Where Is the Ableton Live User Library?
Ableton Live User Library and Preferences paths on Windows and macOS, and how to tell them apart when migrating machines.
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Ableton splits your stuff in two. Presets, clips, samples and racks you save go to the User Library in your Music or Documents folder. Preferences, templates and log files go to a versioned Preferences folder elsewhere. Knowing which is which saves time during troubleshooting.
Both matter when moving machines. Copy the User Library for your sounds. Copy the Preferences folder for your settings. The version number in the Preferences path changes with each major Live release, so match it to the Live version you run.
Where Ableton Live stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[Username]\Documents\Ableton\User Library
Preferences are separate at %appdata%\Ableton\Live [version]\Preferences. Back up both if you want sounds plus settings.
~/Music/Ableton/User Library
Preferences live at ~/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live [version]. Use Go > Go to Folder in Finder to reach the hidden Library.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Ableton Live crash reports and logs?
Next to the Preferences folder: %appdata%\Ableton\Live [version]\Preferences on Windows, ~/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live [version] on Mac. Support usually asks for the Log.txt file found there.
Can I move the User Library to another drive?
Yes. Open Preferences > Library and change the User Library location, then let Live move the files. Keep the Preferences folder itself on the system drive to avoid permission problems.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.