How to Create and Configure a New Project in Ableton Live

Learn the essential steps to start a new project in Ableton Live, including setting up your preferences and understanding the interface.

Getting Started · beginner level

Steps

  1. Launch Ableton Live

    Open Ableton Live from your applications folder. By default, it will open to a new, untitled Live Set.

  2. Explore the Interface

    Familiarize yourself with the main sections: the Browser on the left, the Session View (clip grid) or Arrangement View (timeline) in the center, and the Detail View at the bottom. Use the Tab key to toggle between Session and Arrangement views.

  3. Set Up Preferences (Audio/MIDI)

    Go to 'Live' > 'Preferences...' (Cmd+, on Mac, Ctrl+, on Windows). In the 'Audio' tab, select your Audio Device (e.g., your audio interface) and set your Input/Output Config. In the 'MIDI' tab, ensure your MIDI controllers are detected and enabled for 'Track' and 'Remote' where appropriate.

  4. Save Your Project

    Crucially, save your new project immediately. Go to 'File' > 'Save Live Set As...' and choose a descriptive name and location. This creates an .als file and an 'Ableton Project Info' folder for associated files.

  5. Configure Global Tempo

    Locate the Tempo field in the top-left control bar. Click and drag up or down, or type in a new value, to set the global BPM for your project.

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