How to record MIDI in Ableton Live?

Learn how to record MIDI from a keyboard or controller into Ableton Live.

MIDI & Instruments · beginner level

Steps

  1. Create a MIDI Track

    Go to Create > Insert MIDI Track, or press Ctrl+Shift+T (Cmd+Shift+T on Mac).

  2. Load an Instrument

    Drag an instrument (such as Analog, Operator, Simpler, or a third-party VST) from the Browser onto the MIDI track so you can hear what you play.

  3. Set MIDI Input

    On the MIDI track, set MIDI From to your controller or All Ins to receive from any connected MIDI device. Set the channel or leave it on All Channels.

  4. Arm and Record

    Click the Arm Recording button on the track. Play your MIDI controller to confirm notes are triggering the instrument. Click the global Record button or press F9, then play. Press spacebar to stop.

  5. Quantize After Recording

    Select the recorded MIDI clip, open it in the Detail View (double-click), then press Ctrl+U (Cmd+U on Mac) to quantize notes to the grid for tighter timing.

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