Uninstalling Live (macOS)

In some cases, you may want to completely uninstall all Ableton software and content, such as when transferring ownership of your computer. Here's how you can uninstall the Ableton Live application and all associated hidden files from your macOS computer, including Live Core Library and Ableton Packs.

Step 1

Launch Live, open the Preferences and go to the Library tab. Check the paths to Installation Folder for Packs and Location of User Library:

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Note: While Live's Core Library content and Live Packs can be downloaded and reinstalled at any time, your User Library - which contains your own personal presets and files - cannot be restored once deleted unless you have backed it up to another location. If you still want to use files from the User Library, do not delete them without backing them up first. 

Step 2

Open your Applications list in Finder and remove the Live application by dragging and dropping it into the trash bin, or control+click then "Move to Trash".

Step 3

Locate these hidden files and folders and delete them entirely:

  • /Users/[username]/Library/Preferences/Ableton/
  • /Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Ableton/
  • /Users/[username]/Library/Caches/Ableton/
  • all files starting with 'com.ableton.live.' in
    /Users/[username]/Library/Preferences/
  • all files starting with 'Ableton Live Engine' in
    /Library/Application Support/Propellerhead Software/ReWire/
  • all files starting with 'Ableton Live Engine' in
    /Users/[username]/Library/Application Support/Propellerhead Software/ReWire/

Here's how to access hidden folders on macOS.

Step 4

Go to the Packs and User Library locations that you wrote down during Step 1.

  • If you plan to re-install Liveleave them where they are.
  • If you have no plans to use Ableton Live again, you can delete them.

Ableton offers these in-depth help and learning resources: