How to Load Kontakt Libraries

In this article, we explain how to load your Kontakt Libraries.

K8_Banner.png

Please select your version of Kontakt below:

Kontakt 8

Opening Kontakt

Open the Kontakt software in standalone mode or as a plug-in in your DAW. The standalone app is installed in this location:

macOS: Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Kontakt 8
Windows: C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Kontakt 8

Note for Windows users: See this video if the Kontakt plug-in does not appear in your DAW.

Using the Library Browser

  1. Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt's header and click the Instruments tab:
    K8_1_LibraryButton.png
  2. The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.
    K8_2_Presets.png
  3. Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

Using the Classic Browser in the Side Pane

  1. Click the LIBRARY button in the header again (so that it is NOT highlighted) and select the Libraries tab below:
    K7_3_ClassicBrowser.png
  2. Click VIEW in the header and make sure that Side Pane is enabled:
    K7_4_ViewSidepane.png
  3. The Libraries tab displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the Instruments tab for your library. This expands the list of the instrument preset files that are available.
    Inst_Preset_Lists.gif

    Note: The instrument presets end with the ".nki" file extension, and are sometimes found within a subfolder hierarchy.

  4. Double-click the Kontakt instrument file to open it. Alternatively, the instrument file can be dragged to the right.
    K7_6_ClickDrag.png

More Info and Resources

You can search our Knowledge base to find more info about loading NI plug-ins in your DAW. Type your DAW in the search field to find relevant results.

K7_7_KB_Search.png

You can also find more info on using Kontakt instruments in their corresponding manuals. The PDF Manual can be downloaded from your product's info page on the NI website.

Kontakt 7

Opening Kontakt

Open the Kontakt software in standalone mode or as a plug-in in your DAW. The standalone app is installed in this location:

macOS: Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Kontakt 7
Windows: C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Kontakt 7

Note for Windows users: See this video if the Kontakt plug-in does not appear in your DAW.

Using the Library Browser

  1. Highlight the LIBRARY button in Kontakt's header to ensure that the Library Browser is enabled:
    K7_1_LibraryButton.png
  2. The Library Browser displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the picture icon for your library. This will display a list of instrument presets on the right.
    K7_2_Presets.png
  3. Clicking once on a preset will activate a preview. Double-clicking the preset will load the instrument.

Using the Classic Browser in the Side Pane

  1. Click the LIBRARY button in the header again (so that it is NOT highlighted) and select the Libraries tab below:
    K7_3_ClassicBrowser.png
  2. Click VIEW in the header and make sure that Side Pane is enabled:
    K7_4_ViewSidepane.png
  3. The Libraries tab displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the Instruments tab for your library. This expands the list of the instrument preset files that are available.
    Inst_Preset_Lists.gif

    Note: The instrument presets end with the ".nki" file extension, and are sometimes found within a subfolder hierarchy.

  4. Double-click the Kontakt instrument file to open it. Alternatively, the instrument file can be dragged to the right.
    K7_6_ClickDrag.png

More Info and Resources

You can search our Knowledge base to find more info about loading NI plug-ins in your DAW. Type your DAW in the search field to find relevant results.

K7_7_KB_Search.png

You can also find more info on using Kontakt instruments in their corresponding manuals. The PDF Manual can be downloaded from your product's info page on the NI website.

Kontakt 6 and Earlier

Using the Libraries Browser

  1. Open the Kontakt software in standalone mode or as a plug-in in your DAW. The standalone application is installed in this location:

    macOS: Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Kontakt
    Windows: C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Kontakt

    Note (Windows Users): See this video if the Kontakt plug-in does not appear in your DAW.

  2. Check the workspace menu at the top of Kontakt to ensure that the Browser is enabled.
    Enable_Browser.png
  3. The Libraries tab displays all Kontakt libraries that are installed. Scroll through the browser and click the Instruments tab for your library. This expands the list of the instrument preset files that are available.
    Inst_Preset_Lists.gif

    Note: The instrument presets end with the ".nki" file extension, and are sometimes found within a subfolder hierarchy.

  4. Double-click the Kontakt instrument file to open it. Alternatively, the instrument file can be dragged to the right.
    K6_ClickDrag.png

More Info and Resources

You can search our Knowledge base to find more info about loading NI plug-ins in your DAW. Type your DAW in the search field to find relevant results.

K7_7_KB_Search.png

You can also find more info on using Kontakt instruments in their corresponding manuals. The PDF Manual can be downloaded from your product's info page on the NI website.