Section 03

Prepared Save As rules

A new, unnamed Ableton Live Set cannot simply be saved: it needs a destination and filename. Show Central can prepare these in advance for an unattended shutdown. This feature is specific to Ableton Live’s English-language Save As window; it is not a general-purpose save-panel automation system.

Create a rule

1. In Shutdown behavior, select Save existing files, then quit and set If Save As is required to Use a prepared Save As rule.
2. Under Save As Rules, choose Add Ableton Live Rule.
3. Choose an existing, writable destination folder and enter a filename template.
4. Review Next filename, enable the rule, and approve Accessibility in Setup & Permissions.
5. Open a disposable untitled Live Set and choose Test Rule….

Test Rule… performs a real Save As. It creates a Live Set file and changes the current Set’s save location. Never test it on the only copy of important work.

Filename variables

Use {configuration}, {date}, {time}, {computer}, and {number} in the template. The preview shows the next proposed name. Show Central looks for an unused name; it will not overwrite an existing file.

What happens if Save As fails?

If the folder is unavailable, Accessibility is denied, the window is unrecognized, or the saved result cannot be verified, Show Central stops the shutdown. It does not guess a location or force-quit Live. Choose Stop shutdown under If Save As is required when you prefer to handle all new Sets manually.

A Live Set already saved under a name uses the normal save-and-quit path. Always verify rules after an Ableton Live or macOS update.