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Guide

How to clear the Ableton Live cache on a Mac

When you use an MP3 or other compressed file, Live decodes it to an uncompressed WAV and keeps it in its decoding cache. Live deletes old files on its own, but the cache can still grow large.

Clean it up in Live

  1. Open Live > Settings and go to the File & Folder tab.
  2. In the Decoding Cache section, click Cleanup. It deletes every cached file the open Live Set doesn't use.

To keep it small, turn on Maximum Cache Size and set a limit. Minimum Free Space sets how much space Live always leaves on the disk.

Where the cache lives

By default in ~/Library/Caches/Ableton/Cache, with decoded files in the Decoding folder. The Cache Folder setting on the same tab shows it. Ableton recommends keeping the default location.

Where Ableton Live keeps its decoding cache on a Mac.

Is it safe?

Yes. The cache only holds decoded copies of compressed samples. Live decodes the original again when a Set needs it. Your Sets, recordings and samples aren't in it.

Packs take more space

Installed Packs are often much bigger than the cache. They live in the Installation Folder for Packs, shown in Live > Settings > Library. Don't delete Packs your Sets use.

The faster way: Caretaker

Caretaker clears Ableton Live's cache in ~/Library/Caches. With Pro, Creative Cleanup also finds Ableton's sound libraries, including ones left after Live was removed. It also lists the plug-ins a Live Set uses and which aren't on this Mac.

Caretaker's Clean page: safe to clear, system junk and creative app caches, in dots.
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Questions

Can I delete the Ableton cache folder?

Yes, with Live closed. Live decodes compressed files again when it needs them.

Why is my Ableton cache so big?

Every compressed sample you use is stored decoded as an uncompressed WAV, which is several times larger. Set a Maximum Cache Size to cap it.