Launch Control XL 3 uses the macOS Core MIDI driver, so you do not need to download or install a driver to use Launch Control XL 3 with a Mac.

GarageBand uses the same Launch Control XL 3 script as Logic Pro. Therefore, to set up Launch Control XL in GarageBand, first you need to download the Logic Pro script installer from the link below:

Launch Control XL 3 Logic Script Integration Version 1.0

Quit GarageBand, then run the script installer.

Once the installer is finished, connect Launch Control XL 3, ensure the firmware is up to date (Updating Launch Control XL 3 Firmware), and open GarageBand. If you are prompted to automatically assign the controls, click Auto Assign.

If you do not click Auto Assign, or if the prompt does not appear, it can be enabled in GarageBand's Audio/MIDI settings by Selecting Launch Control XL 3 as the MIDI Controller.

GarageBand → Settings… → Audio/MIDI

GarageBand only allows the use of one MIDI Controller script at a time, but you can still use generic MIDI devices alongside the device using the script. For example, you could use the MIDI Controller script for Launch Control XL 3, and then use a MIDI keyboard for playing MIDI instruments. If you need to use multiple controller scripts, check out Logic Pro.

If you've completed the setup correctly, the screen on Launch Control XL 3 should read “GarageBand”, and the buttons and encoders should light up in DAW Mixer mode.

Additionally, when you press Mode to enter mode selection, Solo / Arm (DAW Control) and Mute / Select (DAW Mixer) should light up, indicating that the DAW modes are available. They will be lit dimly if another mode is selected, or brightly if a DAW mode is selected.

If you don't see any of the above after completing these steps, see the GarageBand Troubleshooting steps below

Before proceeding with troubleshooting, ensure you have tried the GarageBand Setup steps above first.

If Launch Control XL is not working as expected, check that GarageBand is up-to-date: How to manually update apps from the App Store - Apple Support.

If Launch Control XL 3 continues to have issues in GarageBand, try resetting the MIDI drivers in GarageBand's settings.

GarageBand → Settings… → Audio/MIDI

If you are having any general issues with GarageBand, refer to Apple's support resources: GarageBand - Official Apple Support.

As GarageBand shares a script with Logic Pro, you can refer to the Logic section of the Launch Control XL 3 user guide for an outline of all the functions and controls available.

Controlling Logic Pro | Launch Control XL 3 User Guide

You can find additional guides for your Launch Control XL here:

Getting started with your Launch Control XL 3