In this guide, we will show you how to download and install Pro Tools. We’ll walk you through installing both the DAW software and the bundled plug-ins and virtual instruments. To install Pro Tools software on your computer, you first need to register it in your Avid Master Account. Once registered, all Pro Tools downloads available to you will appear on your account page within the Avid Link standalone application.
- Pro Tools system requirements
- Download and install Pro Tools DAW
- Downloading bundled plug-ins
- Download and install software from your Avid account
- Pro Tools
- Bundled plug-ins
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: First check that Pro Tools meets your computer’s system requirements and is compatible with your OS. For Pro Tools, that means making sure you have satisfied the operating system, processor, and RAM requirements. Using Pro Tools on a non-compatible system is not recommended. Use the Avid guides below to compare your computer’s specifications with the Pro Tools requirements. Once you know which versions will work on your system, continue to install the Pro Tools DAW software.
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Download and install Pro Tools DAW
You can access all Avid product downloads via the Avid Link standalone application. This makes it easy since everything is all in one spot. When you download Pro Tools, you will have the option to download all Pro Tools and its included plug-ins at once, or you can download each of them manually. Once the download is complete, Avid Link will also automatically install it for you, meaning you can continue your work without being interrupted by installation prompts.
Before you continue
To access your downloads in Avid Link, you will need to enter your system login credentials when you launch the application for the first time. This is the login and password you use when you boot into your computer, not your Avid account. If you are unsure of your system login credentials, you’ll need to refer to your OS manufacturer to receive that information. Please note that you will only need to enter this information when you launch Avid Link for the first time.
If you aren’t sure what your system login information is, check out the Microsoft and Mac guides below for instructions on receiving the information.
The Pro Tools installer files are downloaded from the Avid Link standalone software. This file includes the Pro Tools app and the default set of plug-ins. We recommend uninstalling past versions of Pro Tools beforehand to ensure a complete, clean installation.
- Launch Avid Link, which you downloaded and installed during the registration process.
- If you haven’t, please visit the Avid Link download page and download the latest version for your OS.
- Enter your system username and system password.
- Please note that this is NOT your Avid account login information.
- Accept the terms, then click either Continue (express install), or No thanks, use extended install.
- Express Install (clicking Continue): Express Install will download all included software at once.
- Extended Install (clicking No thanks): You must download each piece of software individually.
- After clicking Continue or No thanks, use extended install, enter your Avid account credentials when prompted.
- Once signed into Avid Link, click Products to view the progress of the installation.
- After the download is complete, click Open to launch Pro Tools.
Downloading bundled plug-ins
Like the Pro Tools installer, you can download all bundled plug-ins within the Avid Link software. You will need to go through a similar download procedure if you didn’t download a specific plug-in or purchased a plug-in or plug-in bundle after activating Pro Tools. It couldn’t be easier, so follow these steps to download your bundled Pro Tools plug-ins.
- Launch Avid Link, click Products, locate Pro Tools, and select Included Apps & Plugins.
- Click Install All, or click Install next to a specific plug-in you wish to download.
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Download and install software from your Avid account
While it’s convenient to download your Avid software directly through the Avid Link application, you can download the Pro Tools and plug-in installer files from theMy Products and Subscriptions pageof your My Avid account. This file includes the Pro Tools app and the default set of plug-ins. We recommenduninstalling past versions of Pro Toolsbeforehand!
TIP: Some of the essential plug-ins included with the Pro Tools installer are Celmony’s Melodyne Essential, Dynamics III, EQ III, D-Fi, D-Verb, and Maxim. Downloads for additional plug-ins, other versions of Pro Tools, and drivers for Avid hardware will also be available in your Avid account.
Pro Tools
- Go to the My Products and Subscriptions page of your Avid Account and locate your Pro Tools product.
- Click Software Download Links & Product Details to view all available downloads. Select the latest Pro Tools version compatible with your system to download it.
- Open your Downloads folder and run the installer:
- PC: Right-click the Pro Tools .zip file, select Extract all…, then click Extract. Double-click the new Setup .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Mac: Double-click the Install Pro Tools .pkg file in the window that appears and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once the installation completes, you can delete the installer files and continue below to install the additional plug-ins and virtual instruments.
Bundled plug-ins
Pro Tools comes with a lot of additional plug-ins. In particular, you’ll want to install the AIR effects, AIR instruments, and XPand!2. Active subscriptions also have access to Celemony’s Melodyne Essential, UVI Falcon, and the Avid Complete Plugin Bundle.
Pro Tools will scan for new plug-ins each time you launch it, so they’ll be usable right away. Just make sure all of your iLok licenses are on a connected iLok USB dongle or iLok Cloud Session.
- Go to the My Products and Subscriptions page of your Avid Account and locate your Pro Tools product.
- Click Software Download Links & Product Details to view all available downloads. Select the plug-in you wish to install to download it.
- Open your Downloads folder and run the installer:
- PC: Right-click the Pro Tools .zip file, select Extract all…, and then click Extract. Double-click the new Setup .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Mac: Double-click the Pro Tools .dmg file. In the window that appears, double-click the Install Pro Tools .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions.
- The next time you launch Pro Tools, your newly installed plug-ins will be available to use.
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