Ableton Live's Packs, User Library and decoding cache: where the gigabytes go
Live's Packs, recordings and decoding cache can pass 50 GB. How to see each, cap the cache, move Packs to another drive, and collect projects before archiving.
Ableton Live Suite comes with many GB of Packs, and every project keeps its recordings. Live also builds a decoding cache of audio files it has converted, which can grow large on its own.
du -sh ~/Music/Ableton/* 2>/dev/null | sort -h
du -sh ~/Library/Caches/Ableton 2>/dev/nullThe decoding cache
When Live plays a compressed file, such as an MP3, it saves a decoded copy so it does not have to decode it again. In Settings, File and Folder, the Decoding Cache section sets a maximum size and has a Clean Up button. Lowering the maximum is safe; Live decodes again when needed.
Packs
Installed Packs live in the Factory Packs folder, usually inside ~/Music/Ableton. To move them, change the Installation Folder for Packs in Live's Library settings; Live offers to move what is installed. Uninstall Packs you never use from the Packs section of Live's browser.
Projects
Each project folder holds its recordings and samples. Before archiving a finished song, use File, Collect All and Save so every sample it uses is inside its folder, then move the folder to an external drive.
User Library
Your presets, clips and samples you saved. Usually small unless you have saved many samples into it.
Other music apps: FL Studio, Kontakt libraries, audio projects.
Common questions
What is Ableton's decoding cache?
Decoded copies of compressed audio files, so Live does not have to decode them each time. Its maximum size and a Clean Up button are in Settings, File and Folder.
How do I move Ableton Packs to an external drive?
Change the Installation Folder for Packs in Live's Library settings. Live offers to move the installed Packs.
How do I archive an Ableton project safely?
Use File, Collect All and Save so every sample is inside the project folder, then move the folder to an external drive.