Question 1

Why do my AU, VST, ADG, or ADV presets open in the wrong app?

Accepted Answer

That usually means the preset or device file associations are pointing to another app instead of Ableton Live. Set .aupreset, .vstpreset, .adg, and .adv files to open with Ableton Live using the steps below.

Windows:
1. In the Ableton Browser, navigate to the location where your .vstpreset, .aupreset, .adv, or .adg files are stored.
2. Right-click on the desired file.
3. Select "Show in Explorer" to reveal the file in File Explorer.
4. Right-click on the file in File Explorer.
5. Choose "Open with" and then click on "Choose another app."
6. Select Ableton Live from the list of applications.
7. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .vstpreset (or .aupreset, .adv, or .adg) files."
8. Click "OK" to set Ableton Live as the default application.

Mac:
1. In the Ableton Browser, navigate to the location where your .vstpreset, .aupreset, .adv, or .adg files are stored.
2. Control-click or right-click on the desired file.
3. Select "Reveal in Finder" to locate the file in Finder.
4. Control-click or right-click on the file in Finder.
5. Choose "Get Info" from the context menu.
6. In the "Open with" section, select Ableton Live from the dropdown menu.
7. Click the "Change All..." button to set Ableton Live as the default application for all files of this type.
8. Confirm the change when prompted.

Question 2

Why don't my key or MIDI mappings save with the Shortcut Buddy preset?

Accepted Answer

Ableton does not save key or MIDI mappings with individual plugins or devices, so this affects any plugin, not just Shortcut Buddy. Reassign the key or MIDI mappings after loading the device, or save an instance of Shortcut Buddy with your preferred mappings in your default Ableton template. New projects created from that template will open with those mappings already loaded.

Question 3

Does it support more than keyboard triggers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shortcut Buddy can launch saved plugins, presets, racks, and devices from either computer keyboard shortcuts or MIDI mappings.

Question 4

Can I move my shortcut setup between computers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shortcut Buddy profiles are portable, so your mappings and launch setup can move between studio systems. Keep the referenced plugins, presets, racks, and devices available on the new computer so the shortcuts still point to valid targets.

Question 5

Can I drag devices or presets straight into Shortcut Buddy?

Accepted Answer

Ableton prevents native devices from being dragged directly into Shortcut Buddy. Save the device or preset in Ableton Live first, then load it from the Ableton Browser. Shortcut Buddy can load AU presets, VST presets, racks, device presets, and supported files such as .aupreset, .vstpreset, .adg, .adv, and .amxd.

Carver

Chain Shaper

Shortcut Buddy New

Swiss Army Meter

Volume Buddy

Transient Bundle

Workflow Bundle

Everything Bundle

Plugin and device launcher for Ableton Live

Noir Labs Software