Not fully. Ableton Live isn't free to keep, but Ableton gives you a free 30 day trial with every feature of Live Suite, and Live Lite comes free with certain hardware and apps. Ableton says the trial doesn't roll into anything automatically when it ends.
So there are two free routes, and they suit different people. The trial is for trying the full product before you decide. Live Lite is a smaller version that never expires, but you can only get it through a product that includes it. Here's how each one works and the detail about the trial that people learn too late.
Live Trial vs Live Lite at a glance
| Live Trial | Live 12 Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| How you get it | Download from Ableton's trial page | Serial number with certain hardware or apps |
| Features | Everything in Live Suite, including Max for Live | A smaller feature set |
| How long it lasts | 30 days | Never expires |
| Can you use it twice? | No, a trial can only be used once | Yes, and older Lite owners upgrade free |
| After it ends | Sets open, but you can't save or export | Not applicable |
The catch: you can't save after day 30
This is the one to know before you start a project. Ableton says that once the trial expires, you can still open Live Sets you made, but you can't save or export your work anymore. Anything unsaved at that point can't be saved.
So export as you go. Bounce your finished tracks to audio regularly during the trial, so you've got your music even if you don't carry on. Ableton also says that if you used Suite-only features and later move to Live Intro or Standard, those parts won't be available in those Sets.
Other trial rules worth knowing
- You need an internet connection to start it, because Ableton says the trial can't be authorised offline.
- You need a free Ableton account.
- Packs from Ableton's shop can't be used with the trial.
- You can install the trial alongside an existing copy of Live.
- It needs around 5.7 GB of disk space for the basic installation.
How to start the free trial
- Go to Ableton's Try Live for free page and download the Mac or Windows installer.
- Install Live and open it.
- Click Start your free trial.
- Log in to your Ableton account in the browser window that opens, or create one.
- Your 30 days start once the trial licence is authorised.
How to get Live Lite free
Ableton says Live Lite serial numbers come with various hardware devices and apps, and Lite isn't sold on its own. For hardware, you usually get the serial when you register the product with its maker, or it's in the box. Once you've got one, Ableton says your Lite licence never expires.
If you already own an older version of Live Lite, Ableton says you can upgrade to Live 12 Lite for free with the same serial. Log in to your Ableton account to download it. Live Lite also supports VST plug-ins on Windows and Mac, and Audio Unit plug-ins on Mac.
Students and teachers
Ableton runs an education programme for people studying or teaching at a school, college or university. It isn't a free version, but it's worth checking on Ableton's education page before you choose an edition.
If you're still choosing a DAW, my guide to the best DAW for beginners compares Ableton with simpler starting points, and my roundup of the best music production software covers the wider field.
Moving on from the trial
If you decide to keep going, Ableton's help page says there are three editions of Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. The trial includes everything in Suite, while Intro and Standard have smaller feature sets. A full edition has to be downloaded and installed separately, because Ableton says you can't authorise a trial installation with a full licence serial, or the other way round.
Once the trial expires you can uninstall it. Ableton's guide covers continuing work in Sets you made during the trial, which is another reason to save often.
Disk space and setup
Ableton recommends 8 GB of free disk space for the basic installation, and up to 76 GB more if you want all the extra sound content. A fast internet connection helps for the download and for updating Live.
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Getting the most from 30 days
- Start the trial when you've got time to use it, not on a busy week.
- Watch Ableton's getting started videos in the first few days.
- Finish at least one track from start to end.
- Export each finished track to audio as you go.
- Try Max for Live, which Ableton says is included with Suite during the trial.
Live Lite owners can also download earlier versions of Lite from Ableton's download archive if their computer runs an older operating system.
My verdict: Ableton isn't free, but the 30 day trial is a full test of Live Suite with nothing to cancel. Export every track you care about before day 30. If you're getting a MIDI keyboard or controller anyway, check whether it includes Live Lite, because that version is yours for good.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ableton Live free?
Not to keep. Ableton offers a free 30 day trial with all of Live Suite's features, and Live Lite comes free with certain hardware and apps.
What happens when the Ableton trial ends?
Ableton says you can still open Live Sets you made, but you can't save or export your work. Anything unsaved can't be saved after it expires.
Does the Ableton trial renew automatically?
No. Ableton says nothing is taken from your card automatically when the trial period expires.
How do I get Ableton Live Lite for free?
Ableton says Live Lite serial numbers come with various hardware devices and apps, and Lite isn't sold separately. Once you have it, the licence never expires.
Can I use the Ableton trial more than once?
No. Ableton says a trial can only be used once.
Can I keep using my trial installation after upgrading to a full edition?
No. Ableton says a full edition must be downloaded, installed and authorised separately, because a trial installation can't be authorised with a full licence serial.
Can I install the Ableton trial next to my current Live?
Yes. Ableton says you can install the trial next to your current version of Live.
