one for adding libraries to QuickLoad in Kontakt 6 and below, and another for the Library tab in Kontakt 7 and above. Using our new Arco Anomaly sample library as an example, these methods work for any non-player library. Let’s break it down so you can streamline your setup, no matter your version.
Kontakt 6 and Below: QuickLoad for Fast Access
If you’re running Kontakt 6 or an earlier version, QuickLoad is your ticket to organizing non-player libraries. Here’s Owen’s step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open Kontakt in Standalone Mode
Launch the Kontakt application directly (not as a plugin within a DAW).
Step 2: Ensure Browser and Quickload are Visible
Confirm that both the "Browser" and "Quickload" panels are displayed within the Kontakt interface. If not, enable them from the "View" menu.
Step 3: Navigate to Your Library in the Browser
In the "Browser" panel, click on the "Files" tab.
Use the file navigation within the Browser to locate the folder containing your non-player Kontakt library. (e.g., "Arco Anomaly" folder).
Step 4: Drag the Library Folder into Quickload
Click and drag the entire library folder from the "Browser" directly into the "Quickload" area.
This will add the library to your Quickload for easy access.
Step 5: Create a Custom Folder in Quickload (Optional)
Within the "Quickload" panel, create a new folder. This allows you to organize your favorite patches.
This is done by right clicking in the quickload area and selecting "new folder".
Step 6: Drag Individual Patches into the Custom Folder
Using the "Browser," navigate to the patches you want to add to your custom folder.
Drag these individual patch files from the "Browser" into the custom folder you created in "Quickload."
You can drag patches from any library visible in the browser, into your custom quickload folders.
Step 7: Load Instruments from Quickload
To load an instrument, either:
Double-click the instrument in the "Quickload" panel.
Drag the instrument directly into the rack (the main instrument loading area in Kontakt).
Step 8: Swap Instruments (If Needed)
You can swap instruments directly from the "Quickload" panel.
Alternatively, you can use the dropdown arrow located on the loaded instrument in the rack to select a different instrument.
This approach keeps your libraries just a click away, perfect for older Kontakt setups.
Adding Non-Player Libraries to the Library Tab in Kontakt 7+
Step 1: Open Kontakt in Standalone Mode
Launch the Kontakt application directly (not as a plugin within a DAW).
Step 2: Navigate to the Library Tab
Ensure that you are on the "Library" tab within the Kontakt interface.
Step 3: Click "Import Content"
In the lower-left section of the Library tab, locate and click the "Import Content" button, which has a cogwheel icon.
Step 4: Select the Library Folder
Navigate to the folder containing your non-player Kontakt library (e.g., "Arco Anomaly" folder).
Select the folder and click "OK" or "Import."
Step 4.5: Importing multiple libraries at once (Optional)
If you have multiple libraries in one folder, you can check the “import subfolders as individual libraries” box.
Then navigate to the folder containing all of your libraries and select that folder. This will import each subfolder as an individual library.
Step 5: Verify Library Appearance
The library should now appear with a folder icon in Kontakt's Library Browser.
Step 6: Add Library Artwork (Optional)
Create an Artwork Folder:
Using your file explorer, navigate to the following folder and create a new folder with the same name as your imported Library.
Windows - C:\Users\Public\Documents\NI Resources\image
MacOS - /Users/Shared/NI Resources/imageWithin the ‘image’ folder, Add Artwork Image:
Download the library's box art from our website www.triumphaudio.com or use any image you prefer.
Save the image inside the newly created artwork folder.
Rename the image file to "mst_artwork".
Restart Kontakt:
Close and reopen Kontakt.
The library should now display the artwork you added.
This method makes your libraries feel native to Kontakt 7, with a visual edge.
Why Bother?
Whether you’re on QuickLoad or the Library tab, these tricks unlock the full potential of non-player libraries like Arco Anomaly. They save you from digging through folders mid-session, letting you focus on crafting sounds—be it eerie strings or bold synths. The process differs by version, but the goal is the same: a seamless workflow tailored to you.
Get Rolling
No matter your Kontakt version, Owen’s tutorials make it easy to bring your non-player libraries into the fold. Try it with Arco Anomaly or your own collection, and see how much smoother your production gets. Questions? Hit up the comments on Triumph Audio’s videos (linked below!). Happy creating!
(See the Kontakt 6 QuickLoad tutorial [here] and the Kontakt 7 Library tab tutorial [here].)
