Backward Compatibility

In Ableton Live, any Set made in an earlier version of Live can be opened in a later version. For example, a set made in Live 1-10 can be opened in Live 11 or Live 12.

Important: Sets created or saved in later versions of Live cannot be opened in earlier versions. For example, a set created or saved in Live 12 can't be opened in Live 11, or any earlier version of Live.

Point release compatibility
Save Set as a new file
Packs compatibility
Backward compatibility with Live-specific file types

If you encounter a problem opening a specific Set in a version later the one used to create it, update any plug-ins and third-party Max for Live devices used in the affected Set. Learn more about Troubleshooting a crash.

Point release compatibility

Sets saved in "point" releases of Live cannot be opened in earlier releases of the same major version. For example, Sets created or saved in Live 12.3 cannot be opened in Live 12.2.

When opening an existing Set in an updated Live version, you'll be prompted to create a new version of the Set via Save as… to avoid overwriting the older Set.
Be sure to create a new, unique name for your Set if you wish to keep the older version as well.

Legacy Live versions

Once edited and saved in the following minor versions, Sets cannot be opened in previous point versions:

Live 11

11.3, 11.2, 11.1

Live 10

Live 10.1

Live 9

Live 9.5, Live 9.7

Save Set as a new file

After an update to Live, if you've opened a Live Set created in an earlier version, you'll be prompted to save it as a new file, using Save As... This ensures that the original Set remains openable in older versions of Live.

Packs compatibility

You can continue to use your Ableton Packs after an update to Live. To install a Pack, drag the Pack file from its location on your computer and drop anywhere in a Set opened in your current Live version. Once installed, the Pack will appear in the Places section in Live's Browser under Packs.

Ableton Packs are compatible with specific Live versions. Version requirements are listed on the Ableton Packs details page under the Download button for each pack, depending on the licenses in your account. Use the relevant Download button for your current Live version:

Note: Use the latest version of each Pack compatible with your Live version. Check for updates to installed Packs via Live's Browser, by going to Packs → Updates. Visit the linked article to learn more about Managing Packs.

Learn more about Downloading and Installing Packs in the Browser.