Collection of Ableton Live paths and directories

[benmuetsch]

Hi everyone,

I had the idea today that we could compile a list of where Ableton Live saves files, especially considering that the program is quite adaptable. Some time ago, I looked into this, but I don't remember much anymore. I'm considering completely reinstalling my Mac at some point, and in that case, I would need to back up the settings files beforehand or find them in the Time Machine backup.

So, where are the files saved that contain Tags, Collections, Favorites, Places, etc.?

It might be useful to gather this information here for both Windows and Mac in a sticky thread, as it could help a lot of people.

Have a great week, and thanks!

[[jur]]

By default Live installs "everything" in User > Music > Ableton (on mac)
- The Packs can be set anywhere, it's a Pref.
- Same for the User Lib.
- Same for the Temporary files.
- Then there's folders you might have added to Live's Places which are not part of your User Library.

[benmuetsch]

Thanks Jur!

Caches folder is also part of the user library as a definable place.

I know there is somewhere a XML file where the places are stored but right now I cannot find it. Any ideas?

[benmuetsch]

The folder I was searching for is - at least on macOS:

/Users/(username)/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live xx.x.xx/

Library.cfg and Preferences.cfg

[resident_m]

On Windows, it's C:\Users\(user name)\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live X.X.X\Preferences

[[jur]]

Oh yeah, I forgot about the Preferences.cfg!
There's also an Ableton folder in Library>Application Support