Install

Two pieces: the Python package (your code) and the Bridge (runs inside Live). Set both up once.

Prerequisites

1 · Install the package

pip install ableton-extensions

This gives you the ableton_extensions library, the ableton-ext command, and the prebuilt Bridge.

2 · Install the Bridge into Live (once)

The Bridge is the small extension that lets Python talk to Live. Generate it and drag it in:

ableton-ext install-bridge

[bridge] wrote .../ableton-python-bridge.ablx
Next: open Ableton Live -> Settings -> Extensions and drag this .ablx onto the window

1. Open Live → Settings → Extensions.
2. Drag ableton-python-bridge.ablx onto the window (or use Choose file).
3. It appears under Installed Extensions. Done — no Developer Mode needed.

3 · Verify

With Live open and the Bridge installed:

python -c "from ableton_extensions import connect; print(connect().song.tempo)"

If it prints your Set's tempo, you're connected. Head to the Quickstart.

Building from source (contributors only)

You only need this to modify the Bridge itself. It's the one place Node is required — developers writing extensions never touch it. With Developer Mode ON:

cd bridge-app
npm install
npm start

[bridge] listening on ws://127.0.0.1:17890