DAW Installation Guide

If you’re completely new to music production, the first step is installing a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). A DAW is the software where all your recording, arranging, and mixing happens, it’s the canvas for everything you’ll learn and create.

There are many DAWs to choose from, and they all share the same fundamentals. Below, you’ll find a quick comparison of the most popular options, followed by step-by-step installation guides for each. Pick the one that fits your system and budget, get it installed, and then return to your Companion Guide to continue.

DAW Comparison Table

How to Install Each DAW (Quick Steps)

    • Purchase and install via Mac App Store.

    • Open directly from Applications.

    • No trial provided.

    • Download trial via Ableton account.

    • macOS: Open .dmg, drag to Applications.

    • Windows: Run .exe installer.

    • Returns full trial experience.

    • Download from Image-Line site.

    • Run installer .dmg or .exe.

    • Licensed users get lifetime updates.

    • Download from Bitwig’s site.

    • Install via system-specific installer.

    • Trial is fully functional.

    • Download the installer from official site.

    • Run the .exe (Windows), .dmg (macOS), or Linux executable.

    • Install, then launch and register during or after the 60-day trial.

    • Single version, full features, unlimited updates; $60 discounted license available.