2 Minute Ableton Tip #9: Custom Template Creation

Save time and improve workflow in Ableton Live with this Two Minute Ableton Tip!

Last time we talked about creating a default project template that will open any time you create a new Ableton Live set.  While this is useful, one of the drawbacks is that you can only have one default project template.  This time we will discuss how to create and save multiple template projects that you can use anytime you want a particular set up for your Live set.  This is a tremendous time saver and eliminates tedious tasks such as routing up your equipment and tracks over and over again.

Fortunately, it's very simple to do.  Anytime you have a project you wish to save as a template for later use, just save it inside your Live Library, in the folder named "Templates."  The next time you want to start with that template, simply open it from that same folder.  Ableton will open the template, creating a new set called "Untitled," and when you save this project it will not overwrite the template file.  Another advantage is that you can drag your templates into existing Live sets.  So imagine you are working on a song and you decide you want to use your Moog Slim Phatty.  If you had a template set up with all the audio and midi routing set up, as well as maybe a few plugins you like to run the synth through, all you need to do is drag that template into your current set.  Ableton will magically add that to your project! Such a great feature!  Follow along in the video below as I demonstrate...