Transferring Projects to another computer

Learn how to transfer Ableton Live projects between computers. Ableton Live Sets are compatible across platforms, allowing you to open the same project on Windows or Mac. References to audio files, Max for Live devices and plug-ins are contained within each Live Set (.als file), but the files and devices themselves are stored elsewhere on your computer. Audio files and Max for Live devices can be collected and copied into the Live Project folder using Collect All and Save before transferrng.

First Steps 
Transferring individual projects
Transferring all your projects to a new computer

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First Steps

1. Install the latest version of Ableton Live on both machines.
2. Where possible, authorize the same edition of Live on both computers, e.g. Live Suite.
3. Install the latest version of Max for Live on both machines.
4. Install and license the same Ableton Packs on both machines.
5. Where possible, install the same third party plug-ins on both machines.

Note: Only VST and VST3 plug-in formats are compatible across platforms. If transferring from Windows to Mac or vice versa, first use Freeze and Flatten, Bounce, or resampling to render any tracks containing Audio Unit (AU) plug-ins.

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Transferring individual projects

1. Copy all used audio files and Max for Live devices into the project folder by using Collect all and Save from Live’s File menu.
2. Third-party plug-ins are not collected to the Ableton project folder when using Collect All And Save. To keep audio processed through plug-ins, use Freeze and Flatten (Live 11) or Bounce (Live 12) for any tracks containing them, unless both computers have the exact same plug-ins installed.
3. Locate the project folder on your computer
4. ZIP/Compress the folder and transfer to the other user/computer.

Transferring to another computer or user with a different edition of Live

If you create a Set using Suite-only features and then open it in Ableton Live Lite, Intro or Standard, the Set will open with saving and exporting deactivated. Learn how to resolve Saving and exporting are deactivated.

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Transferring all your projects to a new computer

If you store samples within Live's User Library, transferring the User Library to the new computer will allow Live to automatically access samples referenced in your Live Sets.

Transferring samples stored in the User Library

1. Transfer all your project files to the new computer.
2. Transfer the entire User Library to the new computer and update the User Library path in Live's Settings → Library. 
   
   
   Live automatically locates sample references when the samples are located inside the User Library.

Transferring samples stored outside the User Library

If samples are stored outside Live's User Library, you can use either of the following methods:

• Use Collect all and Save to copy samples into the Live Project folder for all projects.
• Transfer your entire sample library, along with your projects, and use automatic search each time you open an old project. Once the samples have been updated with their new locations, save the Set to update the references.