How to Play Local Music Files on Monochrome

Updated

Monochrome can play music stored on your own device through its Local Files feature. You select a folder on your computer, and the site reads the audio files inside it. This requires a browser that supports the File System Access API — if yours doesn't, Monochrome recommends using Helium. Metadata reading is basic and works with FLAC and MP3 tags.

Before you start

  • A browser with File System Access API support. If the feature won't load, the page explicitly points you to Helium as a recommended alternative.
  • Your music organized in a folder on your device (FLAC or MP3 files, since those are the tag formats the reader handles).
  • No account is required just to play local files — the Local Files entry sits alongside "Liked Items" in the sidebar.

Steps to play local files

  1. Open the Local Files section from the sidebar (it appears under "Liked Items & Local Files").
  2. Click Select Music Folder. Your browser will open a folder picker.
  3. Choose the folder that contains your music. The site reads the files and their basic tags.
  4. Your tracks appear in the Local Files view. Use Play, Shuffle, or Mix to start listening, and Download or Save where offered.

Managing your folder afterward

Once a folder is connected, the Local Files panel shows a Change Folder option so you can point Monochrome at a different directory without starting over.

What to expect

Aspect Behavior
Supported tag reading FLAC and MP3 (described as basic)
Folder selection One folder at a time, changeable later
Browser requirement File System Access API; Helium recommended if unsupported
Account needed Not required for local playback

Common snags

  • "Your browser doesn't support the File System Access API" — this is the message shown when the feature can't run. Switch to a supported browser or use Helium as suggested.
  • Tags look incomplete — metadata reading is basic, so expect only standard FLAC/MP3 tag fields to populate, not rich or custom data.
  • Nothing plays after selecting a folder — confirm the folder actually contains FLAC or MP3 files, since those are the formats the tag reader is built for.