Tips & Tricks
September 4, 2025
Ableton Options.txt
Did you know that Ableton has a secret options.txt file to add experimental options? It is very much worth noting that these options are not supported by Ableton and should be used with caution.
admin
2 weeks ago
Did you know that Ableton has a secret options.txt file to add experimental options? It is very much worth noting that these options are not supported by Ableton and should be used with caution.
For more information about the options.txt file please check The Ableton Docs
Ableton Live 12.3 Options.txt Additional Features
The options.txt file in Ableton Live 12.3 provides access to numerous experimental and hidden features that can significantly enhance your workflow. These features range from interface improvements to advanced functionality like high-quality stem separation and performance optimizations.Creating and Setting Up Options.txt
To use these features, you need to create an options.txt file in your Live preferences folder: Windows: `\Users$$username]\AppData\Roaming\Ableton\Live 12.3\Preferences\` macOS: `/Users/username/Library/Preferences/Ableton/Live 12.3/` Each option must be entered on a separate line beginning with a hyphen (-), and you must restart Live to activate the options| Option Command | Syntax (copy direct) | Function/Description | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show device slots in session view | -ShowDeviceSlots | Displays available devices/plugins on each track in session view | No arguments, just add the command |
| Enable Macro Map to Siblings | -EnableMapToSiblings | Maps parameters across sibling chains with one click | Feature is now native in Live 12, but safe to use |
| Auto adjust macro mapping range | -AutoAdjustMacroMappingRange | Auto-adjusts min/max range when mapping macros | Useful with EnableMapToSiblings |
| High Quality Stem Separation | -_Feature.StemSeparation.HighQuality=True | Enables high quality mode for stem separation | True/False syntax |
| Asynchronous Browser Loading | -_Feature.Browser.AsyncLoading=True | Improves browser performance by loading content asynchronously | True/False syntax |
| Auto populate plugin parameters | -_PluginAutoPopulateThreshold=64 | Automatically lists plugin parameters up to a threshold (e.g., 64) | Can be set 1–128 |
| Skip VST scan on startup | -NoVstStartupScan | Disables scanning for new VSTs on startup | |
| Automation thinning aggressiveness | -ThinningAggressiveness=3 | Adjusts automation data thinning during recording | Integer value; default is 3 |
| Prevent auto arming tracks | -NoAutoArming | Stops Live from automatically arming tracks | Conflicts with EnableArmOnSelection |
| Automatically arm selected track | -EnableArmOnSelection | Arms the currently selected track for recording | Not recommended with Push 2/3 |
| Disable hotkey latching | -DisableHotKeyLatching | Prevents latching on keyboard shortcuts | |
| Use legacy Push2 script | -Push2UseLegacyScript | Forces Push 2 controller to use legacy script | |
| Restrict audio processing to performance cores | -RestrictAudioCalculationToPerformanceCores | Only uses performance CPU cores for audio processing | Can improve DSP stability |
| ReWire: disable master | -ReWireMasterOff | Turns off ReWire master functionality | |
| ReWire: set channels | -ReWireChannels=16 | Sets ReWire to use a specific number of channels | Default 16, set as needed |
| Disable graphics hardware acceleration | -DisableGraphicsHardwareAcceleration | Runs Live without hardware graphics acceleration | Recommended only for troubleshooting |
| APC: prevent combination mode | -DontCombineAPCs | Allows multiple APC controllers to remain independent | Useful with multiple APC units |
| Plugin: ensure key messages | -EnsureKeyMessagesForPlugins | (Windows only) Fixes keyboard data transfer for specific plugins | |
| Disable Apple Silicon burst workaround | -DisableAppleSiliconBurstWorkaround | Mac only; reverts power management to earlier behavior |