Subscribe to new posts.

Get fresh posts sent directly to your inbox every other week. Spam free, always.

Sound Algorithm cover image Sound Algorithm cover image
Will Homden profile image Will Homden

How to Enable Dark Mode in Ableton Live

Quick guide to enabling Dark Mode in Ableton Live. Make your workspace visually comfortable with customizable themes.

Dark mode enabled for the Default Ableton theme

Switch to Dark Mode in Ableton Live by adjusting the theme settings in the Settings menu.

1. Open Settings

  1. Launch Ableton Live.
  2. Go to the top menu and select Options (Windows) or Live (macOS).
  3. Click on Settings or use the keyboard shortcut [CTRL],[,] (Windows) or [CMD],[,] (macOS).

2. Navigate to the Theme & Colors Tab

  1. In the Preferences window, click on the Theme & Colors tab located on the left sidebar.

3. Select Dark Theme

  1. In the Theme section, select a dark theme in the Themes drop down. The theme will immediately change so you can easily browse different look and feels.
  2. Alternatively, if you just want the default theme, make sure Default is selected in the Themes drop down, and select Dark in the Appearance drop down.

4. Adjust Additional Settings (Optional)

  1. You can also adjust the Color Intensity , Brightness, Grid Line Intensity and Color Hue, along with other settings in the Theme & Colors menu.
  2. Close the Settings window once you’re satisfied with your theme settings.

FAQs

Why should I use Dark Mode?

Dark Mode reduces eye strain, especially in low-light environments, and can make it easier to focus on your work for extended periods.

Are there other themes available?

Yes, Ableton Live offers multiple themes, including various shades and contrasts. You can experiment with different themes to find the one that best suits your preferences.

Will Dark Mode affect my project or performance?

No, enabling Dark Mode will only change the appearance of the Ableton Live interface. It will not affect your project files, audio quality, or system performance.

Can I customize the Dark Mode further?

While Ableton Live provides basic customization options for themes, more advanced customizations are not available within the software. However, you can adjust the Color Intensity and Brightness settings to better suit your needs.

Is Dark Mode available in all versions of Ableton Live?

Dark Mode is available in Ableton Live 10 and later versions. If you're using an earlier version, you may need to upgrade to access this feature.

Does Dark Mode apply to all views in Ableton Live?

Yes, Dark Mode applies to all views, including Session View, Arrangement View, and the various panels and windows within Ableton Live.

Can I set Dark Mode to activate automatically at certain times?

Ableton Live does not have a built-in feature to automatically switch themes based on time. You will need to manually switch between themes as needed through the Settings menu.

Will Homden profile image Will Homden
Sampling nerd with a passion for the intersection of music and data.