In this article, we explain how to set up a Third-Party KONTAKT Library to be used in the KONTAKT Libraries Browser.
What are "Third-Party" KONTAKT Libraries?
Here, the term "Third-Party" applies to libraries for KONTAKT (PLAYER) produced and sold by companies other than Native Instruments.
Libraries produced directly by Native Instruments are considered to be "First-Party" libraries. See this article to set up a first-party KONTAKT Library on your computer.
Can my Library be used in KONTAKT PLAYER?
If your Library included a license serial number with your purchase, then it's compatible with KONTAKT PLAYER. If your library was sold without a serial number, then it's only compatible with the Full License version of KONTAKT.
Note: Additionally, a "non-license" library is loaded only through the KONTAKT Files browser or by using the KONTAKT Quick-Load feature. Please see this video for more details.
Please check the third-party manufacturer's website to see if your library is compatible with KONTAKT PLAYER or requires the Full version of KONTAKT.
Are Third-Party Libraries downloaded through Native Access?
Only some third-party libraries can be downloaded through Native Access. These are usually third-party libraries featured in NKS sales promotions on the NI website. In all other cases, the library's manufacturer provides the download links and installation instructions. For these libraries, only the product activation is carried out by Native Access.
Getting Started
This guide covers two possible use-cases:
- Adding a new library to KONTAKT that you recently purchased.
- Adding a library to KONTAKT that you already have registered.
Click to expand the section below that applies to you:
I'm adding a new Third-Party Library I recently purchased
- Download and unzip the third-party KONTAKT Library.
Note: If you have questions about downloading and unzipping the Library, please contact the Library's manufacturer directly.
- Launch Native Access from this location on your computer:
macOS:
Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Access
Windows:
C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Native Access - Check the Not Installed or Available Updates sections of Native Access to download the latest version of KONTAKT or KONTAKT Player.
Note: If you already have the latest KONTAKT installed, it will be listed under Installed Products.
- Click Add a serial, then paste or type in your library serial number. Finish by clicking ADD SERIAL on the right.
- Once the serial number is processed, click BROWSE. In this example, we will browse for the EXHALE library from OUTPUT.
- Navigate your file system to find the Library folder (e.g. EXHALE) and confirm your selection by clicking Select Folder (click Open if using macOS).
- Click INSTALL to complete the setup process.
- Launch KONTAKT and the Library box will now appear in the Browser under Libraries.
I'm adding a Third-Party Library I've registered before
- Launch Native Access from this location on your computer:
macOS:
Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Access
Windows:
C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Native Access - Check the Not Installed or Available Updates sections of Native Access to download the latest version of KONTAKT or KONTAKT Player.
Note: If you already have the latest KONTAKT installed, it will be listed under Installed Products.
- In the Not installed section, find the third-party Library listing that you want to set up and click ADD LIBRARY. In this example, we will add the CULT SAMPLER library from Best Service.
Note: If you can't find the library folder after clicking ADD LIBRARY, it means you must first download the product from its manufacturer's website. Please contact the manufacturer for a new download link before proceeding further.
- Click BROWSE to select the Library folder.
- Navigate your file system to find the Library folder (e.g. Cult Sampler Library) and confirm your selection by clicking Open (click Select Folder if using Windows).
- Click INSTALL to complete the setup process.
- Launch KONTAKT and the Library box will now appear in the Browser under Libraries.
