It's possible to customize Live beyond the options listed in the preferences menu. By creating and editing a simple text file, you can dig deeper into Ableton's DAW than you the GUI allows, perhaps even reaching that particular 'issue' that's been bugging you for so long. Here's how it's done…
If you're on Windows: This file will go in in your Users > __ > App Data > Roaming > Ableton > LATEST ABLETON VERSION > Preferences.
Ableton's hidden options.txt file enables custom tweaks and advanced features.
Key Commands:
- -DeviceSlots: Displays all plugins/devices on each track in the Session View mixer.
- -EnableArmOnSelection: Automatically arms a track when you select it.
- -DisableGraphicsHardwareAcceleration: Disables GPU rendering to lower CPU usage.
- -AutoAdjustMacroMappingRange: Automatically adjusts macro range mapping.
- -PluginAutoPopulateThreshold: Defines parameters for auto-populating plug-in lists.
- -EnsureKeyMessagesForPlugins: Fixes issues with certain VST plugins.
- -DisableAppleSiliconBurstWorkaround: Reverts to pre-11.3 power behavior for Mac.
- -ShowTakeLanes: Forces take lanes to be visible.
How to Use options.txt
- Open a plain text editor (TextEdit, Notepad) and name the file options.txt (must be exact).
- Add one command per line.
- Locate Folder...
- Save it in: Windows: \Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live x.x.x\Preferences\
- Save it in: Mac: /Users/[Username]/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live x.x.x/
- Restart Ableton Live.
Note: The options.txt file is not created by default; you must create it yourself.