Exporting and Using MIDI Files

MIDI files contain the musical notes without audio, perfect for editing and reimagining songs.

What Is MIDI?#

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) stores:

• Note information (pitch, duration, velocity)
• Timing data
• Instrument assignments
• NOT the actual sound

Think of MIDI as sheet music for computers.

Why Use MIDI?#

Keyboardists#

• Load into your keyboard/synth
• Trigger your own sounds
• Learn the parts note-by-note

Producers#

• Import into your DAW
• Assign different instruments
• Create entirely new arrangements

Educators#

• Slow down to learn parts
• Isolate individual voices
• Practice with adjustable tempo

Exporting MIDI#

1. Open a song in your library
2. Click Export → MIDI
3. Choose what to include:

• Full arrangement
• Melody only
• Chords only
• Individual parts

1. Download the .mid file

What's in the MIDI File#

A typical export includes:

• Track 1: Melody/Lead
• Track 2: Chords/Keys
• Track 3: Bass
• Track 4: Drums
• Additional tracks: Other instruments

Using MIDI in DAWs#

Importing#

• Logic Pro: File → Import → MIDI
• Ableton Live: Drag into arrangement
• GarageBand: Drag into tracks
• FL Studio: Drag into playlist
• Reaper: Insert → Media file

What to Do Next#

1. Assign virtual instruments to each track
2. Adjust velocities and timing
3. Add effects and processing
4. Create your own arrangement

Using MIDI with Keyboards#

Direct Playback#

Some keyboards can play MIDI files directly from USB.

Learning Parts#

Import into your keyboard's teaching feature.

Live Performance#

Trigger the MIDI from a laptop during performance.

Limitations#

MIDI doesn't include:

• Actual audio (just instructions)
• Vocal recordings
• Lyrics synced to playback
• Nuanced performance details

Related Articles:

• Working with MusicXML
• Downloading Stems