What Is an .amxd File? Max for Live Device Files Explained

If you've downloaded a Max for Live device, you've ended up with a file ending in .amxd — and possibly wondered what to do with it. Here's exactly what that file is and how it fits into Ableton Live.

The short answer

An .amxd file is a Max for Live device: an instrument, audio effect or MIDI effect built with Cycling '74's Max, packaged as a single file that runs inside Ableton Live. The extension stands for "Ableton Max Device."

How it's different from a VST or AU plugin

VST and AU plugins are installed system-wide and work across many DAWs. An .amxd device is different in three ways:

• Ableton-only. It runs exclusively in Ableton Live (Suite, or Standard/Intro with the Max for Live add-on) — not in other DAWs.
• No installer. You don't "install" it. You drag the file onto a track or drop it in your User Library. See our installation guide.
• Openable and editable. With Max for Live you can open a device's patch and see (or change) how it works — something closed VST/AU binaries don't allow.

How to open an .amxd file

Simply drag it from your file browser onto the right kind of track in Live — a MIDI track for instruments and MIDI effects, an audio (or MIDI) track for audio effects. If it's inside a .zip, unzip it first and keep the folder together (some devices bundle samples or presets).

Why won't my .amxd file open?

The usual causes: you don't have Max for Live active (check Live → Preferences → Library), or the device was built for a newer version of Live/Max than you're running. Each device page on max4.live lists its Live and Max version requirements.

Finding devices

Browse thousands of .amxd devices by Audio Effect, Instrument or MIDI Effect, or see the best-rated devices. Every listing links to the original download on maxforlive.com.