Project files
FL Studio project file formats
| Format | Extension | What it contains |
|---|---|---|
| FL Studio project | .flp | All patterns, mixer settings, plugin settings (not audio files) |
| Zipped project | .zip | Export with File > Export > Zipped loop package (includes audio) |
| FL Studio template | .flp | Saved to templates folder, appears in New from template |
.flp files do NOT embed audio samples. They reference file paths. If you move samples or open the project on another PC, missing audio errors will appear. Use File → Export → Zipped loop package to bundle everything.Save & backup
Save and backup your FL Studio projects
- Save: Ctrl+S saves the current project to its last location
- Save as: Ctrl+Shift+S saves a new copy with a new name
- Auto-save: Options → General Settings → enable Auto-save every X minutes
- Backup folder: FL Studio auto-saves backups to
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Image-Line\FL Studio\Backup
# Main projects folder:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Image-Line\FL Studio\Projects
# Auto-save backups:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Image-Line\FL Studio\Backup
# Templates:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Image-Line\FL Studio\Projects\Templates
Move projects
Move a project to another PC
- 1
Export as zipped loop package
File → Export → Zipped loop package (.zip). This bundles the .flp file together with all referenced audio samples into one archive.
- 2
Copy to the other PC
Transfer the .zip file via USB, cloud storage or network share.
- 3
Extract and open
Extract the zip, open the .flp inside. Any VST plugins used in the project must also be installed on the destination PC.
FAQ
Project file questions
Recover a project after FL Studio crashed
Check the auto-save backup folder:
%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Image-Line\FL Studio\Backup. FL Studio saves backups every few minutes if auto-save is enabled. Open the most recent backup. Also check the Recent Projects list in File menu — FL Studio may have saved before the crash.Missing samples when opening an old project
The .flp file references audio by file path. If samples were moved, FL Studio shows a missing file dialog. Browse to the new location to relink. Or use File → Find missing samples to batch-relink.
Can I open FL Studio projects in other DAWs?
Not directly — .flp is a proprietary format. To share with Ableton, Logic, etc., export stems: File → Export → Wave file for each track. Or export MIDI patterns from the Piano Roll for melodic elements.