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

Point release backward compatibility

Sets saved in certain "point" releases of Live cannot be opened in earlier versions.

Live 11.3, Live 11.2, and Live 11.1

Sets cannot be opened in previous versions of Live 11 once edited and saved in Live 11.3.x., 11.2.x, or 11.1.x. To avoid accidental overwriting of an older set when opening it in Live 11.3.x, 11.2.x, or 11.1.x, Live will prompt you to save a new version, using the option "Save as…” Make sure to save this version under a new name.

Live 10.1

Live 10.1 introduced changes which means sets created or saved there can't be opened in any earlier versions of Live 10. Update all versions of Live to the very latest version of Live 10 in order to work on those sets.

Live 9.5 and 9.7

Live 9.5 and 9.7 introduced changes which means sets created there can't be opened in any earlier versions of Live 9. You'll need to update Live 9 to the latest version available in order to work with sets created in 9.5. or 9.7.

Save Set as a new file

When saving a set which was created in an earlier version of Live, you will be prompted to save your Set as a new file, using the "Save As..." command to ensure that the older Live Set can still be opened by older versions of Live.

Packs backward compatibility

You can continue to use Live Packs purchased with earlier versions of Live. Just drag and drop each Pack from its location on your computer anywhere in your current Live version to install. Once installed, the Pack will appear in the Places section in Live's Browser under Packs.

Note: Use the latest version of each Pack. 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.