---
title: Getting Started
description: "This manual is for Kit Maker 3. Using Kit Maker 2? See the [legacy Kit Maker 2 manual](/docs/kit-maker-2-manual/). ## The Basics Kit Maker turns folders of samples into ready-to-play drum kits for your DAW or hardware. 1. **Import.** Drag a…"
url: "https://www.kit-maker.com/docs/km3-getting-started/"
updated: "2026-10-12"
category: Getting Started
---

# Getting Started

This manual is for Kit Maker 3. Using Kit Maker 2? See the [legacy Kit Maker 2 manual](/docs/kit-maker-2-manual/).

## The Basics

Kit Maker turns folders of samples into ready-to-play drum kits for your DAW or hardware.

1. **Import.** Drag a folder (or several) onto the import panel, or click the **Importer** button inside the Import panel, under the **Large Files** and **Keywords** buttons. There are two: **Sample Pack Importer** in Sample Pack Mode and **Maschine Importer** in Maschine Mode.
2. **Choose your mode.** **Sample Pack Mode** for sample packs, or **Maschine Mode** for official Native Instruments Maschine Expansions.
3. **Pick your formats.** Turn on one or more output formats for the DAW or device you're making kits for.
4. **Make Kits.** Kit Maker sorts the samples, fills the pads and exports.

The bottom row of the main screen has the Preferences gear, **Quick Guide**, **Manual** and **Help** buttons.

Despite the name, Sample Pack Mode also handles [MPC Expansions](/docs/km3-mpc-expansions/), [Samples From Mars](/docs/km3-samples-from-mars/) packs and [kit folders](/docs/km3-processing-methods/#process-kit-folders).

You can process several Maschine Expansions at once, or several sample packs at once, but not both kinds together in the same run.

![The Import panel: drag folders onto the drop zone](/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/km3-manual-import-panel-sample-pack.png)

## Where Your Kits Go

When a run finishes, Kit Maker shows the [Summary Page](/docs/km3-summary-page/) and tells you where each format's kits were saved. Most formats go to the **Kit Maker Kits** folder on your Desktop. A few go straight into their app's own folder instead, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro and Bitwig. You can change these locations under [Folder Paths](/docs/km3-folder-paths/).

After a run, an overlay titled **Where Your Kits Went** lists one row per format with the output folder and short instructions. Each row has a don't-show-again checkbox.

The **folder icon** in the bottom-right of the main screen (tooltip: **Reveal Kit Folders**) shows your kits any time. Click it to see every location, or double-click to open the last folder used.

For formats that need a transfer step (Ableton Move & Note, Ableton Note (Folders), Deluge, Serato, MPC Sample and Koala), Kit Maker saves a **How to Transfer.txt** next to the kits with the steps for that device.

## Tutorial and Quick Guide

The first time you open Kit Maker, a short tutorial walks you through the main screen. The **Quick Guide** (in the Help menu and on the main screen's bottom row) is the short version of this manual. To run the walkthrough again, open the Quick Guide, go to **Help & Support** and click **Replay the Tutorial**.

## Updates

The current Kit Maker version is shown in the top-right corner of the app. Hover it for a tooltip, or click it to open the update dialog. A green down-arrow appears beside it when an update is waiting. You can also check from **Help > Check for Updates**.