How to Split and Join Clips in Ableton Live
Essential editing techniques for dividing and merging audio and MIDI clips in Ableton Live's Arrangement View.
Editing · beginner level
Steps
Splitting a Clip
In Arrangement View, place the playhead (the vertical line indicating playback position) at the point where you want to split an audio or MIDI clip. Select the clip(s) you want to split. Go to 'Edit' > 'Split' (Cmd+E / Ctrl+E). The clip will now be divided into two independent clips.
Splitting Multiple Clips Simultaneously
To split clips across multiple tracks at the same point, select all the relevant clips on different tracks. Place the playhead at the desired split point, then use 'Edit' > 'Split' (Cmd+E / Ctrl+E). All selected clips will be split at that position.
Consolidating (Joining) Clips
To join multiple clips into a single new clip, select the adjacent clips you wish to consolidate. Ensure they are on the same track. Go to 'Edit' > 'Consolidate' (Cmd+J / Ctrl+J). A new consolidated clip will be created, replacing the original separate clips. For audio, this renders a new audio file.
Using Consolidate for Effects
Consolidate is useful for 'baking-in' effects. If you have an audio or MIDI clip with effects on its track, consolidating it will create a new clip where those effects are permanently applied, freeing up CPU and allowing for further processing without affecting the original. Remember to save a version before consolidating if you want to keep the original.
Cropping Clips
To remove unwanted sections from the beginning or end of a clip, select the clip and then drag its left or right edge inwards. To delete everything outside a selection within a clip, select a specific time range within the clip and go to 'Edit' > 'Crop Clip'.