Ableton Live is one of the world’s leading Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), with an incredibly intuitive interface and a host of versatile features.
In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of whether you’re able to use Ableton on more than one computer at a time.
Here’s Whether Ableton can be Used on 2 Computers:
A Live license is intended for a single user, but the license holder can use the software on up to two computers at a time. You can install the software on two machines but only run the program one at a time. To use the software on two machines simultaneously, you need to purchase two licenses.
Can One Ableton License Be Used on Two Devices?
The standard Ableton Live license only allows you to use Live on one computer at a time. However, the Ableton server will provide you with two authorizations in the trust that you will use Live on only one machine at a time.
You can then for example run Ableton Live on your studio desktop machine as well as your touring laptop, just as long as it’s not at the same time.
If you’re looking to use Ableton Live on more than one computer at a time, you’ll need to acquire a secondary Ableton Live License or an Ableton Site License. These licenses can be purchased from Ableton for reduced rates.
Is There a Way to Use Ableton on Two Computers Simultaneously?
Ableton Live allows one license holder to have two separate software installations on two different machines. However, Ableton stipulates that you can only run the Ableton Live software on one machine at a time.
If you’d like to use Ableton on two computers simultaneously, you’d have to acquire two separate Ableton Live licenses.
Ableton stipulates that two people are not allowed to work off the same Ableton Live License. This means that each individual needs to have their own Live License, and may not share another.
Can I Continue my Ableton Project on Another Computer?
Ableton Live Sets are cross-platform compatible, meaning that you can open them in both the Windows and Mac versions of Live. Any file created using an Ableton Live Set (.als) contains references to any audio files, as well as plug-ins and Max for Live devices.
These files can be collected and copied into a new Ableton project folder. To do this, you can follow these instructions:
- Make sure the latest version of Live is installed on both machines.
- Where possible, make sure that both computers have the same edition of Ableton Live authorized, e.g., Live Suite.
- Install and license the same Ableton Packs on both computers.
- Try to install the same third-party VST Plug-ins on both machines.
Transferring an Individual Project to Another Computer or User
- Use ‘C0llect All and Save‘ from Live’s File menu to copy all your audio files into your Project Folder.
- Take note that Plug-ins are not collected to the Ableton Project Folder when using ‘C0llect All and Save‘. To work around this, Freeze and Flatten any tracks that are using your plug-ins. (Of course, if both computers have the exact same plug-ins installed then you will not have any issues).
- On your computer hard drive, locate the saved Project Folder.
- Transfer your saved folder to the other computer or user.
Transferring All of Your Projects to Another Computer or User
- Locate and transfer all of your Project Files to the new computer or user.
- Next, you’ll have to transfer the entire User Library to the new computer.
- Once completed, update the location of this User Library in Ableton Live’s preferences. Luckily, Live automatically remembers sample references when the samples are located inside the User Library.
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When moving between Windows and Mac or vice versa remember that the VST format is cross-platform. AU plug-ins (which are native to Mac) will need to be frozen and flattened beforehand.
Can You Transfer Your Ableton License to Another Computer?
Ableton Live includes two authorizations (unlocks), which are useable on two separate machines owned by the License holder.
Here’s how to install and authorize Live on a new or different computer:
- First, log in to your Ableton account on Ableton.com. Make sure to use your default browser (Chrome or Firefox are recommended). You’ll need to use the email address where your license is registered to sign in.
- Next, download the latest version of Ableton Live. The latest version will always be displayed in your account.
- Begin the installation. Make sure to follow all of the steps.
- Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to authorize it online. Live will guide you through this process
- Installing onto a new computer will use one of your Unlocks (Of which you have two). If you receive an error saying your Unlocks have run out, you may request more from Ableton
- Next, you’ll need to transfer all of your Ableton Live sets from one computer to another.
- Finally, it’s recommended that you copy/move all of your own patches, instruments, effects racks, presets, samples, etc.
- If these are saved in the User Library, you can just copy the entire User Library folder. This can be found in its default location on your computer.
For more on file saving, take a look at our article about Ableton and Autosave.
Ableton Says “This License Belongs To Another Account” – What To Do?
When trying to install a newly purchased Live Pack, you may receive an error saying “This License Belongs To Another Account”.
This means that Live needs to be re-authorized after the Pack has been purchased so that the new Pack serial can then be included in the license details.
You can re-authorize Live to fix this issue. Here’s how:
- On the ‘This License Belongs To Another Account; error message, Click ‘OK’
- Once the Pack installation is complete, Ableton Live will request that you re-authorize your License via Ableton Preferences.
- You can now follow the steps to re-authorize your Ableton License once again.
To navigate this by yourself:
- Open Live’s ‘Preferences’
- Next, click on ‘Licenses/Maintenence’
- Then go to ‘Authorize at ableton.com’
In the case of a stolen or lost device, one cannot deactivate the Live License linked to the machine. However, Ableton allows for backup activations that exceed the initial Unlock allowance of two.
So if you are in the unfortunate situation of losing or having your device stolen, Ableton will allow you another License installation on your new device.
If you encounter any hiccups with your installation on a new machine, contact Ableton support and explain your situation.
Please also check out our article with common questions about Ableton Live rent-to-own options.
Can You Sync an Ableton Workspace Between Computers?
Ableton Live works remarkably well on its own for performance and production, but it’s also incredibly smart at working with other software and hardware. It also wants to be social!
Here’s how to work Ableton’s Link and Sync capabilities:
Ableton Live has a wonderful sync solution called Link. Link works via Wifi or Ethernet, is reliable, and very easy to configure and understand, especially in a world with such contrasting levels of complex and unreliable connectivity.
Link is included in your Ableton Pack, meaning there are no extra costs or installs required, which makes it a very popular and convenient prospect.
Ableton Link is remarkably simple as well as cable-free, as long as you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Here’s how to use it:
- Make sure you have two machines running Ableton Live and have both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Launch Ableton Live, open ‘preferences’, and click on the Link MIDI tab.
- Next, turn on ‘Show Link Toggle’ as well as ‘Start Stop Sync’.
- Once ‘Preferences’ is closed, you’ll see the Link box at the top left of your screen.
- Next, click on the Link box to join a Link network.
- A number will appear to show how many other computers or devices are on the network, once they’re set up of course. The tempo will also be shown as a scrolling left/right indicator.
- Anybody can control the tempo in a Link jam. Everybody’s tempo will change automatically when one person adjusts it.
- If you ensured that ‘Start Stop Sync’ was on, Live will start/stop as soon as any one person in the jam starts or stops their transport.
Anyone can join or leave without disrupting the Link session, and once connected, each participant can perform independently, stopping or starting while still staying on time.
Please also read our article exploring how much RAM Ableton requires for optimal functioning.