How to Record MIDI in Ableton Live

Record MIDI performances in Ableton Live using a keyboard, pad controller, or computer keys. Includes quantize and overdub tips.

MIDI & Instruments · beginner level

Steps

  1. Create a MIDI Track

    Go to 'Create' > 'Insert MIDI Track' or press Cmd+Shift+T (Mac) / Ctrl+Shift+T (Windows). A new MIDI track appears in the mixer.

  2. Load an Instrument

    Drag a software instrument from the Browser onto the MIDI track — for example, a Simpler, Operator, or third-party VST plugin.

  3. Connect and Configure Your Controller

    Go to 'Live' > 'Preferences' > 'MIDI' tab. Ensure your MIDI controller is listed and enable 'Track' for input. If no hardware is available, enable the Computer MIDI Keyboard ('M' key).

  4. Arm the Track and Record

    Click the arm button on the MIDI track (it turns red). Press the global Record button in the transport bar and start playing. Your MIDI performance is captured as a clip.

  5. Quantize and Edit the Recording

    Double-click the recorded clip to open it in the MIDI Editor. Select all notes (Cmd+A / Ctrl+A) and press Cmd+U / Ctrl+U to quantize. Manually drag notes to fix timing or velocity.

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