How to Transfer Ableton Projects to a New Computer.
Copying an Ableton .als file alone is not enough. A Live Set can reference samples, Max for Live devices, third-party plugins, Packs, and other files stored elsewhere. Collect the project first, then move the complete Project folder.
Get the specific problem right before changing anything.
Licensing, plugin files, projects, and content often look related during a computer move, but they are separate pieces. The workflow below isolates the exact job this page is meant to solve.
Collect referenced media
Collect All and Save copies referenced media into the Project so the Set is less dependent on the old computer.
Move the Project folder
Transfer the entire Live Project folder, not just the .als file.
Plugins must be reinstalled
Live stores plugin references in the Set but does not package the actual VST, VST3, AU, or licensed plugin software.
Prepare each Ableton project before transferring it
Open the Set on the old computer while its samples, plugins, and libraries are still available. Save the Set into its own unique Live Project folder before collecting files.
- Open the newest Set you actually use.
- Use Save Live Set As if the Set is mixed into an unrelated Project.
- Resolve missing media before collecting.
- Freeze or bounce tracks that depend on plugins you may not be able to reinstall.
Use Collect All and Save
Choose File → Collect All and Save. Live will ask which external media should be copied into the Project.
Save into a unique Project
Make sure the Set belongs to its own Live Project.
Choose Collect All and Save
Use the File menu or Live's File Manager.
Include required media
Collect referenced samples and other media needed on the new system.
Reopen the Set
Confirm the Project works before copying it away from the source computer.
Copy the entire Live Project folder
Close Live and copy the complete Project folder to an external SSD, network share, or another transfer method. On the new computer, open the .als file from inside that folder.
Restore plugins, Packs, Max for Live, and User Library content
- VST2 and VST3 plugins
- Audio Units on macOS
- Max for Live devices not collected with the Project
- Ableton Packs
- User Library presets and racks
- Large third-party sample libraries
Use the Ableton license guide for Live itself and the plugin migration guide for third-party software.
What if Ableton says media files are missing?
Use Live's missing-media tools and search the transferred Project and connected sample-library drives. If a file still exists on the old computer, copy it into the Project and Collect All and Save again.
Can Ableton projects move between Mac and Windows?
Yes, but third-party plugin format compatibility is the main limitation. Audio Units used on Mac cannot load on Windows. VST/VST3 builds can also differ by version or identity.
Official Ableton resources
Frequently asked questions
How do I move an Ableton project to another computer?
Save the Set in a unique Project, use Collect All and Save, then copy the entire Live Project folder.
Does Collect All and Save include VST plugins?
No. It collects supported media but does not package third-party plugin software or licenses.
Can I move an Ableton project from Mac to Windows?
Yes, but third-party plugins and formats must be compatible on both systems.
Why are samples missing after I copied the .als file?
The .als file contains references to media; it does not contain all referenced audio.
Do not rebuild your plugin library from memory.
Scan your old computer with FX Recall, save a cloud-synced inventory, and track what still needs to be installed on the new machine.