> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tech-house-market.gitbook.io/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tech-house-market.gitbook.io/help/installation-guides-ableton/how-to-install-and-use-tech-house-market-project-files-in-ableton-live-12.md).

# How to Install & Use Tech House Market Project Files in Ableton Live 12

{% hint style="danger" %}
Projects cannot be opened with **Ableton Live Standard** — you need **Ableton Live Suite** to open these project files.
{% endhint %}

### What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before opening Ableton, make sure you have:

* **Ableton Live 12 Suite**
* A **Tech House Market Project Pack** downloaded from your account
* All **included sample folders** from the pack
* Enough disk space (projects can be several GB)

{% hint style="warning" %}
⚠️ Important:\
**Do not open the project directly from your Downloads folder.**\
Ableton requires a proper folder structure to avoid missing files.
{% endhint %}

### Step 1 – Download & Extract the Project Pack

1. Download the pack from your **Tech House Market account**
2. Right-click the `.zip` or `.rar` file
3. Choose **Extract / Unzip**
4. You should now see a main folder containing:
   * `.als` Ableton project file(s)
   * A **Samples** folder (or similar)
   * Sometimes **Presets**, **Clips**, or **Grooves**

✅ This extracted folder is your **full project** — keep everything together.

### Step 2 – Move the Project to a Safe Location

Move the entire extracted folder to one of these recommended locations:

**Option A (Recommended):**

```
Documents → Ableton → Projects → Tech House Market
```

**Option B:**

* Any **dedicated music drive**
* Just make sure the folder stays in one place permanently

❌ Do NOT:

* Open projects from Downloads
* Split samples into other folders
* Rename folders after opening the project

<figure><img src="/files/2lfy40y0qYhPijI3R1u8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 3 – Open Ableton Live 12 Correctly

1. Launch **Ableton Live 12**
2. In the **Browser (left panel)**:
   * Click **Places**
   * Navigate to the folder where you saved the project
3. Open the project by:
   * Double-clicking the `.als` file\
     **OR**
   * Dragging it into Ableton

Ableton will now load:

* All tracks
* Devices
* Automation
* Samples

### Step 4 – Collect All and Save&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/jrdLsQGNaCEtxpX4Zw3V" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This step prevents **missing samples** forever.

1. In Ableton’s top menu:

   ```
   File → Collect All and Save
   ```
2. Enable **all options**
3. Click **OK**

✅ Ableton now embeds all samples inside the project folder.

### Step 5 – If You See “Missing Files”

If Ableton shows a **Missing Files** warning:

1. Click **Manage Files**
2. Select **Locate**
3. Point Ableton to the project’s **Samples** folder
4. Let Ableton rescan

⚠️ 99% of missing file issues happen when:

* The folder was moved
* Files were opened from Downloads
* The project wasn’t extracted fully

<figure><img src="/files/thaT286YRPVp0RiNwj05" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 6 – Required Devices & Compatibility Notes

#### Stock Ableton Devices

Most Tech House Market projects use **Ableton stock devices only**.

However, depending on the pack:

* Projects cannot be opened with **Ableton Live Standard** — you need **Ableton Live Suite** to open these project files.

If something is disabled:

* Check you’re on **Live 12 Suite**

***

### Step 7 – Best Workflow Tips

💡 To get the most value from THM projects:

* Save the project as:

  ```
  File → Save Live Set As…
  ```
* Rename it to your own track idea
* Study:
  * Drum group processing
  * Buss routing
  * Automation
  * Groove & swing settings
* Drag elements into your **User Library** for reuse

***

### Common Problems & Fixes

| Problem             | Solution                                      |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Project opens empty | You opened the `.als` without the full folder |
| Missing samples     | Use **Collect All and Save**                  |
| Devices disabled    | Check Ableton edition & Max for Live          |
| CPU spikes          | Freeze tracks / reduce oversampling           |

***

### Need More Help?

If you still experience issues:

📩 **Contact us at:**\
**<support@techhousemarket.com>**

Please include:

* Ableton version
* Operating system
* Screenshot of the error message

***

#### Final Tip

Tech House Market project files are designed to be **learning tools**, not just tracks.\
Reverse-engineer them, experiment, and make them your own.

Happy producing 🚀