┌─ FILE ANALYSIS ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┐
│ DEVELOPER : MIDI Manufacturers Association
│ CATEGORY : Audio
│ MIME TYPE : audio/midi
│ MAGIC BYTES : 4D546864
└ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ┘
What is a MIDI file?
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files contain musical instructions — notes, timing, instrument selections, and dynamics — rather than actual audio waveforms. A MIDI file is like sheet music for computers, telling synthesizers which notes to play, when, and how.
How to open MIDI files
- Windows Media Player (Windows) — Built-in playback
- GarageBand (macOS, iOS) — Free, Apple’s music tool
- VLC Media Player (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free
- MuseScore (Windows, macOS, Linux) — Free, visual notation
- FL Studio (Windows, macOS) — DAW with MIDI editing
Technical specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Instruction data (not audio) |
| Channels | 16 standard channels |
| Resolution | Up to 960 PPQN |
| File Types | Type 0 (single track), Type 1 (multi-track) |
| Events | Note, Control Change, Program Change |
| General MIDI | 128 standard instruments |
Programs that open MIDI files
- MuseScore — Free music notation
- FL Studio — Digital audio workstation
- Ableton Live — Music production
- Logic Pro — macOS music production
- LMMS — Free open-source DAW
Common use cases
- Music composition: Writing and arranging music
- Karaoke: Background music tracks
- Game music: Adaptive game soundtracks
- Music education: Visualizing musical structure