---
title: Validate
description: "Validate is the checkpoint between editing the workbook and actually writing changes back to VirtualDJ. ## When to use it After you've reviewed and fixed whatever [Autofix](https://vdjtools.com/docs/autofix/) or CrossRef didn't catch, and before you import. ## What it does It…"
url: "https://vdjtools.com/docs/validate/"
updated: "2026-10-28"
category: Feature Guide / Repair / Stages
---

# Validate

Validate is the checkpoint between editing the workbook and actually writing changes back to VirtualDJ.

## When to use it

After you've reviewed and fixed whatever [Autofix](https://vdjtools.com/docs/autofix/) or CrossRef didn't catch, and before you import.

## What it does

It checks that the file named in the `New File Path` column actually exists. That's all — it doesn't check whether it's the *right* file, only that something's there. If the file is there, the row becomes `Validated`, ready to import. If it isn't, the row goes back to `Not Found` with your path kept, and validate lists it so you can fix it.

## Which rows it checks

`Autofix`, `CrossRef` and `Match` rows, and `Not Found` rows where you've typed a New File Path. It leaves `Possible`, `Mismatch`, `Keep`, `Delete`, `Validated` and `Imported` rows alone. A `Possible` row needs you to set it to `Match` first.

That distinction matters: if the file exists but the wrong one's been matched, validate will happily pass it — and that's what gets written to VirtualDJ on import. A quick visual check of the New File Path column before validating is worth the minute it takes.

## Key arguments

- `/repair:<target>`
- `/stage:validate`

## Example command

```
vdjtools /repair:database /stage:validate
```

## Example output

```
Virtual DJ Tools (vBeta)
Copyright© 2024-2026 Quick Apps UK. All rights reserved
Build: 1.0.38.0

repair: database
stage: validate
Validation complete: 9101 rows checked, 1721 ready to import
```

## Safety notes

If validate lists a row, that's the system working as intended — not a failure. Go back into the workbook, correct it, and validate again. Skipping this step, or treating it as a formality, is how a wrong Autofix guess ends up written into your library instead of caught in review.

## Common scenario

Autofix proposes a match that looks right at a glance but isn't quite — validate won't catch that on its own, but the habit of checking before you validate will.

## Related pages

- [Export](https://vdjtools.com/docs/export/)
- [Autofix](https://vdjtools.com/docs/autofix/)
- [Import](https://vdjtools.com/docs/import/)