Default Set and Template Sets
The Default Set is the initial Set that opens when you launch Ableton Live. You can use the factory Default Set, or create your own. Template Sets come with Live and some Packs, and can also be customized to use as a starting point for your Live projects, instead of starting from a blank Set. You can create multiple Template Sets to save time when starting different types of projects.
Starting new projects from the Default Set
Starting new projects from Template Sets
Troubleshooting Default Set and Template Sets
Templates in Live 10 and earlier
Starting new projects from the Default Set
The Default Set is the project that automatically opens when you launch Ableton Live. The factory Default Set contains two audio tracks, two MIDI tracks, and two return tracks. You can customize the Default Set to include your preferred number of tracks, and you can include instruments, effects, and other settings. For more details on what can be saved in the Default Set, visit the Live Manual.
Customizing the Default Set
To save the current Set as the main Default Set, in Live, go to File > Save Live Set as Default Set. When you open a new Set using keyboard shortcut CMD/CTRL + N or File > New Live Set, an untitled Set with this saved configuration will open.
Setting a Template Set as the Default Set
You can make any existing Template Set the Default Set by right-clicking on it in Live's Browser under Templates and selecting Set Default Live Set.
Restoring the factory Default Set
To restore the Default Set to the factory default, select the Templates label in Live's Browser, right-click on DefaultLiveSet.als, and select Set Default Live Set.
Starting new projects from Template Sets
Template Sets are pre-configured Live Sets you can create for specific purposes or workflows. Unlike the Default Set, you can create multiple Template Sets tailored to different needs (e.g., one for electronic music production, another for recording live instruments). Template Sets often include pre-routed tracks, commonly used devices, and settings to save time when starting a new project.
Creating a Template Set
To create a new custom Template Set with the same tracks and devices as the current Set, go to File > Save Live Set as Template, then enter a name for the Template in Live's Browser.
Opening this Template from Live's Browser > Templates will generate a new, untitled Set with the saved configuration.
Multiple Template Sets
If you use different types of projects, you can create additional Template Sets each with its own unique configuration of tracks and devices. To do this, follow the steps above, or find the folder called “Templates” within your User Library. Any Sets saved to this folder will appear under the Templates label in Live's Browser, and when opened, generate a new Set with the saved configuration named Untitled.als.
Custom Templates Sets are saved in the following location on your computer:
macOS: Users/[username]/Music/Ableton/User Library/Templates
Windows: C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\Ableton\User Library\Templates
Troubleshooting Default Set and Template Sets
If Live crashes or hangs when starting a new project, your Template Set or Default Set may contain issues such as corrupted audio or a problematic plug-in.
To restore the factory Default Set, follow the steps above to restore the factory Default Set, then relaunch Live. You can find additional troubleshooting steps in the guide to Troubleshooting a crash.
If you have saved plug-ins in your Template or Default Sets, you can test whether disabling plug-ins resolves crashing. To disable plug-ins scanning while launching Live, hold down [ALT/OPTION] on your computer keyboard until the application is open.
Templates in Live 10 and earlier
Saving a new Template Set
- Load the Live Set you want to use as the Template
- Go to Live's Preferences > File / Folder
- Next to "Save Current Set as Default," select "Save"
Creating a blank Template Set
To return the Default Set to the factory state, delete the existing Template.als file in this location:
Windows
\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live x.x.x\Preferences\Template.als
Mac
/Users/[username]/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live x.x.x/Template.als
Note: These folders are hidden by default. Here's how to access hidden folders on Windows and macOS.