Use startup modifier keys with Logic Pro for Mac

If Logic Pro stops responding or quits unexpectedly when opening the app, use startup modifier keys to troubleshoot the issue.

To enter one of the troubleshooting modes described in this article, go to your Applications folder, double-click the Logic Pro app, then hold down the respective modifier key(s) until a dialog appears or Logic Pro opens.

Open Logic Pro without audio or plug-ins

Press the Control key while the app is opening, then choose one of these options:

  • If you click Launch, Logic Pro opens normally.

  • If you click Don't Launch, Logic Pro opens with Core Audio disabled and therefore won't have audio input or output. This can be helpful to rule out issues with a specific Core Audio driver, especially if you're using an external audio interface. In some cases, Logic Pro may stop responding or quit unexpectedly while initializing Core Audio. If Logic Pro opens when you choose Don't Launch, you might need to update or service your external audio interface.

  • If you click Launch Without Audio Units, Logic Pro opens with Core Audio enabled, but all Audio Units plug-ins disabled. This can be helpful for troubleshooting issues with plug-ins, especially third-party plug-ins.

Open Logic Pro in Audio Units safe mode

Press Shift-Control to open Logic Pro with only validated Audio Units plug-ins enabled.

If you've installed Audio Units plug-ins that have failed the Audio Units validation scan, open Logic Pro in this mode. The validation scan takes place automatically when Logic Pro is first opened, when you install new plug-ins, or update existing ones.

Open Logic Pro without automatic startup actions

Press Option when opening Logic Pro to open Logic Pro without automatically loading the most recent project, the Open dialog, Templates dialog, or any other option as set on the Project Handling pane of the Logic Pro > General > Settings window.

This can help rule out issues that might be caused by the currently loaded project. For further troubleshooting, press the Option key then choose File > New to load an empty default project.

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