Does JukeCab download music?
No. JukeCab does not download or supply music. It plays media already stored on your computer. You are responsible for sourcing and using your media legally.
How should my songs be named?
There is no required filename format. JukeCab primarily reads the embedded tags inside each file, such as Title, Artist, Album and Track Number. Filenames and folders can be used as fallbacks, depending on your settings.
Why are titles, artists or albums displayed incorrectly?
The file’s embedded tags are probably missing or inconsistent. Clean up your library with a music-tagging application before importing it into JukeCab.
Does JukeCab download album or track artwork?
No. Album artwork should already be embedded in each music file. For reliable Now Playing artwork, ensure every track contains the correct embedded image.
What does the Artist Image Scraper download?
Only artist portraits and artist logos. It does not download album covers, single covers or track artwork, and it does not modify your music files.
Does JukeCab alter my music or video files?
No. JukeCab may read tags and cache artwork, but it does not rewrite or permanently modify your original media.
Does Volume Normalization modify my files?
No. It only balances playback volume while using JukeCab. Your files remain completely unchanged and disabling it restores normal playback levels.
What are the system requirements?
Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), the 64-bit Microsoft .NET 8 Desktop Runtime, a working audio device and a minimum display resolution of 1280 × 720.
Where should I install JukeCab?
Install JukeCab in a normal writable folder. Avoid protected locations such as Program Files, as JukeCab needs to save settings, artwork, playlists and logs. By default, JukeCab will install to C:\JukeCab.
Do I need a touchscreen?
No. JukeCab can be operated using a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, compatible controller or correctly configured external controls.
What do I get if I purchase a JukeCab license?
A license removes the 100-song / 100-video library limit and unlocks all registered features, including video playback, compatible controller support, the Artist Image Scraper, Secondary-Display Support, Volume Normalization and the Skin Development Tools. The Free and Registered versions use the same application. Entering a valid license key unlocks the additional features.
Is the license fee an annual charge?
No. A JukeCab license is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. There are no annual renewal fees. Keep a safe copy of your license key, as it will be needed if you reinstall JukeCab or move it to another computer.
Does JukeCab require an internet connection?
No. JukeCab is designed to play media stored locally on your computer and does not require a permanent internet connection. An internet connection is only needed when using an online feature such as the Artist Image Scraper or when downloading updates and support material.
Can JukeCab play videos and karaoke files?
JukeCab can play supported video files in addition to music. This allows it to be used for music videos and video-based karaoke files. JukeCab does not supply karaoke media, lyrics or music. Your karaoke collection must already be stored on your computer in a supported format. Video playback is available in the Registered version.
Can JukeCab display video on a second screen?
Yes. The Registered version supports a secondary display, allowing video or a separate visual skin to be shown on another connected monitor. Secondary-display behavior depends on the selected settings, connected displays and the design of the secondary skin.
How do I make my own JukeCab skin?
JukeCab skins are created using editable configuration files and artwork. A skin controls the placement and appearance of title strips, artwork grids, buttons, text, album details, the queue, Now Playing information and other visual elements. Start with an existing skin or the basic default skin, copy it into the UserSkins folder, rename it and edit its skin.cfg file and artwork. JukeCab also includes Skin Development Tools in the Registered version to help inspect coordinates, regions and other layout details. Skin documentation and community assistance are available through the JukeCab website and forum.
Can I modify one of the included skins?
Yes. However, it is better to copy the skin into the UserSkins folder and edit the copy rather than changing the original installed version. This protects your changes from being overwritten when JukeCab or the original skin is updated. Please respect any credits, permissions or restrictions included by the skin’s original creator.
Can I download additional skins?
Additional skins may be made available through the JukeCab website, forum or community. Screen size, aspect ratio and input requirements can vary between skins, so check the skin’s description before installing it.
Can JukeCab be controlled without a mouse?
Yes. JukeCab can be operated with a touchscreen, keyboard, compatible controller or correctly configured external controls. The controls available on screen depend on the selected skin. Some skins may be designed specifically for touchscreens, cabinets, controllers or traditional keyboard operation.
Can I use JukeCab in a public or commercial location?
JukeCab can technically be configured for public or pay-per-play operation, but JukeCab does not provide music licenses, public-performance rights or permission to use copyrighted media commercially. You are responsible for obtaining any licenses or permissions required in your country or region and for ensuring that your use of the music and video collection is legal.
Does JukeCab include a coin or credit system?
Yes. JukeCab includes optional Free Play and coin-credit operation. These modes cannot be enabled at the same time. Enabling coin or pay-per-play operation does not grant permission to use music commercially. The operator remains responsible for all public-performance, mechanical, synchronization or other licensing requirements that may apply.
Can I move JukeCab to another computer?
JukeCab is designed as a portable application. In most cases, you can copy the complete JukeCab folder to another suitable Windows computer. Keep the folder structure intact so that settings, skins, playlists, artwork and other application data remain available. Media folder locations may need to be updated if your music is stored under different drive letters or paths.
Where does JukeCab save its settings and data?
JukeCab stores its settings, skins, playlists, cached artwork, logs and related application data inside the JukeCab folder. For this reason, JukeCab must be installed in a folder where your Windows account has permission to create and modify files. Avoid protected folders such as Program Files.
Will updating JukeCab delete my settings or skins?
You should always make a backup of the complete JukeCab folder before installing an update. Custom skins should be stored in the UserSkins folder rather than modifying included skins directly. Follow the update instructions supplied with each release.
Why is a feature unavailable in my copy of JukeCab?
Some features are reserved for the Registered version. The Free version is limited to 100 songs and does not includ compatible controller support, the Artist Image Scraper, secondary-display support, Volume Normalization or the Skin Development Tools. Check the License Status entry in the JukeCab menu to confirm whether your copy is registered.
I purchased a license. How do I register JukeCab?
Use the License Status option in the JukeCab menu and enter or import the license key supplied with your purchase. JukeCab verifies the key locally and does not require online activation. Store a backup copy of the original key in a safe place.
Where is the documentation?
There is a guide for the Main Menu in JukeCab that can be found here. There are keywords that will point you to the correct place in the menu for the settings you are looking for. As for a skin documentation, that is in the works. Jukecab is ever evolving though and it is hard to write documentation for something when things are changing so rapidly. For now, the best we can do is offer the zzz-example test skins. Find the example skin that has the feature you need, open it’s skin.cfg and replicate the parts you need into your own skin with the x y and height width coordinates . This is how many skin designers have learned to make skins. AI is a good tool as well. ChatGPT in particular is well versed in skins from JukeCab and other legacy Jukebox programs.
I have a problem with JukeCab. Where can I get help?
Visit the official JukeCab Forum for setup assistance, troubleshooting, skin-development help and community discussion. When reporting a problem, include your JukeCab version, Windows version, a clear description of what happened and the steps needed to reproduce it. Relevant screenshots, configuration details and files from the JukeCab Logs folder may also help diagnose the issue. Do not publicly post your license key or other private information.