CollectAndSave CLI Tool

The CollectAndSave utility allows you to work with Ableton session files (.als) to inspect, check, and collect files used in your sessions.
Supports Live 9 - Live 12 sets

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Usage

collect_and_save <command> <filepath>

• pos 1: Command — one of xml, check, or save
• pos 2: Filepath (either .als file or directory)

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Commands

1. XML

Writes out a gzipped Ableton document into a readable XML format.
The output is sent to stdout and can be redirected to a file.

Example:

collect_and_save xml './myset.als' > data.xml

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2. CHECK

Performs a dry-run of collecting and saving files.
Shows which files would be collected and which files are missing.

Example:

collect_and_save check './myset.als'

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3. SAVE

Collects and saves the specified session files.
Files are collected into the parent directory where the Ableton file is located.

Example:

collect_and_save save './myset.als'

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4. SAFE

Prompts file by file if the user wants to collect the missing file

Example:

collect_and_save safe './myset.als'

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Multiple Filepaths

You can save multiple sets by providing a directory instead of a file

Example:

collect_and_save save './my ableton project'

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Notes

• Always ensure that your .als filepaths are correct and accessible from your current working directory.
• check mode is safe and does not modify any files — ideal for dry-runs.
• save mode performs the actual collection of files into the session directory.