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Expand, reshape and customize Live. Join the beta, download the SDK and start experimenting.
Ableton Extensions, introduced in Live 12.4.5, provide a way for users to develop and use their own tools within Ableton Live using the Ableton Extensions SDK.
Extensions can interact with tracks, clips, MIDI, devices, tempo, and other parts of a Live Set to automate tasks, transform musical data, and customize Live’s capabilities.
In which versions and editions of Live are Extensions available?
Extensions are available in Live 12 Suite Beta, version 12.4.5 or later. Extensions are not available in Live Standard, Intro, or Lite.
What can I do with Extensions?
Extensions can be programmed to affect tracks, clips, MIDI notes, devices, tempo and more. You can build Extensions to:
- Transform MIDI
- Analyze song and track structure
- Automate repetitive tasks
- Create unusual generative patterns
- Connect to external services
- Even play games in Live!
How do I use Extensions in Live?
After you install an Extension in Live (via Settings → Extensions), here's how to access it:
- Right-click an item in your Set (e.g. a MIDI clip, track, or other item).
- Look in the context menu that appears.
- If the Extension can be used on that item, it will show up there.
- Click the name to run or edit the Extension.
After choosing it from the menu, a pop-up will appear in which you can alter the parameters of the Extension before running it. Triggering an extension causes it to run once, performing its task which returns a result or applies changes, then stop.
What is needed to develop Extensions?
Developing with Extensions requires the following to be installed on your computer (macOS or Windows):
- The Ableton Extensions SDK
- Node JS v24.16.0 (LTS)
How do Extensions run inside Live?
Extensions are built on the NodeJS platform, a free, open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. Extensions are triggered from the right-click context menu for the relevant item in your Set.
How are Extensions different from Max for Live?
Max for Live is a deep creative patching environment offering synthesis, custom instruments and complex signal chains. Extensions are JavaScript-based tools that interact with the Set itself, affecting structure, data, and workflow.
Do I need to be a developer to build an Extension?
The SDK is built on standard web technologies that AI coding assistants handle well. If you can clearly describe your idea for an Extension, you may be able to build a working Extension with AI assistance, without any coding experience.
Where can I find more information about Extensions?
Check out the documentation in the Ableton Extensions SDK GitHub repository for more information.