If you’ve ever scrambled to find missing samples, struggled with transferring your project to a new computer, or had trouble sending it to another producer for collaboration, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Ableton Live offers a neat feature called Collect All and Save, which gathers everything you need into one tidy folder. Let’s break down the process and explore a few tips for seamless collaboration.
Why Self-Contained Bundles Matter
Keeping all your samples, audio files, Max for Live devices, and configurations in one dedicated folder prevents missing assets when moving projects between computers. However, note that while Collect All and Save will copy your audio and device files, it does not include plug-ins. If your project uses third-party plug-ins, consider freezing and flattening those tracks (unless the target machine already has the same plug-ins installed). This step is especially important when transferring projects across different operating systems since only VST and VST3 formats are cross-platform, while Audio Units (AU) work only on macOS.
Step-by-Step Guide
Open Your Ableton Live Set
Launch your project in Ableton Live. Ensure all your tracks and settings are as you need them.
Save as a New Project Folder
Go to File > Save Live Set As and choose a new location outside any existing project folders. This creates a dedicated folder for your project and keeps it organized.
Collect All and Save
Click File > Collect All and Save. In the dialogue window, enable all options. This copies all used audio files and Max for Live devices into your project folder. Remember, plug-ins aren’t collected, so if necessary, freeze and flatten tracks that rely on them.
Prepare for Transfer
Locate your project folder, compress it (e.g., ZIP it), and transfer it to your collaborator or new computer. If you’re transferring to a different system (e.g., Windows to Mac), ensure you have compatible plug-in formats or have frozen tracks containing AU plug-ins.
Final Thoughts
By creating self-contained bundles, you ensure that every asset you need is in one place. This method prevents missing files, eases project transfers, and streamlines collaboration. Just follow the steps, and you'll have a hassle-free project ready for sharing or moving to another computer.
Happy producing!
