What is Ableton Live used for?

Ableton Live is a DAW for producing music and performing it live, with MIDI tools, built-in sounds and integration with Push hardware. It is a good fit for producing electronic music, performing live sets, and sketching and arranging song ideas.

How much does Ableton Live cost?

Ableton Live is a paid product with no free plan. Sold in several editions with a free trial; Live Suite is also offered as rent-to-own over 24 monthly payments.

Is Ableton Live open source?

No. Ableton Live is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Ableton Live include LMMS and Ardour.

What are some alternatives to Ableton Live?

Ableton Live competes with Logic Pro, FL Studio and Pro Tools. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Ableton Live alternatives.

Ableton Live: features, pricing and alternatives

About Ableton Live

Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation (DAW) used to compose, record, arrange and perform music. It is known for supporting both studio production and live performance within one program, and the vendor also makes related hardware such as Push and Move.

Live 12 adds MIDI Tools and MIDI Transformations that reshape patterns, apply variations and add ornaments and articulations to clips, along with new devices and sounds and workflow updates. Live 12.4 is a free update for Live 12 users that brings Link Audio and updated devices. The product connects to Max for Live, extensions, packs of additional sounds and integrated hardware, and Ableton publishes free browser-based learning resources.

Live is proprietary software installed on the user's computer, not a hosted service. Ableton sells several editions, offers a free trial and provides a rent-to-own option for Live Suite over 24 monthly payments. It suits producers, DJs, songwriters and performers across genres.

Key features

Studio production and live performance in one tool
MIDI Tools and MIDI Transformations
Built-in instruments, devices and sounds
Max for Live and extensions
Integration with Push and Move hardware
Link Audio sync in Live 12.4

Good fit for

→Producing electronic music
→Performing live sets
→Sketching and arranging song ideas

Tags: daw; music-production; ableton; midi; live-performance; audio

Ableton Live: questions and answers

What is Ableton Live used for?: Ableton Live is a DAW for producing music and performing it live, with MIDI tools, built-in sounds and integration with Push hardware. It is a good fit for producing electronic music, performing live sets, and sketching and arranging song ideas.
How much does Ableton Live cost?: Ableton Live is a paid product with no free plan. Sold in several editions with a free trial; Live Suite is also offered as rent-to-own over 24 monthly payments.
Is Ableton Live open source?: No. Ableton Live is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Ableton Live include LMMS and Ardour.
What are some alternatives to Ableton Live?: Ableton Live competes with Logic Pro, FL Studio and Pro Tools. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Ableton Live alternatives.