Does a LastCUE backup include my music files
Updated October 9, 2026
It depends on the backup type. Quick and Analysis CUE Backups do not include music files. Full saves the complete PIONEER and Contents folder trees, including existing music files within those folders. Backups are stored locally at your configured backup location.
What each backup type saves
| Backup type | Description | What it saves | Music files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Backup | Back up the library and playlists only for a faster result | The library files under PIONEER/rekordbox, including the database files present there | Not included |
| Analysis Backup | Also back up waveforms and Cue data; this takes longer | Quick backup content plus available analysis files referenced by the selected library | Not included |
| Full Backup | Includes the complete library and all music files; takes the longest | The complete PIONEER and Contents folder trees, including music and analysis files present there | Included within those two folders |
Analysis data can contain cue points, beatgrids, and waveforms. An Analysis backup collects supported referenced files; it does not mirror the whole PIONEER/USBANLZ folder.
Full preserves the files that exist when the backup is made. It cannot capture a song that is already missing or a file that cannot be read. If files cannot be read, resolve the reported backup error before relying on that version. Files outside PIONEER and Contents are outside its scope. Full is therefore a backup of those two folder trees, rather than a disk image of the entire USB.
Which type should I choose
Choose Quick when you want a smaller backup of library data. Choose Analysis when you also want the available cue and waveform data associated with the selected library. Choose Full when you need a copy of the exported music files as well.
For example, a Quick or Analysis backup may help you restore library information while the original music remains on the USB. If the USB is lost or its music files are deleted, those two backup types cannot supply the audio. A Full backup made before the loss can provide music files that it captured.
Why the first Full backup takes longer
The first Full backup copies the files in its scope. Later Full backups from the same source can reuse previously saved files that appear unchanged and copy added or changed files. Each saved version still records its own file set.
This often reduces later copy work, but the time needed depends on USB speed, the number of files, and how much changed. A large new export can still take time.
Where the backup is stored
CUE Backups are saved locally at the backup location configured in LastCUE. LastCUE does not upload these backups, including music saved by Full, to its servers as part of the backup process.
Keep the backup on storage separate from the performance USB. A backup stored only on the same device cannot protect you if that device is lost or fails. If you move a backup, preserve the complete backup library; a single snapshot file may depend on other files in that library.
What to check before restoring
Select the backup version you intend to use and review the destination before confirming a restore. A restore can replace data on that destination. Close rekordbox and check the restored library and a few tracks on the intended player before using the USB for a performance.
Backup and repair serve different purposes. Restoring a version brings back data saved in that version; it does not automatically repair a database that was already damaged when captured.